Barbra Streisand - The complete Jonathan Ross interview (October 1, 2009)

It's a great one-hour interview broadcast originally on BBC1 (U.K.). Near the end Barbra performs two songs from her then new album, "Love Is the Answer": "If You Go Away" and "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning".
In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning: 49:45
If You Go Away: 53:51

[@stp22]

She has more talent in her little finger nail than majority of all female singers past and present have combined. True icon

[@SueCashmore]

Most definitely…although Ella Fitzgerald takes some beating. She’s my all time favourite singer always xx

[@stueeyphoenix]

Isn't Barbra Streisand devastatingly enchanting. Her presence is as breath-taking as her voice. I am still as in awe and mesmerised by her outstanding unique beauty now as I was as a child. I find that I hang on her every word in humble admiration whether Streisand is talking or singing. I find her exquisitely hypnotic

[@RabbiDrTheo]

Yes yes yes yes yes yes and yes she is memorizing she's exquisite she's gorgeous I would love her to love me she's still beautiful and yes she's very Brooklyn where I'm very Newark and very New York City I still I still hear her Yiddish kite which is a fabulous language very funny and hearing it from her I'm so proud that she is a Jewish I am so proud she is the current policy to Domingo are the best on the planet nobody can compare no one no one

[@Jefferson1969-u4s]

How does she do it? I am new to her talent as I am a rock n roller. But she captivates me.

[@Jefferson1969-u4s]

Johnathan is a bit silly. Asking her stupid questions like “…does she do rap…” And being rather obsequious. Not a great interviewer

[@BrettTwinSavage]

@@Jefferson1969-u4s I've seen her in concert twice in venues of nearly 20,000, once in 1994 and again in 2006. Both times she managed to make those huge venues feel very small and intimate, as if you were the only person there and she was singing directly to you. I was a kid in the 70s but was taken to see all her movies. Whenever she was on screen you couldn't stop looking at her--it didn't matter who else was in the movie or what was happening. There is something that draws you in. As you said, she's captivating.

[@Jefferson1969-u4s]

@@BrettTwinSavage wow! That sounds amazing

[@thezmanchar]

You know who said she is not attractive is ridiculously foolish… She is so beautiful, and just very classy. So talented. Who justifies beauty in any part of this world. Men have fallen in love with her all over the world.

[@barbraevergreen]

Exactly! She's got this charm and class... Such a sexy woman. ❤😍

[@paulsoderquist4788]

Amen. She is beautiful in every way

[@susieq8424]

Indeed! I've always thought she's absolutely gorgeous!

[@moiraanneshearer3572]

It was herself who thought that. I have never heard of anyone but herself who said it or thought it. Not in print anyway.

[@MarkWhitman-h5t]

@moiraanneshearer3572 There once was a whole cadre of them, including deeply annoying critic John Simon, who never failed to make cracks about her looks, esp her prominent nose...

[@matthewstyles37]

I LOVE it when she is interviewed by someone smart and genuinely interested in her and her career. You can just see her pleasure and how she opens up more and more. Wonderful!!

[@REBECCADayAldrich-hq2hm]

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[@REBECCADayAldrich-hq2hm]

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[@REBECCADayAldrich-hq2hm]

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[@REBECCADayAldrich-hq2hm]

Dying of a loe of toy

[@REBECCADayAldrich-hq2hm]

Add all b3d

[@joannecoley5996]

What a great interview! She is so real and the host was really really natural! Thank you Jonathan Ross!

[@cliftonboyz1959]

She is a challenging interviewee…Jonathan does well to keep the conversation going. She is very private and possibly an introvert.

[@janicecarter2836]

I love everything about her..she makes people feel the music that she feels

[@lepetitchat123]

It's just weird how she got into show business in the first place if she had stage fright and all that...its not like she fell into it by accident. She ACTIVELY pursued a career in show business when she first started out. She tried so hard to sound like she was a reluctant actor/entertainer but she was not. Her words are not consistent with her actions.

[@adale2771]

It’s like pulling teeth, trying to get her to open up while being interviewed , still I enjoyed watching this .

[@moviebuff5230]

@cliftonboyz59, I don't understand your comment. She answered all his questions and also elaborated. But she is a very private person.

[@moviebuff5230]

⁠@@adale2771sounds like you didn't listen to the whole thing

[@chrislandis6873]

She looked fabulous and did a good interview. At 70 yrs of age here, she sounds stellar and better than most female singers in their 40s and 50s. Streisand not only has a voice that's lasted, she's highly adaptable and can literally sing ANYTHING.

[@lauriefuda]

Maybe the information on this video is wrong? It looks like it was from Oct 2009. She was born in 1942. Not 70 years old.

[@chrislandis6873]

@@lauriefuda you're correct. she was 67 here and better than most in their 40s and 50s as stated. i know those 3 yrs make a big difference

[@fobesq]

Her voice is without a doubt a musical instrument par excellence. One of the best, if not the best, singer of all time. Her tone, her diction, her high notes, her low notes, her unbelievable sustaining of notes, are simply incredible.

[@torilllundborn7899]

I find People of Jewish heritage are soo interessting and scilled People..within soo many branches in the world Think about music...song..movies..theater.. WHATEVER Thank God for them.. In Jesus Christ. Amen❤

[@lorettabeer4731]

I grew up watching her movies. She was fantastic in the movie A Star Is Born- her singing is unbelievable.

[@SueCashmore]

I was pregnant with my first daughter but at the beginning of the pregnancy I went to see A Star Is Born…and almost threw up within the first 10 minutes of the film….nothing to do with Babs! My husband made me leave and get some fresh air. I was so upset, but 10 minutes outside I came back to see the rest of the film!

[@beckyporter9970]

Aaaaaaaw you can see when she starts to relax with him - he shows her so much respect! Cutest interview ever x

[@ernarc23]

What a special evening. She was gorgeous. I love hearing her sing in French. 💕

[@ATLcentury334]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in such a playful mood during an interview. You could tell she was actually enjoying her time with Mr. Ross.

[@spencermoore2468]

By far the best interview Jonathan Ross has ever done.

[@ahhapodcast8951]

This was a pleasurably find. Ms. Streisand has been a favorite of mine for decades. She is so relax here which makes her sense of humor come through.

[@Zee-et4rd]

First of all, Barbra looks like a youngster at her 68 years of life. Secondly, what a lucky audience!!

[@laraoneal7284]

She’s 81. Today.

[@Zee-et4rd]

@@laraoneal7284 at the time of this video she was 68.

[@shadykatie100]

@@Zee-et4rd She still is so pretty there too. 😀

[@terrytownsend5583]

@@Zee-et4rdfeel free to defend yourself

[@lauriefuda]

@@Zee-et4rd The date I'm seeing on the video is it is from Oct 1, 2009. She was born in April 1942, so she would have been 67. Sorry, just being a nit picky Gemini, LOL.

[@eod1589]

I love Barbra Streisand. She is the most iconic, gifted and talented singer, actress, songwriter, concert and movie producer, concert and movie director, a filmmaker and an author. She is a legendary DIVA😍

[@gemmab8626]

Oh good Lord!!!! What a GIFT!!! So happy to have discovered this interview!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

[@thesiluresscribe567]

Streisand is the consummate star, very professional and this is an excellent example of her stardom.

[@Jayla60]

What a delightful and witty interview -- I thoroughly enjoyed it. Barbra, nobody better.

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

Just finished her autobiography. It was EXCELLENT! ❤️

[@marycharlesworth9694]

I've just started it and am loving it so far.

[@tarcygonzalez6040]

She is one admirable and lovable lady! And her songs have wonderful lyrics. I love them all, but specially those she sings softer… Thank you Barbra for so many films, lovely songs and for the beautiful moments and feelings they have accompanied us with. You are unique, love you!

[@leosmoonfish2849]

Just started her book. Love it.

[@dizzydino1]

She IS such a gorgeous, Humble!, and Multi talented Artist ❤

[@myronmadey3040]

God! I Love Barbra! An incredible interview!! Love everything about it!Love everything about Barbra!

[@erichawk4385]

There will never ever be anyone as amazing as Barbra Streisand 😍I adore her.

[@deborahcooper1288]

Absolutely

[@cherylwoodie45]

Adore her

[@tonitalas1757]

Jonathan, a superb interview with the most talented and brilliant person on earth 🌎

[@lalaprice4254]

What a great treat for that day's audience. An unforgettable experience, for sure.

[@jcarterjoseph9066]

The greatest star. By far. I've loved her from her first album (I was there). And decades later, we still clamor for her draaama! And one of the most charming women of them all. Can't imagine my life without the joy she has given me. Thank you Gustavo for posting this.

[@anthonyb1752]

She looks so incredible here.

[@tenga3tango]

So nice of her to drop by on Jonathan Ross

[@bslomof-1901]

She looks so natural here. She looks great.

[@carolynratliff1380]

This was your BEST INTERVIEW EVER!!!!!! I was so excited that you asked the best questions….she is my favorite too…..please get Barry Gibb on next……what about her son Jason????? I just love you

[@blanchefan]

I've been looking at the first half of this interview for several weeks now. But tonight I watched it all. I didn't know she sang!! Two lovely, delicate "cabaret" type songs--flawless, magical. I'm so moved I don't know what to say...except thank you, God, for letting me finally discover the songs! I enjoyed the entire interview, but--my Lord. :)

[@rhondabrown2842]

Where have you been all those years? Hiding under a rock?!!😂😂 I've been a huge fan since a little girl, so glad you've now "discovered" her in your life. Better late than never, Enjoy!🙂😊😊

[@blanchefan]

@@rhondabrown2842 I mean I didn't know she sang in this clip; Barbra and I go way way back!

[@marysmith9361]

Great interview! She's a private person but I enjoyed this because I am a fan of Barbra. Beautiful voice! Loved her in What's Up Doc?"

[@vascoemyer]

Wow! So rare to experience a singer who can live sound as good if not better than their recordings. I fell in love with her extraordinary talent all over again, JR kudos for an exemplary interview. This is entertainment ✨

[@michaelmcgarry7701]

I think this is Barbra's best interviews.

[@jochenstossberg5427]

She's the best, no doubt about it. We've lost Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae and pretty much everyone who was in this category, but we've still got Barbra, and she's still singing for us. The two albums of the unreleased songs are fabulous. She seemed to be having fun here too which is great.

[@absamdb]

Dear Gustavo, Thanks for sharing this wonderful UK TV appearance to the KZbin audience. The interview was fun with the bonus of a rare live TV musical performance. I think Barbra’s live rendition of “If You Go Away” is one of the top 5 TV performances of her career. Exquisite vocal and such a beautifully acted piece, this is a Masterclass performance. Thank you Barbra for sharing your gift with the world. 💕🤗🙏

[@mattdeans9873]

Glad I stuck it through. She is very shy and nervous when she came out but warmed up very nicely during the program. This was, in my opinion, her best singing. Her Barbra-isms are gone and she really brings out the best in these wonderful songs. As singers age, as with all great artists, things get more refined like a Stradivarius. Thanks for a great post.

[@EliMardirossian]

why would her being shy & nervous put you off are shy people not allowed to live? Ugh

[@mattdeans9873]

@@EliMardirossian Why would you think I was put off????

[@Puppyfur44]

The Barbraisms are the reason she became the singer she is. Have you gone back and listened to any of her very early stuff? Her singing was beautiful, controlled, powerful.

[@mattdeans9873]

@@Puppyfur44 Not continually but yes. If ever there was a God given gift, she is it. I was a jazz and standards singer and the thought tht she never vocalizes astounds me how perfect she is. Like Bette, some of her early stuff was dramatically over the top but as she has grown as an artist, like a Stradivarius violin, her voice is awe inspiring. When she sang those songs I commented on, the song and her Stradivarius richness sold itself and brought out the true honest emotion without the extra flair that did indeed help to make here a superstar. Just my take. wink wink!!

[@lechaewilliams4524]

Wow I saw Barbara in Concert when she came to Australia, it was a Dream Come True fore me. Just love her!❤️

[@jsmum196]

Beautiful pure sound voice!

[@valeriebowen8850]

Amazing person nothing but good words for this women I love her ❤️

[@dianegarciaprieto2118]

Think it was a great interview she's very natural. Brilliant 💯👏💙♥️Love her.

[@kasondaleigh]

She looks amazing!

[@kamalamoori3990]

One of her best albums. Love the double cd with the quartet and the full orchestra ♥️

[@robbinjuliano9014]

Barbra has a rare beauty, with the gift of a voice of an angel! Also a terrific actress! Whether in a comedy or serious role, Barbra can act.

[@MJ-qb5ph]

My god she is so down to earth. Incredible

[@624radicalham]

Down to earth talking about creating a "street" in her basement with replica stores, and mentioning "art nouveau"?

[@patricedecourcy4505]

@@624radicalham What's wrong about that? Is building mini tracks, whole villages, forests for small trains more down to earth?

[@MJ-qb5ph]

@@624radicalham all she did was respond to his questions. I didn’t detect a hint of arrogance in her. She’s an artist for god sake - cut her some slack. I think she’s amazing

[@fionabooth1816]

@@624radicalham yes but it doesn't sound arrogant. She made a lot of money from her talent. She gave a lot to charity but she has a lot to play with! But she is down to earth. Recently I watched a great documentary about her early years. She had a very difficult childhood. Everything she has she has built and earned from nothing. Don't knock it!

[@624radicalham]

@@fionabooth1816Hardly "down to earth" as the OP commented ...

[@cwest171265]

Loved this. Thank you for posting. She is just the best of the best. There will never be another like her. Just wish she’d do more interviews!

[@froufou100]

first time seeing an interview with Babs, she is delightful and so is JR, I had a lovely time, thank you

[@wildoceanappaloosawomangay2535]

My mother-my only caregiver -who tortured me until her death a few years ago couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket-I’m a fairly good singer-she did one thing good, she had wonderful taste in music, listened to Barbra Streisand from the day I was born. I can sing her songs from memory and she put out a lot of albums I bought into her diva complex created by the media Just got done listening to her 40-hour audiobook (I drive 3 hours a day to teach yoga, so, I have a lot of wonderful audiobooks). My idea of her has done a complete 180. The way she speaks here is the way she does on the audiobook, so gently that I listen to it as I’m going to sleep; she has a photographic memory, is completely detail-oriented, it’s a Masterclass in directing, singing, producing, writing, building and decorating homes, dealing with actors some of who were not easy, some hateful, dating many extraordinary men, being very politically involved and friends with many politicians, all with grace, class, kindness, vulnerability, and introspection and ALL AT ONCE (she is admittedly restless). What would make her near to perfect is if she is ethical vegan and made this connection (she writes endlessly about her love of meat and dairy) between her love of her dog and other animals. She’s an environmentalist and the only way all the pollution and destruction of the earth will end is if everyone becomes vegan and the hunting, fishing, animal agriculture ends. She’s a devoted mother and friend, too. She doesn’t compete with other women, she admires beautiful, talented women because she knows her own worth. There is no one like her. When she’s gone, well, hopefully I’ll be gone before her. 💚🌱

[@christinahagerman280]

Great interview. Love all the music from this CD. Barbara is the real deal. I have been a fan since I watched her perform on the Ed Sullivan Show. The Way We Were is a favourite classic that I watch at least once a year.

[@isabertrand6221]

Yeah, this is clear, The interview is great ! GustavoDeSantaFe, now, you know (how far) I am a fan of Barbra Streisand!

[@miscellanyman263]

Happy 80th Birthday, Barbra (April 24, 2022).

[@Spartanm333]

The power of her voice emotionally - at 26.24 two seconds into Evergreen my eyes are full of tears. It's a gift from above of course. Tears of joy and emotion. I've loved this woman since I was 14 and watched On A Clear Day. Thanks for the upload. Guess what I'm putting on next... A Star Is Born.

[@kent3900]

I grew up in the 1970s and 80s listening to her pristine, flawless, remarkably amazing voice. I take great comfort in the memories of hearing Barbra sing. Also from hearing my sister in law doing a fantastic job singing her songs - particularly ‘The Way We Were’ and ‘Evergreen’. In my opinion Barbra is the greatest female singer of all time, that I have ever known - and will probably ever know in my lifetime - I am in my mid 50s now. An all round talent; Director, Producer, and to quote the great Lady herself “An Actress whom sings!” … Barbra has been the greatest influence on probably all of the modern day female performers, from the past 50 years, including legends such as Whitney (RIP) and Madonna, she has delivered unadulterated therapy to countless millions the world over, through the medicine of song for 5 decades. A stunningly beautiful woman, whose voice is quite literally timeless ✨ Thanks for the Memories Babs

[@brexitannia9703]

I think this is one of her best interviews the odd time she looked a little uncomfortable but who wouldn't unless you have a few gins ! She's a private person who has a beautiful singing voice she's a gem . And Johnathan Ross did a brilliant job as always.

[@monithorburn1301]

Best interview ever, I am so glad I watched it!

[@patrickfleury5553]

Happy 80th Anniversary Barbra Streisand 🎵 People, People who need people All the luckiest people in the world. And we love you.🎂🌷🌹❤️💕💞🎂🌷🌹🎶💕

[@arthurmarks7062]

And she still looks fabulous and beautiful !!!!What an incredible star ❤❤

[@acme.videos]

Barbra is so exquisitely beautiful!!

[@coalwood7274]

Can u imagine. Just imagine the level of Talent it takes to create what they did in screen. No words...

[@adadc4052]

Thanks for posting. I love to watch Barbra sing live....I love the "We Small..." recording from Just for the Record better though. The pianist is killing it....

[@linmonash1244]

An absolute Master Class. Best of the Best. Gobsmackingly good. At what? 2009 - Age 67? To just step up & deliver that 'cold'... Pitch perfect. Not a note out of place not a quaver. No unintended vibrato etc. Didn't think it was possible to Love Barbara more! Realise today was wrong! Barbara taught me to sing you know. Later it was Roberta Flack, Billie Holliday, Joni Mitchell -and so on... but the first was 'Babs'. I used to prance around the house - from about age 10 - singing each & every one of her songs, copying every note - every nuance - all the dynamics - tone - everything. When I auditioned for choir ( I sang Evergreen ) the choirmaster asked me Who had been my vocal coach and I answered; "Barbara Streisand!" and they smiled and put me straight into the Soprano section. Jonathon did a great interview didn't he. At first Barbara looked a bit rattled to be confronted by an Interviewer / Mad Fan! But when she realised he was simply & respectfully besotted ( rather than 'actively rabid'! } she relaxed & it really went rather well! 😉

[@ingridoconnor6251]

Absolutely stunning. ❤

[@leeharris1114]

🌹💗 Their is something very , very special about a famous person that can make me CrY during an interview , for me only BARBRA can make that happen 💗🌹

[@pianonine]

That was an intimate time with Babs...and she still sings like an angel...what's not to love about this world treasure. I love you Babs...xoxo

[@bslomof-1901]

OMG, it's Barbra Streisand!

[@sailingsam3815]

Such a wonderful interview

[@lindawright6143]

This lady is a super star no other voice can match hers what a talent, wish we seen more of her my favourite is ever green cry every time , barbar your beautiful inside and out , never stop singing,💯🥰

[@MADHAUSMARKALLAN]

This is a wonderful program! Thank you for posting!

[@kathyannk]

Exquisite. Superb. Spellbinding.

[@victoriakelly3007]

The very best Of the best. Love you Barbra.

[@johnharpdalton7766]

Simply brilliant, a wonderful woman who gives so much every minute. Such a beautiful smile as well as everything else!

[@prometheus_common7728]

The greatest of all time: classy, smart, and timeless. I have loved her singing since I was a child! No comparison!!!!!!!!!

[@MrYonexguy63]

Shes very present for this.

[@cpolite5374]

They both kept on top of one another. He's a funny guy!

[@barbraevergreen]

Class act. 👑❤️

[@adalouisepoons5788]

With all the talents she has so much class as well ❤❤❤

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

Wow. This is the most relaxed, natural, 'conversational' interview with Streisand I have ever seen with Her! Wonderful and SO entertaining!

[@mamuka1276]

Barbra you are living legend, very unique and incomparable ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💥💥💥💥💥

[@doriangraye1971]

Really, really love her. Great interview. ❤

[@charlesyateschalfant]

Talented beyond words and beautiful as well. My favourite female vocalist.

[@happyexpat3744]

When was this? 10 years ago...? Just wondering because she will be 80 this week...and she looks amazing, then and now. Her voice, of course, you hear a difference but it's still amazing. An icon, indeed.

[@eduardoibazeta8157]

2009. She was 67 years old.

[@yokie52]

This is the most comfortable I’ve ever seen her. She normally seems standoffish and too serious. She shows her sense of humor in this interview.

[@MegaSickcat]

It's doesn't seem to be 'standoffish' apparently she gets nervous in front of people...hard to believe but she owns up to that fact all the time...

[@moviebuff5230]

Check out her interview w/ Zane Lowe - - they're conversation is so great

[@josebenito15]

Wonderful interview.. Her voice even speaking sounds very velvety.. And sexy. Thanks so much for uploading this Video 🧿

[@jamesalex5051]

Funny Girl & The Way we were both were masterpieces but i also Love "Mirror have 2 faces"

[@blaxtru]

The first two yes, but when Barbra starts directing or producing herself as in 'Nuts' we wish she'd stick to singing.

[@charmainemarie1884]

Barbara Streisand is a SUPER SRAR because she is UNIQUE!

[@Schmelt1]

Beautiful!

[@barbraevergreen]

Thank you ❤️.

[@geoffarcher6085]

This marked the first time Barbra had sung on UK TV if you exclude the time when the BBC broadcast "As If We Never Said Goodbye" live from Wembley on Top of the Pops.

[@JimmieJamOfTheDay]

She's sang a duet with my all-time favorite singer: Donna Summer. Greatest female duet ever in my opinion. I love Barbra. I've been listening to her audiobook recently. I've always wondered why she and Donna never sang that duet live together.

[@bargainplaceuk]

Love Barbra and her music.

[@joshualieder7524]

In the wee small hours that she does is terrific. Kudos to the great piano player.

[@peterd.9522]

What a wonderful interview.

[@isabertrand6221]

God...I am again in the site! So many people like Barbra! I am not the only one 🙂

[@reguccello]

She’s so shy, yet so charming 😍

[@SoniaLemmer-n9l]

What a charming host, to draw Barbra out of her shell só gently… magnificent!!

[@di2743]

The British always can - ❤

[@ralphsontowski485]

I couldnt love her more, I thought. Now I love her much more...If that is possible...♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@JacquelineCabessa]

We have lost appreciation for all things beautiful. I love these talented artists. Awesome, timeless Barbara!!!

[@celtglen]

Good interview, love Barbra

[@morganfisherart]

I loved the teapot and teacup - not surprised to see it there for her as she seemed to apologise in advance about her voice not being in tip-top condition. I was hoping she'd drink from it during that gorgeous piano solo. But she sang beautifully, so delicate and with so much feeling. If I were JR I'd have presented her with a scone with all the trimmings afterwards!

[@robertversluis5744]

Gorgeous!

[@chaseofori-atta2225]

Barbara Streisand=LIVING LEGEND!