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Color Me Barbra
Color Me Barbra
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Color Me Barbra
Cover for compact disc release. Cover drawing by Elinor Bunin
Studio album by
ReleasedMarch 1966
StudioColumbia Records (New York, NY)
GenrePop, vocal
Length34:12
LabelColumbia
ProducerRobert Mersey
Barbra Streisand chronology
My Name Is Barbra, Two...
(1965)
Color Me Barbra
(1966)
Je m'appelle Barbra
(1966)
DVD release
Singles from Color Me Barbra
  1. "Where Am I Going?"
    Released: February 1966
  2. "Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long"
    Released: May 1966
  3. "Non C'est Rien"
    Released: July 1966
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[1]

Color Me Barbra is the seventh studio album by American singer Barbra Streisand, released on Columbia Records in 1966. The album was a yet another sales success for Streisand, reaching number 3 on the US charts and was certified Gold by the RIAA. It was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 1967 Grammy Awards, but failed to win either category.

The initial release coincided with Streisand's first color TV special, color still being a novelty at the time: CBS aired Color Me Barbra on March 30, 1966.[2] The special was rebroadcast by CBS on Sept. 14, 1995.[3]

Track listing

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DVD

[edit]

Singles

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  1. "Where Am I Going?" / "You Wanna Bet" 1966
  2. "Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long" / "The Minute Waltz" 1966
  3. "Non C'est Rien" / "Le Mur" 1966

Accolades

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Color Me Barbra received Grammy Award nominations for Album of the Year and for Best Female Vocal Performance.

Charts

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Chart Peak
position
Australian Albums (Kent Music Report)[4] 5
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[5] 33
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[6] 15
US Billboard 200[7] 3
US Cashbox Top Albums[8] 1

Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[9] Gold 500,000^
United States (RIAA)[10]
Music videocassette
Gold 50,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Color Me Barbra is a studio album by American singer and actress , released in March 1966 by as the soundtrack to her second of the same name. The special, directed by Dwight Hemion and produced by Robert Mersey, premiered in color on March 30, 1966, featuring Streisand performing in whimsical settings such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a recreated . The album, also produced by Mersey, consists of ten tracks blending Broadway standards, operetta selections, and novelty numbers, including interpretations of "Yesterdays" from , "Where or When" from , and a medley of classic film songs. The project marked a pivotal moment in Streisand's early career, following the success of her debut television special in 1965, and showcased her versatility as a performer through elaborate production numbers and musical arrangements by . Recording sessions for the album took place in early 1966. The album's artwork, designed by Bob Cato, John Berg, and Elinor Bunin, featured vibrant, colorful illustrations inspired by children's book aesthetics, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Album Cover. Upon release, Color Me Barbra achieved commercial success, debuting on the chart on April 9, 1966, and reaching a peak position of number 3 while spending 36 weeks on the list. It was certified gold by the RIAA on April 20, 1966, for sales of 500,000 units. The album received critical acclaim for Streisand's vocal range and interpretive style, earning nominations at the for Album of the Year and Best Vocal Performance, Female. The accompanying was nominated for five , including Outstanding Musical Program and Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety or Music, highlighting its innovative production and Streisand's star power.

Background

Development

The album Color Me Barbra was conceived in late 1965 as a soundtrack companion to Barbra Streisand's second CBS television special of the same name, designed to capitalize on the emerging novelty of color broadcasting at a time when most programming remained in black and white. Pre-production for the special began on January 1, 1966, in New York and Philadelphia, with the album's recordings scheduled to align closely with the broadcast on March 30, 1966, allowing Columbia Records to promote it as a synergistic release. This tie-in approach mirrored the successful model of Streisand's debut special, My Name Is Barbra, but emphasized visual artistry to showcase the capabilities of color television. The project drew significant inspiration from the triumph of , which aired on April 28, 1965, and earned five , including Outstanding Program and Outstanding Performance by an Actress, along with a Peabody Award. These accolades propelled Streisand's rising fame, solidifying her transition from Broadway star to television and recording sensation, and prompting and Columbia to greenlight a follow-up that built on her growing multimedia presence. The success of the first special not only boosted sales of its accompanying album but also encouraged an expansion of Streisand's recording output, with Color Me Barbra positioned as the next milestone in her discography. Columbia Records opted to produce the album under Robert Mersey, who had helmed Streisand's previous releases, including the platinum-certified My Name Is Barbra earlier in 1965. This continuity ensured a polished sound that complemented her vocal style while advancing her commercial momentum, as the label coordinated recording sessions across late 1965 and early 1966 to meet the special's timeline. Mersey's involvement reflected Columbia's strategy to leverage Streisand's post-Emmy popularity for another top-charting LP, ultimately peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Song selection for Color Me Barbra embraced an eclectic mix of show tunes, standards, originals, and international pieces to echo the television special's whimsical and artistic theme, which was filmed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and featured Streisand interacting with paintings and sculptures in vibrant color. Tracks like the newly written "Starting Here, Starting Now"—chosen after Streisand heard a demo intended for another artist—and the adapted "The Minute Waltz" with custom lyrics for a Marie Antoinette segment underscored the album's playful, thematic alignment with the special's creative vision. This curation avoided repetition from her prior albums, instead prioritizing variety to highlight Streisand's versatility amid her ascending stardom.

Television Special

"Color Me Barbra!" is a 60-minute starring , which aired on on March 30, 1966, marking her first production filmed and broadcast in color. The special served as a visual companion to Streisand's concurrent release, showcasing her versatility through a blend of musical performances and whimsical sketches. Directed by Dwight Hemion and produced by Joe Layton and Hemion, with as , the special was conceived and choreographed by Layton, featuring music arrangements and conducting by . Filming took place over several days in January 1966, including sequences at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on –23 for the art gallery segments, a recreated circus environment with live animals at Studio 41 in New York on January 25, and a concert portion taped on January 27. The special's innovative structure alternated between nostalgic and comedic elements, opening with Streisand wandering through the museum's galleries while lip-syncing to pre-recorded vocals for "Yesterdays," interacting playfully with artworks in a dreamlike sequence. This transitioned into a circus medley featuring sketches and songs like "Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long," followed by a live finale with performances such as "Where Am I Going?" The format highlighted Streisand's and , earning praise for its free and easy style upon broadcast. The special was rebroadcast on CBS in 1994, edited for timing, and received five Primetime Emmy nominations in 1966, including for Outstanding Musical Program, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety or Music (Hemion), and Individual Achievements in Art Direction (Tom John) and Electronic Production—Lighting (Robert Barry), though it won none.

Production

Recording Process

The recording of Color Me Barbra occurred primarily at Columbia's 30th Street Studio (also known as Studio A) in New York City, with sessions from late 1965 to early 1966, including November 16, 1965 (for "Non, C'est Rien," originally intended for another album), December 14, 1965, January 7, 13, and 20, 1966, and March 2, 1966; "C'est Si Bon" was recorded even earlier on January 13, 1965. Sessions involved Streisand laying down live vocals atop orchestral arrangements, with multiple takes selected to preserve her expansive dynamic range and interpretive nuances. A key focus was achieving high-fidelity audio suitable for synchronization with the color television special, employing a large orchestra to support the album's medleys and classic standards; pre-recorded tracks required synchronization with on-location filming for the special. Producer Robert Mersey provided overall supervision for these efforts.

Creative Team

The creative team behind Color Me Barbra was led by producer Robert Mersey, who oversaw the album's arrangements and production for . Mersey, a veteran arranger and conductor at the label, coordinated the recording sessions and contributed arrangements for specific tracks, such as "Where Am I Going?", ensuring a cohesive sound that complemented Streisand's vocal style. Mersey conducted the orchestra for his arranged tracks using Columbia's in-house musicians; other tracks featured orchestras led by the respective arrangers, including Michel Legrand's ensemble. Arrangements were handled by a team of collaborators under Mersey's direction, including , who arranged and conducted tracks like "Yesterdays," "," "," "Gotta Move," "," and the medley " / / / They Didn't Believe Me." arranged and accompanied "Non, C'est Rien" and "" with his orchestra, adding a French flair to those selections. provided the arrangement for "Starting Here, Starting Now," rounding out the album's diverse musical palette drawn from Columbia's session talent. The album's visual design was crafted by art directors Bob Cato and John Berg, who conceptualized the packaging to evoke a vibrant, artistic theme tied to the album's title. Graphic artist Elinor Bunin contributed the distinctive cover drawing, a colorful illustration that captured an abstract, playful aesthetic and also informed the animated elements of the related television special. Their collaborative work earned a nomination for Best Album Cover, Graphic Arts at the 9th Annual Grammy Awards.

Music and Lyrics

Musical Style

Color Me Barbra exemplifies the genre, blending elements of , Broadway standards, and novelty songs to create an eclectic sound reflective of mid-1960s . The album draws heavily from the , incorporating compositions by influential songwriters such as , , and , whose works provide a foundation of sophisticated melodies and witty lyrics. This fusion highlights Streisand's versatility, allowing her to navigate between heartfelt ballads and playful interpretations with orchestral arrangements that amplify the material's dramatic flair. Thematically, the album evokes whimsy and , capturing the vibrant energy of the era's transition to through its lighthearted yet emotionally resonant selections. Streisand's interpretive approach emphasizes humor and depth, infusing standards with personal artistry that balances sophistication and playfulness. These elements tie into the accompanying television special's eclectic format, where musical numbers explore similar contrasts in tone and mood. The total runtime of 34:18 underscores the album's concise yet impactful presentation, supported by lush orchestral backing that complements Streisand's remarkable and dynamic delivery.

Track Listing

The track listing for Color Me Barbra consists of ten tracks, primarily standards from Broadway musicals and films, with one original composition and an instrumental adaptation, recorded between 1965 and 1966.
No.TitleWriter(s)DurationOriginal source
1"Yesterdays", 3:03From the musical (1933)
2"One Kiss", 2:15From the operetta (1928)
3"The Minute Waltz" (arr. Lan O'Kun)1:58Instrumental vocal adaptation of Chopin's Waltz in , Op. 64, No. 1 ("")
4"Gotta Move"2:00Original song written for Streisand
5"Non C'est Rien"Armand Canfora, Jimmy Basile, Michel Jourdan3:25French popular song (1950s standard)
6"Where or When", 2:50From the musical (1937)
7MedleyVarious4:35Medley of "Animal Crackers in My Soup" (from the film Curly Top, 1935; writers: , Ted Koehler, ), "" (from the musical , 1927; writers: , ), "That Face" (writers: Lew Spence, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman), "They Didn't Believe Me" (from the musical The Girl from Utah, 1914; writers: , Herbert Reynolds), "Were Thine That Special Face" (from the musical , 1948; writer: ), "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" (from the musical , 1956; writers: , ), "Let's Face the Music and Dance" (from the musical Face the Music, 1932; writer: )
8"Sam, You've Made the Pants Too Long"Sam M. Lewis, 2:05Popular song (1931 standard)
9"I'm All Smiles", 2:29From the musical Here's Love (1963)
10"Where Am I Going?", 3:42From the musical (1966)

Release and Promotion

Commercial Release

Color Me Barbra was released in March 1966 in the United States by , available in both mono (catalog number CL 2478) and stereo (CS 9278) vinyl LP formats. The album served as the to Streisand's second television special of the same name, which aired on March 30, 1966, and was notable as one of the first major color broadcasts on the network. The initial packaging included a standard 12-inch vinyl LP accompanied by a 4-page full-color insert booklet featuring photographs from the , enhancing the thematic to its "color" motif. Promotion emphasized this connection through local newspaper advertisements that urged audiences to "Watch Barbra Streisand's 'Color Me Barbra' tonight on TV … Play her new tomorrow!", alongside radio of key tracks to build anticipation around the special's . Singles drawn from the further aided promotional efforts by introducing standout songs to radio listeners. Internationally, Columbia Records rolled out similar vinyl LP editions in the (mono: 62675; stereo: BPG 62675), (mono: CL 2478; stereo: CS 9278), and several European markets including (stereo: S 62 675), (mono: 62675), and the (mono: 62675) by mid-1966.

Singles

Three singles were extracted from Color Me Barbra and released by in 1966 to capitalize on the album's tie-in with Streisand's CBS television special of the same name. These releases targeted adult contemporary audiences, drawing on the special's exposure to promote Streisand's versatile interpretations of Broadway and novelty tunes. The lead single, "Where Am I Going?", backed with "You Wanna Bet" (Columbia 4-43518), was issued in January 1966. Featured on the as a dramatic rendition from the musical , it received moderate attention and debuted on the in February, ultimately peaking at number 94 during its brief two-week run on the chart. In April 1966, Columbia followed with "Sam, You've Made the Pants Too Long" (Columbia 4-43612), paired with "The " as the B-side. This humorous 1920s novelty number, reinterpreted with playful flair, garnered some airplay on adult contemporary stations but failed to enter the or achieve significant commercial traction in the US. The third single, "Non C'est Rien" (Columbia 4-43739), released in July 1966 with "Le Mur" on the B-side, shifted focus to international markets, particularly , where Streisand's French-language recordings found a receptive audience. While it received limited promotion in the , the track's inclusion in the album and special helped introduce her multilingual appeal to European listeners.

Commercial Performance

Chart Positions

Upon its release in March 1966, Color Me Barbra achieved strong initial chart performance , reflecting Barbra Streisand's growing popularity following her previous albums and television appearances. The album's success was bolstered by the promotion of its accompanying CBS-TV special, which aired the same month, and the inclusion of tracks like "Sam, You Made the Pants Too Long," which was released as a single and bubbled under the at number 98. The following table summarizes the album's peak positions on major US album charts during 1966:
ChartPeak PositionYearWeeks on Chart
US 3196636
US Cash Box Top Albums11966
These peaks highlight the album's commercial momentum in the United States, where it spent multiple weeks in the top 10.

Sales Certifications

In the United States, Color Me Barbra received a Gold certification from the (RIAA) on April 20, 1966, recognizing 500,000 units shipped. The album has not achieved Platinum status or higher from the RIAA. The home video release of the accompanying Color Me Barbra television special earned its own RIAA certification on December 6, 1987, for 50,000 units.
RegionCertifying BodyCertificationUnitsDate
United States (Album)RIAA500,000April 20, 1966
United States (TV Special Video)RIAA50,000December 6, 1987

Reception

Critical Reviews

Upon its release, Color Me Barbra received positive attention from critics, particularly for its connection to Streisand's second television special of the same name, which showcased her vocal versatility and innovative interpretations. In a March 1966 review of the special, Jack Gould of praised Streisand's "free and easy" style, describing the production as a "triumph" that highlighted her ability to vitalize songs through movement and unpretentious delivery, qualities that carried over to the album's recordings. This emphasized the album's role in capturing Streisand's evolving artistry, blending standards and novelty numbers with fresh vocal innovations. Contemporary trade publications also commended specific elements of the album. Variety lauded the medleys for their seamless integration of humor and melody, showcasing Streisand's range in arrangements like the circus-themed sequences. Similarly, Billboard highlighted the album's strong commercial appeal, though it noted a focus on accessibility over deeper artistic exploration in some tracks. These reviews underscored common themes of appreciation for Streisand's humorous delivery and broad vocal capabilities, tempered by mild critiques of certain novelty tracks as serving more as filler than substantive contributions. In retrospective assessments, the album has been viewed as an eclectic but uneven entry in Streisand's discography. William Ruhlmann of awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, observing the diverse mix of standards, show tunes, and pop material drawn directly from the TV special, while critiquing the pacing as occasionally disjointed; he nonetheless praised Streisand's interpretive flair in bringing emotional depth to the selections. The album's artistic merits were further affirmed by its two Grammy Award nominations in 1967 for Album of the Year and Best Vocal Performance, Female.

Industry Recognition

The album Color Me Barbra received nominations in two categories at the in 1967: Album of the Year and Best Vocal Performance, Female. It lost the Album of the Year award to Frank Sinatra's A Man and His Music, while won Best Vocal Performance, Female for "If He Walked into My Life". These nominations highlighted the album's artistic merit amid Streisand's rising prominence in . The related CBS television special Color Me Barbra, which aired on March 30, 1966, earned five Primetime Emmy Award nominations at the 18th Annual ceremony. It was nominated for Outstanding Musical Program, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Variety or Music (for director Dwight Hemion), Individual Achievements in Electronic Production—Lighting Direction (for Robert Barry), Individual Achievements in Art Direction and Allied Crafts—Art Direction (for Tom H. John), and Individual Achievements in Art Direction and Allied Crafts—Set Direction (for Bill Harp). The special did not win any awards. No other major industry awards were bestowed specifically on the album or special during this period.

Legacy

Reissues and Media

The Color Me Barbra was first reissued on CD in 1987 by in , with subsequent remastered editions released by between 1994 and 1998, featuring improved audio quality but retaining the original 10-track lineup without added bonus material. The accompanying debuted on in 1986 via a release from /Fox, capturing the full production with its 12 musical segments, including performances of "" and other numbers not on the . A further edition followed in 1994 from 20th Century Fox, coinciding with a rebroadcast that trimmed some content for timing. The special received its first DVD release in 2005 as part of a five-disc of Streisand's early television specials, presented in its original 60-minute runtime with remastered video and minimal bonus features such as Streisand's brief on-camera introductions. A standalone DVD edition was released in July 2006 by Warner/, featuring the full special with remastered video. In the digital era, the album became widely available for streaming on platforms including , , and starting in the early 2000s, allowing access to the full tracklist in high-quality audio formats. In 2023, the track "" from the album was featured on the compilation "Evergreens: Celebrating Barbra Streisand's 6 Decades as a Columbia Artist." No significant vinyl re-pressings occurred in the , though original pressings remain collectible. As of the , the album continues to stream without major updates, while the television special was temporarily available for streaming on from 2018 to 2019 before being removed; as of November 2025, it remains unavailable on mainstream digital platforms, with no new remasters or editions announced post-2006.

Cultural Influence

Color Me Barbra marked a pivotal transition in Barbra Streisand's career, propelling her from Broadway stardom to a icon spanning television and film. The special highlighted her multifaceted talents in , , and , redefining the musical potential of the medium and establishing her as a trailblazing entertainer. This exposure broadened her appeal, paving the way for her subsequent film debut in Funny Girl (1968) and a lasting legacy across entertainment formats. As one of the earliest high-profile color television specials, Color Me Barbra exemplified the innovative fusion of modern art, performance, and broadcasting during the 1960s, when color TV was still emerging as a novelty. Filmed partly at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it integrated artistic visuals with musical numbers, influencing the aesthetic of variety shows in the era, including those by contemporaries like Judy Garland. The production's bold use of color and location shooting contributed to the golden age of TV specials, blending high culture with popular entertainment. In queer culture, the special has endured as a touchstone, inspiring tributes that recontextualize its campy elements. In 2017, The Bearded Ladies Cabaret presented Color Me Bearded at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a queer-themed homage that updated Streisand's original as a through the galleries, celebrating her as an of bold self-expression. This production underscored the special's lasting resonance in LGBTQ+ communities, where Streisand's unapologetic persona has long been revered. The album tied to the special received Grammy nominations for Album of the Year and Best Vocal Performance, Female in , affirming its artistic impact. Tracks from Color Me Barbra were later featured in the 1991 retrospective box set Just for the Record..., ensuring its inclusion in compilations that trace Streisand's early career milestones. The special continues to be referenced in retrospectives on her rise to fame, highlighting its role in shaping her multimedia legacy.

References

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