A New Tour, an Album of Rarities, and a Return to Pictures.
What a way to celebrate 50 years!

December 31, 2012
This year, Barbra Streisand celebrated her 50th year as a recording artist ... and her 70th birthday. She was center stage, professionally, socially and philanthropically, each and every month in 2012.

As Las Vegas journalist Anthony Del Valle wrote in his review of Barbra's concert at the MGM Grand in November, "Rarely has anyone done so much with so much."

Lots of exciting things were promised in recognition of Barbra's 50th anniversary, and boy were they right. First came the unexpected announcement of a concert tour. Two performances in Brooklyn quickly became twelve performances in ten major U.S. and Canadian cities. "Back to Brooklyn" was an artistic and financial success. Critics from Philadelphia to Vancouver were universal in their acclaim and Barbra's concerts were among the highest earning acts of the year.

And Barbra finally sang, publicly, with her son Jason, and her sister, Roz. It was just that kind of a year.

A collective cheer could be heard from coast to coast when "Release Me" finally made its way to store shelves. This was the collection of rare Barbra Streisand audio that fans had been clamoring for ... for decades. It was so much fun to finally throw away those bootlegs!

As the year was winding down, the excitement of Barbra's big return to pictures was just beginning to rev up. "The Guilt Trip" was finally released in December. Barbra did not hold back in promoting the film, her first starring role since 1996. She and co-star Seth Rogen were everywhere; touting their flick on talk shows, in endless media interviews, and through some very clever advertising.

And lest we forget, Barbra continued her all important work with Cedars-Sinai as their advocate for women's heart health. Her fundraising efforts have raised over $22 million at last count. In July, Cedars officially changed the name of their cardiac research and care facility to The Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center.

As 2012 comes to a close, we reflect on the passing of Marvin Hamlisch, Donna Summer, Mort Lindsey and Phyllis Diller. Each played an extraordinary role in Barbra's career. Each had a talent as extraordinary as Barbra's. They will be missed.

Here's our year-end recap of a most eventful year in the life of Barbra Streisand.

January 2012 Left to Right: With Burt Bacharach (1971) At Paramount's 100th anniversary celebration At the "Health Matters" conference 5 A beautifully remastered version of "Alfie" - first released on Barbra's 1969 album What About Today - went on sale at Starbucks as part of their Music by Bacharach retrospective CD. 13 Barbra attended Paramount's 100th anniversary celebration on the studio's back lot, enjoying the festivities and sitting for a studio class picture. 17 Barbra was in Indian Wells, California to attend a conference called "Health Matters."  The event, part of the Clinton Global Initiative was hosted by the former president.

February 2012 Left to Right: "Piers Morgan Tonight" honors Barbra Barbra signs with Columbia Records in 1962 At the Oscars (via video) 10 On CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight," Morgan became the first mainstream journalist to publicly acknowledge Barbra Streisand's 50th anniversary as a recording artist. 11 Whitney Houston passed away in her Beverly Hills hotel room. Houston was one of the many celebrities who attended Barbra's "One Voice" concert in 1986. 11 Barbra Tweeted: "She had everything, beauty, a magnificent voice. How sad her gifts could not bring her the same happiness they brought us." (re: the passing of Whitney Houston) 12 Ever the spoiler, Tony Bennett and his album Duets II won the Grammy over Barbra's What Matters Most in the category of "Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album". 22 In the year when Barbra celebrates her 50th anniversary as a recording artist, Columbia Records announced that they have renewed their contract with Barbra. 22 Barbra Tweeted: "... Columbia Records has been my home, and I am thrilled to continue that partnership for many years to come." (re: the renewal of her contract with Columbia) 22 On the eve of her 50th anniversary as a recording artist, SONY Music announced the upcoming release of a 12 disc DVD set highlighting Barbra's life and career. 26 At the Academy Awards, Barbra and several other big name stars participated in a special video montage discussing their fondest memories of going to the movies. 26 Barbra Said: "I could dream there. I could become anything I want. I could be part of the film. I could dream about my own future.". (at the Oscars, re: going to the movies)

March 2012 Left to Right: With Steve Bridges (2006) With James at the L.A. remiere of "8" With Israeli President Shimon Peres 3 Steve Bridges, noted George W. Bush impersonator passed away at the age of 48. In 2006, Barbra Streisand invited Bridges to perform a skit during her U. S. concert performances. 3 Barbra attended an all-star performance of the new play, "8" in L.A.. Directed by Rob Reiner, "8" documents the courtroom challenge regarding California's controversial Proposition 8 legislation. 9 Barbra was on hand at Dreamworks Studios in Glendale, California for a reception with Israel's president, Shimon Peres. 13 Universal Pictures officially announced that Barbra will star in a film remake of Gypsy. Joel Silver will co-produce the picture with Barbra. Julien Fellows ("Downton Abbey") will write the script.

April 2012 Left to Right: With Mike Wallace (circa 1961) With Alan & Marilyn Bergman (circa 2010) Celebrating her 70th birthday 7 TV personality Mike Wallace passed away at the age of 93. In 1961, Barbra was a "regular" on Wallace's TV talk show, PM East. In 1991, Barbra appeared with Wallace on "60 Minutes." 19 Barbra called in to the Smiley & West radio program during an interview with Alan and Marilyn Bergman. Neither the hosts nor the Bergmans were aware that Barbra would be on the line. 24 Barbra celebrated her 70th birthday at a local Malibu bistro. A few of her A-List pals (Jane Fonda, Steven Spielberg and others) joined in the festivities. 24 Barbra's 70th birthday was noted by bloggers and media outlets around the world. Rosie O'Donnell noted the occasion during her live TV appearance on The Today Show.

May 2012 Left to Right: With Mort Lindsey in Central Park (1967) "Back to Brooklyn" concert promo With Donna Summer (1979) 4 Mort Lindsey, Barbra's musical director for "A Happening in Central Park" and "The Belle of 14th Street" passed away at his home in Malibu. He was 89. 4 Barbra Posted: "I loved Mort. He was a doll. In a very real way, he was a dream come true for me..." (re: the passing of Mort Lindsey) 9 Barbra announced that she will play the newly minted Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn on October 11. 10 Barbra and James attended an exclusive fundraiser with President Obama at the Los Angeles home of actor George Clooney. The event added $15 million to Obama's reelection fund. 17 Donna Summer, the indisputable Queen of Disco, died of cancer at the age of 63. Her 1979 duet with Barbra, "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" became an all-time disco classic. 17 Barbra Posted: "... I loved doing the duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented. It's so sad." (re: the passing of Donna Summer) 20 Robin Gibb, composer (with Barry Gibb) of the single "Guilty" and four other songs from Barbra's best selling album died at the age of 62. 21 Tickets for Barbra's October 11 concert at Brooklyn's Barclays Center quickly sold out. A second show was added for October 13. 28 Barbra and James attended an A-List Memorial Day party at the Malibu home of producer Joel Silver. Joel Silver and Barbra are slated to co-produce their upcoming remake of "Gypsy."

June 2012 Left to Right: At the Paramount photo shoot At the Follow Your Heart benefit With the Bergman at the ASCAP awards (2008) 6 The historic class photo celebrating Paramount Pictures' 100th anniversary was released. Once and future Paramount star Barbra Streisand was in attendance. 14 Barbra Streisand sang at a benefit held at her home, adding millions toward fundraising efforts for the newly named "Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center" at Cedars-Sinai in L.A. 14 Barbra Said: "Even in scientific research, women are still treated as second class citizens, and that's unacceptable." (at her backyard fundraiser, re: gender inequality in medical research) 14 Cedars-Sinai hospital in L.A. announced that they have named their women's cardiac research and care facility "The Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center." 14 Unconfirmed reports went viral that Barbra plans to direct "Skinny and Cat," a film about photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White and writer Erskine Caldwelll. 22 Alan and Marilyn Bergman were interviewed on National Public Radio, speaking of when they heard Barbra sing at the Bon Soir for the very first time. 28 For their extraordinary joint efforts in raising awareness toward gender specific cardio research, Barbra Streisand and Dr. Noel Merz were named the "iVillage Women of the Week."

July 2012 Left to Right: At the Aspen Ideas Festival With Kathy Najimy on "The Guilt Trip" set With Gore Vidal on "What's My Line?"(1964) 3 Barbra returned to the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado to deliver an important speech about women's heart health. 11 On BRAVO's "Watch What Happens," Kathy Najimy spoke about "The Guilt Trip" and played it cool when she remarked, "It's no big deal. I'm just working with Barbra Streisand." 13 Richard D. Zanuck, the onetime head of 20th Century Fox passed away at the age of 77. Zanuck was the executive who hired Barbra Streisand to star in "Hello, Dolly!". 13 Producer Richard Jay Alexander began tweeting from rehearsal sessions with Barbra. His first message: "I love working with Barbra Streisand. Brooklyn get ready." 14 At her home, Barbra sang at a benefit for Cedars-Sinai, where they told attendees that their cardiac facility was recently named The Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center. 23 Frank Pierson, the director of "A Star Is Born" passed away at the age of 87. In 1976, Pierson wrote a scathing exposé about his time on the film. 31 Gore Vidal, one of the 20th century's most prolific writers passed away at age 86. Vidal was there when Barbra made her national TV debut on the Jack Paar Show in 1961.

August 2012 Left to Right: With Marvin Hamlisch (1994) With Phyllis Diller (circa 1962) "Release Me" 6 Marvin Hamlisch, composer of "The Way We Were" and one of the greatest collaborators ever to work with Barbra Streisand passed away on August 6 at his home in L.A. He was 68. 6 Barbra Said: "The world will remember Marvin for his brilliant musical accomplishments, from 'A Chorus Line' to 'The Way We Were' ... I will truly miss him.” (on the passing of Marvin Hamlisch) 7 Judith Crist, influential movie critic who once told her readers to revel in Barbra's film debut and her Oscar winning impersonation of the immortal Fanny Brice passed away at the age of 90. 8 Six concert dates were added to Barbra's upcoming tour. In addition to Brooklyn, Barbra will perform in Philadelphia, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver. 9 Trumpeter Chris Botti and male vocal trio Il Volo were announced as participating acts in Barbra's upcoming concert tour of North America. 20 Comedy legend Phyllis Diller, a mentor to Barbra Streisand in the early 60s, passed away at age 95. The two were close friends ever since Barbra opened for Phyllis at the Bon Soir. 20 Barbra Said: "I adored her. She was a wondrous spirit who was great to me ... I will cherish her memory forever." (on the passing of Phyllis Diller) 23 Columbia Records announced that "Release Me" - a compilation of rare Streisand vocals that have never been distributed to the public -  would hit retail outlets on Sept. 25.

September 2012 Left to Right: At the Marvin Hamlisch memorial On Katie Couric's talk show With Audra McDonald 1 Composer Hal David passed away at age 91. Through the years, Barbra recorded a number of Hal David-Burt Bacharach numbers including "Alfie" and "One Less Bell/A House Is Not A Home." 11 The folks at MusicCares announced plans for an upcoming DVD release of the organization's recent tribute to Barbra Streisand. 13 Additional Barbra Streisand concert dates were announced. The tour will include stops at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the HP Pavilion in San Jose and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. 18 At a private service for Marvin Hamlisch in New York, Barbra paid tribute to the late composer with a poignant rendition of "The Way We Were." Liza Minnelli and Aretha Franklin also performed. 19 Early in the day, Barbra taped an hour long interview with Katie Couric for the new talk show, "Katie." It would be broadcast a week later. 19 Barbra attended a Broadway performance of Gershwin's "Porgy & Bess" at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. She met backstage with the show's star, Audra McDonald. 20 During Richard-Jay Alexander's appearance on QVC, Barbra called in to help promote her new album, "Release Me." She mentioned the possibility of additional volumes to come. 20 Barbra Said: "It's something I've had in my vaults in a little black bag called 'Unreleased Songs' ... I figured, why not release them" (on QVC, talking about "Release Me") 20 At a symposium on women's heart disease in New York, one of Barbra's biggest fans, Debra Messing convinced Barbra to autograph her vintage playbill from "Funny Girl." 23 Barbra donated a phenomenal VIP package to her Brooklyn concert and set an auction record at the annual Broadway Cares Flea Market. The winning bid was $40,000. 25 Barbra's taped appearance on the show "Katie" aired. Barbra announced that she and her son Jason Gould were going to perform a duet during her upcoming concert tour. 20 Barbra Said: "I said, 'Jason, I have to sing with you. You have to be on my duets album.' " (talking about her son, Jason Gould during the Katie Couric interview) 25 A teaser clip from Barbra's upcoming film "The Guilt Trip" was released, giving fans their first look at the road-trip comedy prior to its December release. 25 Barbra attended the Clinton Global Initiative in New York and enjoyed a luncheon with Donna Karan and Chelsea Clinton. 25 Barbra's retrospective album "Release Me" was released on vinyl. The CD version of the collection would be released the following week later.

October 2012 Left to Right: Opening Night in Brooklyn Back stage with Jason in Brooklyn With Roslyn Kind in Vancouver 1 Fans noted the 50th anniversary of the first recording contract between Barbra and Columbia Records. Otherwise, the day received little to no official fanfare. 8 At her opening night performance of "Back to Brooklyn" in Philadelphia, Barbra performed a live duet with her son, Jason Gould for the very first time. 9 The CD version of Barbra's album, "Release Me" hit store shelves. Ten unreleased recordings from her vaults were accompanied by a brand new recording of the Bergmans' "It's Meant to Be." 11 For the first time in history, Barbra performed a concert in her hometown of Brooklyn. The show included special "Brooklyn specific" lyrics to the Cole Porter classic, "Your the Top." 13 Barbra appeared at Brooklyn's brand new Barclay Center for the second time. Liza Minnelli and John Travolta were in attendance. 17 Barbra continued her concert performances with a show in Montreal. For the first time ever, she sang a live duet with her sister, Roslyn Kind. 17 Barbra Said: "Since tonight is a family affair, I'm going to sing for you with my sister, who has a wonderful voice, Roslyn Kind." (while introducing her sister in Montreal) 20 During her concert performance in Ottawa, Barbra spoke about 1970 and the time she spent in the Canadian capital with then Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau. 21 Former Senator George McGovern (D) passed away. Barbra supported him during his bid for the White House. Her 1972 concert for McGovern became her "Live Concert at the Forum" album. 22 Taking a break from rehearsals for her upcoming appearance in Toronto, Barbra and her son Jason took a side trip visit to Niagara Falls. 23 Barbra took her "Back to Brooklyn" concert to Toronto. A highlight of the evening was Barbra's rendition of the Jacques Brel standard, "If You Go Away. 23 It was announced that Barbra's 1962 appearance on The Garry Moore Show will be released on January 15th as part of the show's video anthology. 26 Barbra returned to the U.S. with a concert performance at Chicago's United Center. She opened the second act of the show with a solo rendition of "Guilty." 26 During her Chicago concert, Barbra dedicated the song "Didn't We" to the late Sen. George McGovern. Barbra first performed the number at the L.A. Forum fundraiser for McGovern in 1972. 29 For the first time in her career, Barbra gave a concert performance in Vancouver. She surprised fans when she opened the show with "On A Clear Day You Can See Forever." 29 Barbra Said: "I'm so happy to be in your beautiful city. You should see the view from my room. Even the clouds are beautiful" (to fans at her Vancouver concert) 31 Originally scheduled for a nationwide opening on Christmas Day, Paramount pictures changed the opening date of "The Guilt Trip" to December 19.

November 2012 Left to Right: In her video, supporting President Obama With Donnie & Marie in Vegas With gloves on at the Hollywood Bowl 2 Barbra released a campaign video for the National Jewish Democratic Council, advocating her support for the reelection bid of President Obama. 2 Barbra returned to Las Vegas with a concert at the MGM Grand. Fans were delighted when Barbra sang "My Man." A local reviewer observed: "Rarely has anyone done so much with so much." 5 Barbra performed at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. During the "Ask Barbra" portion of the show, Barbra sang an abridged version of her 1971 hit single, "Stoney End." 9 Despite near freezing temperatures, Barbra performed at the Hollywood Bowl. She paid tribute to her mother, the late Diana Kind by sharing a private audio recording of her mother's singing voice. 9 Barbra Said: "Mom, here you are at the Hollywood Bowl" (in L.A., while introducing an audio recording made by her mom, Diana Kind) 11 Barbra closed out her North American concert tour with a final performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Fans noted that is was the most casual and unscripted show of the entire tour. 13 The DVD recording of Barbra's 2011 MusiCares benefit was released. Tribute performances from a dozen artists were included. 29 Entertainment Tonight aired the first in a series of various "The Guilt Trip" media interviews with Barbra and Seth Rogen.

December 2012 Left to Right: With Seth Rogen on "Dr. Phil" On "The Today Show" With Seth Rogen at "The Guilt Trip" premiere 2 Free preview screenings of "The Guilt Trip" were held in theatres in several major U.S. cities. Barbra and Seth Rogen held a live Q&A session after the film was shown. 5 In a TIME Magazine article titled "Driving Miss Barbra," Barbra told writer Joel Stein that she is thinking of casting Lady Gaga in her upcoming film remake of "Gypsy." 7 Barbra spoke at length with Savannah Guthrie on NBC's "The Today Show." Hi-Def footage from the upcoming DVD of "Back to Brooklyn" was shown. 7 An extraordinary video of Barbra performing the Hebrew prayer "Avinu Malkeinu" at last years Friends of the Israel Defense Forces benefit benefit appeared on YouTube. 10 Barbra spoke with "E! News" and mentioned the intriguing possibility of a "The Guilt Trip" sequel to be shot in Europe. 10 Barbra and Seth Rogen appeared on the "Dr. Phil" show. It was a candid 45 minute discussion about the film and mother-son relationships. 11 Walking the red carpet with her co-star Seth Rogen, Barbra attended the world premiere of "The Guilt Trip" in the Los Angeles village of Westwood. 12 Paramount released an innovative ad for "The Guilt Trip." In it, Barbra and Seth, as themselves, are in a car as Barbra bops to the music to Duck Sauce's dance track, "Barbra Streisand." 14 The Detroit Free Press revealed that the Caucus Club, where Barbra appeared in a series of 1961 landmark engagements went out of business. 14 Barbra Said: "It's the end of an era" (in an interview with the Detroit Free Press regarding the demise of the Caucus Club) 19 "The Guilt Trip" opened nationwide in the U.S. This was Barbra's first starring role since her 1996 film, "The Mirror Has Two Faces." Critical reception was mixed 23 Barbra made her debut on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight."  The much anticipated interview, beamed worldwide, did not disappoint. It would be repeated several times over the next few days.