When Barbra Streisand presented the Best Director award at last night’s Oscar show, just seeing her brought back fond memories of my much, much younger days when I was a huge fan of hers. While growing up in Holland in the early to mid-1960s, I became mesmerized by Barbra’s voice when I first heard her recording of “People.” I became an immediate fan of hers. When I entered a local school talent show at the age of 10, I won third place. My prize was a gift certificate for a 7″ 45 RPM record. I knew exactly what I wanted: a copy of Barbra’s new single, “People.” The flip side of that record was “I Am Woman.” I played that record over and over again, until I had memorized both songs as well as Barbra’s vocal styling. It was the very first record I owned, and, to this day, I still have it! And the black and white cover still looks pretty good, albeit with some minor tears and corner and edge wear.

Aside from my dear Mom having played a great influence on my singing, Barbra‘s voice is a great study. She is an American icon!