Boxer Pays Tribute to Babs

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) lauded legendary singer and Democratic Party booster Barbara Streisand on the Senate floor Tuesday.

“Barbara is one of a very few individuals who has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony award,” Boxer said. “As her career continues to rise to unfathomable heights, Barbara never shies away from an opportunity to improve the lives of others.”

Boxer’s words of praise came just after Streisand was named as a 2008 Kennedy Center Honoree. (Streisand will join other honorees at a Dec. 7 ceremony, which will feature performances by Streisand fan Beyonce.)

Read below Boxer’s full speech, in which she talks about Streisand’s star turns in “My Name is Barbara,” “Funny Girl,” and the 1983 classic, “Yentl.”

Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I am pleased and honored to pay tribute to the legendary Barbara Streisand, one of the most talented and successful female entertainers in modern history. For more than 40 years, Barbara’s wildly successful career in music, television, film, and theater has enamored fans across America and abroad. In recognition of her great achievements and contributions to American culture, Barbara has been named a Kennedy Center Honoree for 2008.

Barbara Streisand was born on April 24, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY. The daughter of Diana and Emanual Streisand, Barbara passionately pursued her dream of a career in show business from a young age. After getting her start in New York City night clubs, Barbara signed a contract with Columbia Records in 1962.

In 1963, the 21-year-old singer won two Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. At that time, Barbara was the youngest artist to have ever received that award. Barbara has now recorded 60 albums, sold over 148 million albums worldwide, and is one of the highest-selling female artists of all time.

In 1965, “My Name is Barbara,” her first television special, earned five Emmys and the distinguished Peabody Award. In 1968, she earned the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in her very first motion picture, “Funny Girl.” In 1976, Barbara became the first female composer to win an Academy Award, for her song “Evergreen” from the film “A Star Is Born.”

Barbara continued smashing glass ceilings when she became the first woman ever to direct, write, and star in a major motion picture. “Yentl” received five Academy Award nominations. She also directed, wrote, and starred in “Prince of Tides,” which received even more nominations, including one for Best Picture. Barbra is one of a very few individuals who has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony award.

As her career continues to rise to unfathomable heights, Barbra never shies away from an opportunity to improve the lives of others. She has worked tirelessly on issues of national and international importance. Her commitment to social justice is demonstrated by the work of the Streisand Foundation–which benefits national organizations working on the protection of civil rights, environmental preservation, voter education, nuclear disarmament, and women’s health. Barbra received the Humanitarian Award from the Human Rights Campaign in 2004.

Barbra’s unparalleled talent, enthusiasm and commitment are reflected by the millions of individuals whose lives she has touched. We are grateful for Barbra’s innumerable gifts, and I hope you will all join me in celebrating the remarkable Barbra Streisand.