Ever since I saw "Funny Girl" (the film) on its opening weekend in September 1968, I was hooked. As I held on to the armrests with my hands clenched, the musical number "I'm The Greatest Star" was being performed by a woman that absolutely transfixed me. I thought 'who is this woman and how did any one person have this much talent?' The "Don't Rain On My Parade" and "My Man" sequences sent me over the edge. I had never felt like that about any performer before, nor have I since. This was truly a life-altering experience at that Sunday matinee.

When Barbra spoke of how she felt about Marlon Brando the first time she saw him, I completely related because it's exactly how I felt about her that Sunday afternoon in New York City. The only difference? I didn't have a mello roll. The only thing that was melting was my heart.

I was ten years-old and I remember it as if it were yesterday.

Thanks, Barbra, for bringing me more joy to my life than any other performer. You are truly a once-in-a-lifetime sensation and people won't see the likes of an entertainer like you for many, many years. Probably never. You are simply unique...And that's an understatement!

Thanks for bringing such light into my life.

On a side note: I did a cover story/interview with you in the summer of 2003 to promote "The Movie Album" Of course, I don't expect you to remember, but you mentioned me unknowingly in your Actors Studio interview when you said "A journalist asked me why it took me seventeen years to record this album. I told him it was because I had to become a director first." That question came from me and I felt honored that it stayed with you two months later. It made me feel that I did my job well because it made you remember me in an indirect way.

I wish you all the joy and happiness life can bring!

All My Best,

Steven Housman

P.S. If you don't recall our interview, please visit my website at www.StevenHousman.com