Barbra Streisand and Madonna: The Lost Collaboration of Broadway Legends

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Genesis of an Unfinished Collaboration
4. The Last-Minute Change
5. Cultural Impact of "Annie Get Your Gun"
6. Current Relevance
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Barbra Streisand's 1993 album Back to Broadway almost featured a collaboration with Madonna and Bette Midler on the classic song "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better."
• The creative arrangement, conceived by David Foster, aimed to blend each star’s unique musical style, ultimately concluding with a humorous twist.
• Madonna's last-minute withdrawal dashed the plans for what could have been an extraordinary musical moment.

Introduction

When pondering the musical landscape of the late 20th century, few moments spark more curiosity than the collaboration that never was between icons Barbra Streisand, Madonna, and Bette Midler. An alluring "what-if" scenario emerged recently, revealing that a planned duet for Streisand's Back to Broadway album nearly brought these three powerhouses together on a reimagined rendition of "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better." This piece, originally from the 1946 musical Annie Get Your Gun, shines not only as a classic tune but also as a representation of the synergy and individualism that defined an era of vocal art. Yet, as is often the case in the world of music, unforeseen circumstances prevented its realization.

In an exclusive interview, Jay Landers, Streisand’s A&R representative, recounted the ambitious concept—a spirited trio that would blend the unique sounds and styles of each performer. While the collaboration never materialized, it raises fascinating questions about artistry, collaboration, and the fleeting nature of musical potential.

The Genesis of an Unfinished Collaboration

In the early 1990s, Streisand was basking in the success of her illustrious career, keen on revisiting the Great American Songbook through her album Back to Broadway. This ambitious project sought to breathe new life into classic Broadway numbers, showcasing not only Streisand's formidable vocal talents but also the vibrancy of Broadway itself. During this period, Landers suggested a duet of "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" with Madonna, a pairing that could blend their contrasting styles into an unforgettable collaboration.

Landers described how David Foster, a renowned producer and arranger, devised an enticing musical backdrop meant to highlight the individual strengths of Streisand, Madonna, and Midler. “We created a demo, and then it became apparent that we had the opportunity to do something extraordinary,” Landers explained.

Musical Arrangement and Vision

The arrangement designed by Foster was nothing short of ingenious. He envisaged a playful, competitive spirit, akin to the original, where Annie Oakley and Frank Butler engage in a vocal back-and-forth. However, Foster’s take innovated on this format.

• Streisand's Legendary Lilt: Her verses were to be characterized by her powerful, soulful voice, bringing a dramatic flair to the dialogue.
• Madonna's Disco Beat: For Madonna’s section, Foster proposed a disco-infused beat, capturing the energetic pop sensibility that defined Madonna’s rise in the music industry. As Landers noted, “Anything you can sing, I can sing sweeter”—reimagined into a danceable groove.
• Midler's Theatrical Flair: In contrast, Midler’s portion included motifs reminiscent of her iconic "Wind Beneath My Wings," emphasizing her sentimental style.

The amalgamation would lend each diva's strengths to a collaborative piece, creating a mosaic of musical expression.

The Last-Minute Change

Despite the excitement and the promising vision, trouble arose as Madonna was unable to participate at the last minute for unspecified reasons. While Landers expressed regret over the loss of this potential collaboration, he also reflected on the unpredictability of the music industry.

In the years following this missed opportunity, each artist pursued their own successful trajectories, adding rich chapters to their careers. Streisand continued to refine her position as a legend in both film and music, while Madonna further established her legacy as the "Queen of Pop".

Legacy and What Could Have Been

The brilliance of "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" lies not only in its playful lyrics but also in its thematic exploration of rivalry and camaraderie. With Streisand, Madonna, and Midler, fans could envision a captivating dynamic—three unique voices united by a shared experience, yet differentiated by their individual artistry.

Had this collaboration succeeded, it would have contributed significantly to the artistic conversation of the time, perhaps leading to future partnerships among these iconic women. The creative potential and cultural implications would have been monumental, as they seamlessly blended Broadway’s traditional roots with contemporary pop sensibilities.

Cultural Impact of "Annie Get Your Gun"

Originally penned by Irving Berlin for the Broadway stage in 1946, Annie Get Your Gun remains a towering figure in American musical theater. Its compositions embraced themes of love, competition, and the feminist spirit, as showcased through its protagonist, Annie Oakley. This song particularly epitomizes those themes through its competitive banter, reflecting the playful rivalry present in both the show and musical history.

The Evolution of Broadway Music

The evolution of Broadway musicals, particularly in how they adapt to contemporary influences, has facilitated numerous cross-genre collaborations over the years. The failed Streisand-Madonna-Midler collaboration exemplifies how traditional Broadway music can spark new creative dialogues within the pop landscape.

As Broadway itself has evolved, various artists have drawn inspiration from its rich history, bridging the divide between the stage and popular music. From modern remixing of classic show tunes to musical adaptations of popular films and songs, the legacy of Broadway continues to resonate in contemporary music.

Current Relevance

Fast forward to today, and the collaboration remains a tantalizing footnote in the history of popular music. Fans often wonder what other moments have slipped through the cracks. In an age where collaborations are often instantaneous and digital media facilitates unprecedented access, the sense of immediacy contrasts sharply with earlier eras where scheduling and other unforeseen circumstances could derail even the most formidable partnerships.

The Power of Digital Collaboration

The rise of digital music production today allows artists worldwide to collaborate without geographical constraints. In this evolving landscape, the missed duet serves as a reminder of past limits while simultaneously inspiring today’s musicians to weave together various elements across spaces, genres, and generations.

Conclusion

The story of Barbra Streisand’s almost collaboration with Madonna and Bette Midler continues to captivate music aficionados, serving as both a reminder of the grand possibilities within the music world and the unpredictability inherent in creative processes. While we will never hear the full version of this envisioned collaboration, its legacy lives on in the imaginations of fans—an emblem of what might have been, amplified by the stunning historical context of the artists involved.

FAQ

Why didn't the collaboration happen?

Madonna had to withdraw from the project at the last minute for undisclosed reasons, which ultimately prevented the duet from being recorded.

Who was involved in the song arrangement?

The arrangement was crafted by renowned music producer David Foster, who aimed to blend the unique vocal styles of all three artists—Streisand, Madonna, and Bette Midler.

What is the significance of "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better"?

This song is a classic from the 1946 musical Annie Get Your Gun and is renowned for its themes of competition and playful rivalry, making it a fitting choice for a collaboration among these three powerful female artists.

How has Broadway influenced pop music today?

Broadway's influence has led to various adaptations and collaborations across genres, bridging classical theater music with modern pop sensibilities, showcasing the continued relevance of musical theater in contemporary music culture.

What impact would this collaboration have had on their careers?

Had the collaboration proceeded, it's likely that it would have further cemented each artist's legacy while also fostering a narrative of female empowerment and collaboration in an era where such partnerships were less common.