Becoming Barbra

by Bill Eppridge, Adrienne Aurichio (Editor), Daniel Melamud (Editor)

Becoming Barbra  presents a never-before-seen look at a star in the making by an award-winning photographer with full access.

From the humble beginnings of Barbra Streisand’s career in 1963 to full-fledged stardom in 1966, renowned  Life  magazine photographer Bill Eppridge had full access to the young singer. He photographed Streisand shopping in a thrift shop; trying on outfits in her apartment; and there’s an appearance on the The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson —then live from New York. Eppridge documented Streisand meeting with producer David Merrick, who wanted her for the starring role in Broadway’s  Funny Girl , which catapulted her to celebrity status.

By the time Eppridge caught up with Streisand in 1966, she was a star in full orbit.  Funny Girl  had just wrapped, CBS had signed her to star in three television specials, five of her albums had gone gold and one platinum, and she had received three Grammys and an Emmy. Eppridge photographed Streisand throughout her CBS rehearsals and recording sessions, then went to Paris where he covered her at fashion shows with Marlene Dietrich and Coco Chanel, and captured a Richard Avedon shoot of her for  French Vogue .

Eppridge’s photographs are vivid, candid, and a truly intriguing and unprecedented look at the beginnings of Streisand’s career—an intimate photo album by a master photographer of one of the most talented performers of our time.

144 pages, Hardcover

Published April 10, 2018

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of mostly never before seen photos of Barbra taken by Bill Eppridge on three occasions in the early 60's. Most are unposed, creating a noticeable distinction between those when Barbra was aware of the camera (trying on hats in her apartment, for example) and the more candid shots of her when she is working or talking to people. There is a particularly memorable photo of her at a Chanel show in Paris, sitting several seats down from Marlene Dietrich. Barbra looks a little distracted if anything, while the photograph is taken in such a way that Dietrich seems more interested in observing Barbra than what is coming down the catwalk. But who knows? Maybe that was just a lucky moment for Eppridge. Barbra's fashion sense in the 60's was eclectic to say the least, and there are some fine examples of this, along with a supporting cast of (mostly male) but well turned out, snappy dressers. And a bit too much real fur is the only downside to this glimpse back in time.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure trove of new photographs of Barbra Streisand taken in 1963 and 1966 by LIFE Magazine photographer Bill Eppridge. In 1963, he was on assignment to photograph the rising star for a short piece LIFE was going to run on her. Eppridge caught the young star in her apartment, trying on hats in a thrift store, and on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Eppridge met up with Barbra again in 1966 in New York, Paris & Rome. Photos were from recording sessions (Je m’appelle Barbra and Color Me Barbra), filming of Color Me Barbra, and fashion scenes in Paris. Eppridge stated that “Barbra is a perfectionist and it was apparent even then. I was able to appreciate that because I approach my own work in the same way.” Bravo to this excellent photographer for capturing candid, behind-the-scenes photos of the young Streisand.

[Tom Holehan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating photo essay from the early years of the superstar. A stunning coffee table book, but only for fans.