24 (a special number for Barbra!) years ago next month, "The Broadway Album" was released and for 24 years I've treasured this album, considered it to be the most magnificent album Barbra has ever recorded, the most magnificent album anyone has ever recorded. As the saying goes, if I had a nickel for every time I've listened to the album I'd be the richest man in the world. "Somewhere" is my all-time favorite song, I'm sure I've listened to it thousands of times.... On November 2, 2006 when Barbra came to Atlanta on her concert tour, and she sang this song, I cried and cried. But then, I cried and cried through every song she sang, she was that magnificent, it was a dream come true I never thought would ever happen, ever since I was 14 in 1972 and I fell in love with her when I saw her in "What's Up, Doc?"

But then September 29, 2009 came, and "Love is the Answer" was released, and... nearly a month later, this album is the only thng I have been listening to! I listen to it on the way to my two jobs, on the way home, I listen to it as soon as I get in the door. I haven't listened to any other CD in the past month, not even any other Barbra CD. This album is incredibly awesome, the greatest ever. Barbra, thank you, thank you.... Your voice has been the happiest part of my life ever. Thank you for this album, thank you for every song you have ever sung.

love,
Ryan Winchester
Kennesaw, Georgia

For me, Love Is The Answer is Barbra's best album to date!

I have loved Diana Krall for years and was so excited to learn that she would be producing Barbra's new project. This masterpiece is the best of both Worlds. Diana Krall and Barbra in one amazing and beautiful body of work. Every time I listen to it I fall in love with another facet of a song because of Diana's spin on it, or another verse sung in Barbra's pitch perfect, smooth and silky voice.

Barbra just keeps getting better. She surprises me with every new turn in her career.

Congratulations, Barbra on the well deserved success of Love Is the Answer!

Over the last several days I have read numerous reports of great surprise that Barbra Streisand's new release "Love is the Answer" made it as the #1 album in its first week of release. My response is why should anyone be surprised?

Barbra Steisand is the number one female vocalist in the world and is the second largest recording artist in history --.only surpassed in album sales by Elvis Presley. "Love is the Answer" is the 9th time that one of Barbra Steisand albums has premiered as the number 1 albumn in America and she is the only entertainer in history to have a number 1 albumn in each of five consecutive decades.

Barbra Streisand was discovered as a world class talent at the age of 19, she became a major worldwide sensation at 21 and by the time she reached the ripe old age of 24, she had become an entertainment legend. Ms. Streisand has won every conceivable award for her recordings, movies, television, the Broadway stage as well as numerous awards for direction and production -- not to mention the prestigious Kennedy Center Awards this year.

To put it mildly, Barbra Steisand has thrilled the world for 48 years as an entertainer and continues to grow as an artist in her fifth decade as a performer. Her life story is well known -- a brillant student who graduated near the top of her high school class and who came from an extremely impoverished background with little emotional support or encouragement from her family, Her loving mother, Diana, with the best of intentions, encouraged Barbra to become a secretary as she felt that Barbra was not attractive enough to be seriously accepted as an entertainer and would ultimately have her feelings hurt.. Barbra Streisand overcame a multitude of obstacles duirng the early stages of her career and became one of the most stunning and admired women in the world. I challenge anyone to say that she has not earned everything that she has obtained during her 48 year career.. As an artist she has given her vast legion of fans almost 50 years of sheer artistic pleasure. In addition, the Barbra Steisand Foundation has donated millions of dollars to health and public service organizations. There is no question in my mind that Ms. Streisand will receive the ultimate award for her artistry -- and that is to be named the single greatest entertainer of our century -- an award that she has worked her entire lifetime towards and which she has certainly earned. At 67 years of age, Barbra Streisand has provided the world with 48 years of unsurpassed fulfillment as an entertainer. The vast majority of us will never see another entertainer of her magnitude in our lifetime -- therefore celebrate the joy that she has brought to the world through her spectacular talents as an artist!

By the way folks, this year marks the 40th anniverary of Barbra's second motion picture, "Hello Dolly", which was released by 20th Century Fox in 1969, Although the picture was initially perceived by many as being a flop, it actually was one of the highest grossing box office attractions in 1969. After "Hello Dolly" was later released in VHS and then in DVD format, it has since grown to surpass the VHS/DVD sales of "The Sound of Music"! So much noise and commotion was made back in 1969 regarding Barbra Streisand being too young to play the widowed Dolly Levi. There was huge sentimental support for Carol Channing, who orginated the role of Dolly Levi on Broadway, and it was felt by many that she was entitled to be cast in the starring role in "Hello Dolly". As much as I adore and admire Carol Channing -- and I have seen Carol three times in "Hello Dolly" on Broadway, the fact is that Carol Channing could not have possibly carried such a major $20+ million dollar production of "Hello Dolly" on the big screen. Although a great character actress and a most beloved performer, Carol Channing simply did not have the voice or the screen presence necessary to star in the motion picture version of "Hello Dolly". There was only was actress back in 1968 who possessed the vocals, the charisma and the great comedic timing to portray Dolly Levi, and that actress was Barbra Streisand. So much negative publicity regarding Barbra Streisand as being miscast for the role as Dolly Levi tainted the intial release of "Hello Dolly". The fact is that "Hello Dolly" was and still is one of the most remarkable musical motion pictures ever produced. Not only was Barbra Streisand believable and stunning in the role of Dolly Levi, her incredible vocals, her comedic timing and her interaction with such an incredible ensemble was nothing less then a first class and memorable performance. The amazing Gene Kelly choreography and the stunning Irene Sharaff wardrobes, along with the wonderful Jerry Herman score, produced one of the most memorable musical motion pictures of all times.

If you have not seen "Hello Dolly" in a number of years, do yourself a favor and take another look at this spectacular film, especially in its later digitalized format! "Hello Dolly" is such a stunning film and after so many years of kvetching and debating whether Barbra Streisand was too young to play the role of Dolly Levi -- the end result was a magnificent stellar performance by Ms. Streisand and she in fact became the most spectacular Dolly of them all!

./ngs

Barbra,

Thank you so much for sharing your magnificent talents with us for all of these years. What a triumph. In an industry full of electronica, sampling, and little regard for true talent beyond the studio walls, it is encouraging and revitalizing to see that it is still possible for raw and natural virtuosity to rise to the top above the clatter and clammer of today's music. I am sure we share the opinion that art takes many forms and creative expression, good or bad, is important. Still, it is nice to know that there are apparently great numbers of people who know the difference and pause long enough to pay homage to it.
Congrats to you, Ms. Krall, and Mr Erlichman.

Stargazer

Who´d ever thought that Barbra´s 63rd album would be her best? "Love Is the Answer" is a masterpiece. It´s magic. There are no words that´d match its artistry. Thank you so much, Barbra.
PS.: I just cannot decide which to prefer: the orchestral or the quartet disc...
Michael from Vienna
PPS. Have been to the Vienna and LA concerts - will never ever forget these...

Congratulations Barbra!

I was so happy and proud (yes, proud!) to see "Love is the Answer" debut at #1! I literally beamed when I saw the news.

Not only is it the number one selling album, but it is also a great artistic accomplishment.

My personal favorite is the disk with just your amazing vocals backed by the quartet.

My Gorgeous Barbra,

You will always be our number one.You changed music and you helped me believe in myself and be strong.Your songs inspire me.You are an amazing artist,an amazing person,an amazing mother.I will always support you and be on your side.
With respect and love
Valeria 16year old

Dear Barbra: I have been listening to you for 40 years (I am now 46). I started listening with my grandmother who adored you and have never stopped (typical gay Jewish boy). Although through the years you have recorded one gorgeous song after another, you missed a couple...until now. Two of my favorite songs in the world, "Ne Me Quitte Pas" and "Where Do You Start?"...you and and a wonderful combo...no orchestra...no effects...a gorgeous voice and simple accompaniment...music to my ears...thanks so much...

Love,

Garrett

p.s. Thanks to Miss Krall as well....

you know, I just listened to You Must Believe in Spring 3 times in a row. Wonderful. The tempo, the control of lower notes, lovely.

Barbra,

Thank you !
I'm very happy because you brought me more joy...I'm lucky to be your fan since I was 9 years old.
'Love is the Answer' is more of a joy you have brought to my life and many other fans.

Congratulations,

Julia
Brazil

Barbra, my dear, I am really glad for you.
You are a legend and this is not a coincidence.
You are my queen and I love you.
Deniz

sigh......I'm sipping on my morning coffee after having listened to this new addition to your repertoire of achievements. Although i cannot boast of knowing the details of your life experience, i can, however, remember and indulge myself in the pleasures of those contributions which i have been exposed. You will likely never see this note and i will never see you, but know that i have felt your presence during all 5 decades as i listened to your music on 33 records while i cleaned on Saturdays, felt the strength of your conviction during my career to prove myself and continue to feel your grace as we mature.

With Great Admiration, thank-you for this new addition

Congratulations Barbra!
I have been a fan since I was 11 years old (I am now 46). I still have your albums in vinyl (well worn) and won't part with them. You are such a beautiful person! Please keep singing with that wonderful voice! I am still in awe and admiration.
Caroline

Hai Barbra

I was listening on youtube some songs from Yentl
and I just want to thank you for this music and this movie
I was young than when I saw it for the first time and I was very moved
this hunger for knowledge etcetera .... the lirics and the story...
I saw and heard it again and went back in time for a moment and wondered
I had the same feeling as then but then everything has changed...
the world is not a hopefull place as then....

yet I still want to thank you
Yentl
God bless you
Johan

Old..are you kidding me...you are in the best's years of your life.
A great marrige, a grownup son.. and a new album at number one.
Here's to life Barbra....a time for love & joy.

Juan Carlos (JC )

Five decades and always number one.

Thank you for giving your loyal fans (and the world) countless hours of enjoyment by sharing your heart, soul and life with us.

Joe Albanese

Dear Barbra!

Congratuations to your new album. It's really wonderful. You are the greatest singer in the world and you deserve it to be the Number One!!!!
No wonder that you feel young, you still sound and look very younger than you are.
Greetings from Austria (saw you performing in Vienna, you were simply great!!!)

Silvia

Dear Barbra,

I have been a huge huge fan of yours since I was 12, that's 25 years ago! In the beginning, I never thought I would ever had the chance to see you LIVE, it was but a dream. You have made my dream come through 4 times, first in London 1994 25th April, interupting your introduction to caleigh, screaming MEEEEEEE the moment you said you have fallen for someone hook line and sinker, and you turn to me , smiled and said "You would be so lucky", and I am, seeing your 3 more times, at your Millenium eve concert, your "last performance" in New York back in 2000, and one more time in 2006 again at Madison Square Garden. Not an easy feet considering I live in Singapore.

I am so happy for you in achieving this 9th number 1 Album in your career so far. Was beside myself with joy when I saw the news break online. Guess what? You also just made the evening news here in Singapore, they anounced your number 1 album and also remarked on that unmatched achievement of 5 consecutive number 1 albums.

Thanks for blessing us with your music, your movies, your TV specials, your LIVE EVENTS! I look forward to your upcoming projects and as an interior designer, looking forward especially to the book of your new house. Thanks once again.

Weng

We from Brazil are very happy to live with you this moment, and we are wait for your your performance in Portuguese. You sang in many languages, but never in ours!!!
Beijos das terras tropicais,

Francisco de Assis

Barbra I love you. You are the best, your angelic voice wants to listen endlessly!

Dear Barbra, I was so happy to receive your message and to know about your new NUMBER ONE; I hoped and imagined it the first time I heard this wonderful album - I think one of your best !! I checked Billboard magazine every day this week to know about the debut.......and finally your message !!!! I thank you for all the happiness you gave in this years.

Love, Luca - Italy

Congratulations!

So nice to have your voice as a sort of companion - for 32 years now -
Already know I will enjoy this album quite some years to come.
Thank you.

Kind regards,
Miranda from the Netherlands

Congratulations on this amazing achievement and thanks for bringing such joy to the way we are, today! You are now the voice that spanned two centuries and, of course, you will be cherished, studied and revered beyond our present times.

I have to say, though, you really need to stop with this perfectionism. It keeps leading to....perfection! The new recording makes it sound like you are in my living room, with a very nice group of musician friends.

Thanks for releasing the "quartet only" version of the recording. I prefer it, because it adds to the intimacy of the recording. It is a flawless recording from a timeless voice, instantly recognizable as a golden thread woven into the patterns of our lives. Music really can make a difference in our quality of lives, in how we view the world and one another. To have a recording called "Love is the Answer" in the number one slot right now is the antidote to so much of what we are seeing and hearing around us in these cacaphonous times.

I watched "Funny Girl" last night for only the second time. It is, of course, a fabulous movie with a timeless score. But, I have to say, the new recording is deeper, more consistent, more reflective and benefits from the richness of experience you have gained over the past five decades.

I wish I had been able to see you at the Vanguard and am hoping that you will consider just a small tour in support of this astounding achievement. There is a club called "Anthology" in San Diego, that is beautiful, intimate and not far from home for you.

We do hope to see our favorite "girl singer" down here soon. If you do come, don't forget to stop and smell the roses in Oceanside, California, on your way down -- my Barbra Streisand rose outperfumes, outperforms and rises its above its surroundings in the most delightful way.

So glad this parade is still going! I don't see a cloud in the sky.

Hello Gorgeous!

Congratulations! My hats off to you again. Thank you very much for sharing your talent and love of entertainment to your fans. Looking forward for many more, I hope.

Best wishes to you.
Cara