Has Barbra Streisand Lost Her Voice?
As of my last update in August 2023, Barbra Streisand has faced some vocal challenges in recent years, predominantly due to health issues that affected her singing. She has spoken about her struggles with her voice, especially after undergoing surgery in 2010 to remove vocal polyps. Despite these challenges, she continued to perform and record music, adapting her singing style and repertoire as necessary.
Early Career: An Amusing Voice
Early in her career, Barbra Streisand had an exceptional voice—one that many admired and even envied. By the time she was 30, her voice began to decline. She managed to adjust her singing well, but it was not the same as it used to be. For instance, her trademark lung power, which she was renowned for, diminished over time.
Voice Changes Over Time
The term “lost” can vary in meaning. Streisand's voice has certainly changed, but it's not necessarily a loss of her gift. Her voice can be crystal clear and remarkably unchanged one moment, yet croaky and hoarse the next. While her lung power is no longer as impressive, these fluctuations are a common feature of professional singers. Her vocal cords, approaching 80 years of age, limit her ability to perform many of the songs that made her famous.
Specifically, Streisand cannot hit some of the high notes she once could, and sometimes she adjusts how she sings her best-known tunes live to better suit her current vocal range. However, she has always been careful about her public appearances and recordings, making sure to care for her voice. As of 2017, her last record and tour dates, she has continued to adapt to her changing voice.
Personal Perspective: A Fan's View
I have been a big fan of Barbra Streisand since 2002. Notably, her voice has gone deeper and huskier since 2003. Prior to this, her voice was still crystalline and clear. However, the evolution of her voice is what makes her so unique. Despite these changes, her different vocal styles have been praised and embraced.
Streisand has always adored all her various vocal performances, and she has changed her material and style to match her vocal capability. This adjustment reflects her commitment to maintaining a career that continues to resonate with audiences. Her careful management of her instrument is a testament to her professionalism and love for her craft.
While it is clear that bars to her voice have opened over the years, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of these challenges. Her voice may have changed, but her dedication to the art of singing remains unassuming and enduring.