Barbra, I Knew Her When...
It is fascinating to have witnessed the evolution of Barbra Streisand's universal appeal through the years. Her popularity has grown to such an impressive magnitude that the mere mention of her name automatically brings audiences to their feet. Such was the case at the recent Sondheim birthday tribute in Hollywood. Barbra stole the show. And she didn't even sing. All she had to do was show up.

Can you imagine what it was like during Barbra's 1966 concert tour, An Evening with Barbra Streisand? As this relatively new performer took to various stages in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago and Newport, the crowds probably sat back and patiently waited to see what she could do. Yes, they might have seen her on Ed Sullivan or Dinah Shore. But in person, that was different. Was she really as good a singer as all the hype? They wanted proof positive. For those skeptics who paid around $10 to attend these shows, the answer was to unfold during the course of a two hour singing performance that they would never forget.

Barbra's tour of 1966 helped advance the legend that was to ultimately become the Barbra Streisand of today. Her tour was dynamic, comical and unique. Above all, it was a great showcase for her extraordinary talent. The tour positioned Barbra as a performer who would quickly rise to a level of success unparalleled by most.

The audiences (and skeptics) who were there in 1966 probably look back at those particular ground breaking concert experiences and say with revelation and pride, Barbra, I knew her when...