donna x barbra

**zeca azevedo** · September 10th, 2002, 02:03 PM

Ok, ok, ok

time for a new hot musical topic! Who won the prize for best vocal performance on NO MORE TEARS, Donna Summer or Barbra Streisand?

Well, I prefer Donna's performance. Barbra oversings on this song. Just my opinion.

Let's see your opinions about this topic.

Peace,

zeca azevedo, I'm not an opera fan, you know

P.S.: BOWIE x FREDDIE MERCURY on Under Pressure? BOWIE, of course!

**markydefad** · September 10th, 2002, 02:21 PM

Zeca,

You spelled BARBRA correctly!!!! :grin:

I'm kvelling (that's Yiddish--for "loving it"--I guess) I'm a Jew by osmosis. Get my drift???

**Nano** · September 10th, 2002, 03:41 PM

Donna is just INSUPERABLE in anything she makes.
Barbra always oversings a little... but she's Lou Reed compared to our Whitneys and Mariahs of today.
Marky, you can see I compared a Queen with another Queen

BTW, saw Bowie singing "Under pressure" live in the Earthling tour and it was magnificent. Of course, there was a black singer doing the Freddie part.

**markydefad** · September 11th, 2002, 12:58 AM

Poor Babs!!!!

You guys are so MEAN to the DIVA!!!! :lol:

The fact that this duet ever took place was pretty amazing at the time. When I first heard that they were recording a duet...I scoffed and said it ain't never gonna happen...(Sorta like Carrie did in last Sunday's "Sex & The City" regarding homo Nathan Lane marrying a LADY socialite!!!)

BUT--Quelle Surprise--IT DID HAPPEN!!!!!

I ran out to buy it as soon as it was released. Although the 12" is too long (11:40)--I think BOTH DIVAS acquited themselves admirably.. Donna gets first billing...BUT Streisand's photo is on the left under Donna's name. Paul Jabara cowrote the tune with another queen Bruce Roberts and Jabara is credited with actually making the record happen. Co-producing credits are shared between Barbra's Gary Klein and Donna's Giorgio Moroder. The 12" was released on Donna's label--Casablanca--BUT the song then appeared on Barbra's "Wet" LP and Donna's " On The Radio: Greatest Hits Vol 1 & 2".

So it was a sorta 50/50 propositon.

A landmark pairing of DIVAS...one for the ages, IMHO. :grin:

**SandraDee** · September 11th, 2002, 02:46 AM

Here in the UK, the 12" was released on Columbia/CBS & the 7" was released on Casablanca. I think the 7" was more concise & to the point in this case.

**DanceMan** · September 11th, 2002, 07:13 AM

On 2002-09-11 01:58, markydefad wrote:
Poor Babs!!!!

You guys are so MEAN to the DIVA!!!! :lol:

The fact that this duet ever took place was pretty amazing at the time. When I first heard that they were recording a duet...I scoffed and said it ain't never gonna happen...(Sorta like Carrie did in last Sunday's "Sex & The City" regarding homo Nathan Lane marrying a LADY socialite!!!)

BUT--Quelle Surprise--IT DID HAPPEN!!!!!

I ran out to buy it as soon as it was released. Although the 12" is too long (11:40)--I think BOTH DIVAS acquited themselves admirably.. Donna gets first billing...BUT Streisand's photo is on the left under Donna's name. Paul Jabara cowrote the tune with another queen Bruce Roberts and Jabara is credited with actually making the record happen. Co-producing credits are shared between Barbra's Gary Klein and Donna's Giorgio Moroder. The 12" was released on Donna's label--Casablanca--BUT the song then appeared on Barbra's "Wet" LP and Donna's " On The Radio: Greatest Hits Vol 1 & 2".

So it was a sorta 50/50 propositon.

A landmark pairing of DIVAS...one for the ages, IMHO. :grin:

This was quite the moment in disco history for me, and I never thought either, Marky, that this would take place....

Of course, if it wasn't for the success of Barbra's "Main Event" earlier that summer, coupled by the fact that Donna was the biggest thing in music in 1979, Barbra would have laughed this potential "pairing" off.....After the recording session, folks at Columbia wouldn't utter a word, but all the disco queens who worked at Casablanca said that neither recorded at the same time in the studio - and then I heard that they did record together but they were SO acting the Divas that they were born to be....so I still am not exactly sure what really went down...but one thing for sure, is that Barbra said she would never perform the song in public with Donna....so something negative must have gone down!....Donna was more silent on the subject, but I think she probably was pretty bowled over that she got Barbra to duet with her in the first place and that she (Donna)received the better accolades (although, I loved them equally for what they brought to the song)....

Thanks Zeca for this Post....anything else from 1979 - how about Donna vs. Bruce on "Heaven Knows?" Duh?

"Under Pressure" - no comment on the pairing as I hated that song, no matter who sang it.

**zeca azevedo** · September 11th, 2002, 11:12 AM

On 2002-09-10 15:21, markydefad wrote:
Zeca,

You spelled BARBRA correctly!!!! :grin:

I'm kvelling (that's Yiddish--for "loving it"--I guess) I'm a Jew by osmosis. Get my drift???

Hey Marky,

Yes, I'm getting your drift... LOL

What can I say? When the record was released, I remember that I ran to the store and bought the single, with that black and white pic of "babs" and Donna, shoulder to shoulder, remember that pic? I don't think that the divas posed together to the photo... Anyway, I heard the entire song first time on Donna comp ON THE RADIO (the best compilation of Donna's music ever assembled, in my humble opinion) and I tought that Donna's singin was right on the spot on the record. Barbra, always the Broadway star, never loses the chance to show all her impressive vocal range. I'm more into soulful singing than Broadway, so I prefer Donna's performance on this song. But I agree with you guys, it is a special moment in the history of Disco Music. And, of course, Barbra is a pop legend for sure.

Now about THE MAIN EVENT: I wonder why this song is almost forgotten among Disco fans. I never saw the song mentioned on any post before on this FORUM (correct me if I'm wrong). I can't remember other Disco songs by Mrs. Streisand, do you, guys? BTW, THE MAIN EVENT, the movie, is horrible (what about A STAR IS BORN? Ugh! And YENTL? Barbra as a guy? Come on! She will look better on the role of TOOTSIE (LOL). My favorite movies by the lady are her late 60's, early 70's movies).

My favorite pop diva is Diana Ross. Why? Because she is a MOTOWN diva! LOL!

If any of you guys have more info about Donna and Barbra duet, share with us, please.

Thanks fellas. Keep postin'.

zeca azevedo, in a duet with himself, the poor schizo guy

**markydefad** · September 11th, 2002, 11:29 AM

I was thinking about this historic pairing this morning driving to work--Barbra & Donna, that is. Now previously, Barbra had only duetted with the legendary Judy Garland on TV--as far as I can remember (also, The Merm--Ethel, that is joined them for a little "There's No Business Like Show Business" on that HISTORIC TV show). So the Donna pairing was most unexpected. Now subsequently, there has been a Celine Dion pairing---BUT those are the only 3 duets that Barbra has sung with another female singer. That I can think of...off the top o' me head.

Now, I can't think of a single time that Miss Ross EVER sang with another female singer....am I crazy????

Hey the Divas want to maintain their special DIVADOM--NOT SHARE the spotlight with another BITCH!!!!! I was reminded of this last night cause BOTH Miss Ross & Bette Midler were good girlfriends with Cher during the 70's, HONEST!!!!--(supposedly Bette & Diana did not get along)--BUT only Bette appeared on Cher's variety show (with Elton John, no less). Miss Ross NEVER shared the spotlight with another female singer....that I can think of ...OK, prove me wrong!!!! :lol:

**zeca azevedo** · September 11th, 2002, 11:50 AM

On 2002-09-11 12:29, markydefad wrote:
I was thinking about this historic pairing this morning driving to work--Barbra & Donna, that is. Now previously, Barbra had only duetted with the legendary Judy Garland on TV--as far as I can remember (also, The Merm--Ethel, that is joined them for a little "There's No Business Like Show Business" on that HISTORIC TV show). So the Donna pairing was most unexpected. Now subsequently, there has been a Celine Dion pairing---BUT those are the only 3 duets that Barbra has sung with another female singer. That I can think of...off the top o' me head.

Now, I can't think of a single time that Miss Ross EVER sang with another female singer....am I crazy????

Hey the Divas want to maintain their special DIVADOM--NOT SHARE the spotlight with another BITCH!!!!! I was reminded of this last night cause BOTH Miss Ross & Bette Midler were good girlfriends with Cher during the 70's, HONEST!!!!--(supposedly Bette & Diana did not get along)--BUT only Bette appeared on Cher's variety show (with Elton John, no less). Miss Ross NEVER shared the spotlight with another female singer....that I can think of ...OK, prove me wrong!!!! :lol:

Hey Marky,

do you remember the VH-1 Divas Special that honored Diana? She sang BABY LOVE with a relutant MARIAH CAREY. It was a strange moment. At one point at the show, Mariah said something like: "I was watching Miss Ross today and I began to think that I'm still learning to be a diva!"

And what about the day Miss Ross take the mic from the hands of Patti LaBelle? And when Miss Ross take the mic from the hands of Mary Wilson?

The lady is a tramp or what?

Peace,

zeca azevedo

**markydefad** · September 11th, 2002, 12:13 PM

Hmmm...well Zeca, I was just in the restroom and the VH1 Special flashed in my head--BUT, I only remember Miss Ross singing solo--BUT I guess that she did do a little thing with Mariah.

When did she sing with Patti LaBelle???? Miss LaBelle would blow her off the stage, I'm afraid.

The Mary Wilson thing doesn't count. She's a "back-up" singer. She's supposed to stand at least 2 feet behind Miss Ross!!!! LOL!!!

**sirius** · September 11th, 2002, 12:21 PM

Dear Friends!
I remember the stories and rumours about
"No More Tears"...
Although Donna has a stronger voice than
Barbra, she didn´t hold the breath that
long than her...
The Photograph of the single or 12" is real
because Barbra is about 1,5 inches bigger
than Donna...therefore Donna is listed first.
But Barbra is smaller than Donna and she
was standing for this classical photo on
telephone-books.
I think, the photo was made by Francesco
Scavullo.
Donna and Barbra were real enemies, but
later they became friends after recording
the record. Also Paul Jabara was responsi-
ble for "The Main Event".
Certainly my fave is Donna, but Barbra was
lot of Disco at that time...
"No More Tears" is a big DiscoHit at DISCO-
HEAVEN and it is maybe one of the most
hysterical duets I´ve ever heard...I love it!
Cosmic Love & Kisses From SIRIUS & DARKTUNES

**zeca azevedo** · September 11th, 2002, 12:54 PM

On 2002-09-11 13:13, markydefad wrote:
Hmmm...well Zeca, I was just in the restroom and the VH1 Special flashed in my head--BUT, I only remember Miss Ross singing solo--BUT I guess that she did do a little thing with Mariah.

When did she sing with Patti LaBelle???? Miss LaBelle would blow her off the stage, I'm afraid.

The Mary Wilson thing doesn't count. She's a "back-up" singer. She's supposed to stand at least 2 feet behind Miss Ross!!!! LOL!!!

Hey Marky,

the episode with Mary Wilson happened when they're recording the TV program about the 25th anniversary of MOTOWN Records. At the end of the program, when all MOTOWN stars were singing REACH OUT AND TOUCH, Diana's mic failed and she immediately took the mic from the hands of Mary Wilson. It's a well known fact. You can see at the end of the program Mary Wilson with her hands empty, without a mic.

Patti LaBelle's episode happened in a special event, full of music stars. I think it was a SOUL TRAIN event or something like that,I'm not sure. Diana was singing lead vocals on a live rendition of I WANNA KNOW WHAT LOVE IS (yes, the FOREIGNER song) joined by an all star cast. Mrs. LaBelle began to outsing Diana - she did blow dirty Diana off the stage with her big, amazing voice. What Miss Ross did? She simply took away the mic from Patti's hands! Can you believe that? Fantastic, isn't it?

If anyone here knows these episodes envolving Miss Ross, Patti and Mary, please send more info to us.

Peace,

zeca azevedo, taking the mic from YOUR hands now, LOL

[ This Message was edited by: zeca azevedo on 2002-09-11 13:57 ]

**DanceMan** · September 11th, 2002, 05:01 PM

Well.....I am sick and tired of hearing all this dirt about two of my favorite divas.....but how about a little more?

Diana was supposed to sing a duet with Kathi "I wanna be a big solo star" Sledge on that boring mega-billion DIANA album and supposedly there are some studio tracks in a vault somewhere....but Diana thought that Ms. Sledge was gaining too much vocal ground on her, ala Patti LaBelle, and stormed out or merely cancelled the whole thing...(I prefer to think that she stormed out, don't you)..my friend, Paul, from Alpha Distributors (who distributed all of the Motown output) in Manhattan was best friends with Mary Wilson, so you know that they would say anything to dis Ms. D......that was my only source for that story....Nile Rodgers rejects it as only a "fantastic idea" which never got off the ground (apparently)....

Speaking of Motown meets Barbra Streisand.....
B. S. tried disco on her Lazy Afternoon album in '76 with the Four Tops chestnut, "Shake Me, Wake Me." I was not in the biz at the time so I never had the promo-only 12" of it, but if it is available somewhere.....PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW MUCH YOU WANT FOR IT.....

I saw everything on Diana and taped most of it...she did rip the mic from most anyone who got in her way and Mary was trying to purposely upstage her on the Motown Special so she grabbed her mic to shut her up...they despise each other and all this talk about a reunion a few years ago and I am going "YEAH RIGHT!"...and you see where that went....they couldn't pay them enough to set foot on the stage together and, without the originals, nobody cared about her pairing with the 1977 Supremes, minus Mary...

I never heard the story about the telephone books which Donna stood on...that is a hoot....

I still cannot believe they posed together!

And, of course, I own the Judy, Barbra, Ethel 1963 video....what kind of man would I be if I didn't....oh yeah, a non-gay one!

**markydefad** · September 11th, 2002, 05:34 PM

I'm pretty sure that Donna is taller than Barbra--so I am not so sure how true the phone book story is. (Everyone who's seen Barbra face to face comments on how little she is in person; Donna seems a bigger gal--BUT I could be wrong!!!!

I also heard they never sang together in the studio--that they recorded their parts separately. I always thought the cover photo was two separate photos merged together. But I wasn't there--so I don't know for sure.

Yeah, I do remember Diana yanking the mike out of Mary's hand on the Motown Anniversary show. Supposedly she shoved Mary out of the way, too. That's my girl!!! Go, Lady Di!!!!--the poster Diva for bad behavior!!!! Maybe that's why I love her so!!! :lol:

**keefelc** · September 11th, 2002, 07:54 PM

On 2002-09-11 18:34, markydefad wrote:
I also heard they never sang together in the studio--that they recorded their parts separately.

Yeah, I do remember Diana yanking the mike out of Mary's hand on the Motown Anniversary show. Supposedly she shoved Mary out of the way, too.

I remember reading an article awhile back about Donna and Babs in the studio recording the song together. Donna was suppose to have had a hard time keeping up with Barbra. At one point, while trying to match a note, Donna was reported to have fallen off her chair. Was this story true? I don't have a clue.

As for Diana versus Mary, I remember watching this special with my roommates. Suddenly we screamed in unison to each other in disbelief, "Did that bitch just push Mary??!" That was followed with howls of laughter!

Now for Bette on Cher's solo show. Bette apparently had a falling out with Cher after the show was broadcast because Bette's solo was cut out. Those old enough may remember Bette's comment on the Grammy Awards, "She didn't give me a solo, but she gave me a dress" (Bette had on one of the Bob Mackie gowns that she wore on the show).

Speaking of Bette, anybody know anything about the rumour of a concert tour in early 2003??? It's said she'll tour to publicize the television broadcast of "Hello Dolly". Oh, I hope that's true!

**markydefad** · September 11th, 2002, 09:18 PM

Well, incurable gossip that I am...this most intriguing topic (thanks Zeca!!!) led me to do some personal investigation. So, I walked to a book shelf and pulled a Streisand bio to see what was revealed about the recording session. :lol:

Before, I tell the tale....it IS true that the idea to team Streisand and Summer was the brainchild of Paul Jabara who had written a hit for each ("Last Dance" for Donna and "The Main Event" for Babs)...HOWEVER, the MOST amusing part of the story in the book is WHO actually convinced La Streisand to do the record...cause she had said "NO" to the song previously.

Anyone wanna guess who convinced Barbra to do the duet???? :grin:

Cryptic Clue: in retrospect, it makes perfect sense. :grin:

_________________
Make My Feet Wanna Dance!

Markydefad

[ This Message was edited by: markydefad on 2002-09-11 22:19 ]

**DanceMan** · September 11th, 2002, 09:49 PM

Jason Gould, Marky dear.....who else...she was the lad's fave singer - even at the ripe old age of 12.....Jabara brought Donna over to Bab's home for lunch and the deal was sealed with a HISS.....

**zeca azevedo** · September 11th, 2002, 10:27 PM

On 2002-09-11 22:49, DanceMan wrote:
...the deal was sealed with a HISS.....

Wow! Amazing stuff! This topic is getting hotter and hotter (LOL)!

Hey fellas, I did my homework too!

On the pages of the wonderful book DIVIDED SOUL - THE LIFE OF MARVIN GAYE, written by the great David Ritz, here's what I found - Marvin Gaye talking about Diana's personality:

"Even with Barry's help, Diana hasn't reached
Streisand's position, though she deserves it. Diana's about business. She'll out-rehearse you, outdress you, and outperform you, so you best stay out of her way... Everyone said that Diana was Berry's puppet. But I know women, and I knew it was only a matter of time before Diana would get what she wanted. I watched her consolidate her power. Any woman who gets involved with Berry Gordy - and hangs in like Diana did - must be made of steel".

That's our girl! Like it or not, with good or bad behavior, Diana Ross paved the way for other girls on the hard biz of pop music - I'm thinking about Madonna, for sure.

Now, let's go back to Donna Summer for a while. Did anyone here saw her performing REFLECTIONS, tha classic song by THE SUPREMES, on Diana's VH1 special? I liked a lot, it was a great perfomance. It was released on CD or not? I'd love to hear a duet by Donna and Diana, don't you, guys?

Peace,

zeca azevedo

[ This Message was edited by: zeca azevedo on 2002-09-11 23:33 ]

**markydefad** · September 11th, 2002, 11:13 PM

From "Her Name Is Barbra" by Randall Riese:

"It was Paul Jabara's dream to unite Streisand and Summer in the recording studio. The songwriter, however, could not get them together in the same room. Barbra, not much of a disco fan, reportedly, was not familiar with Summer's music. After a string of number one hits--Summer was the biggest selling female artist of the time.

"Enough Is Enough" was written by Jabara for Streisand's "Wet" album. The LP was to be a concept recording, with all the songs having something to do with water. "Enough Is Enough" was rejected by Barbra as not "wet" enough. Determined, and a diehard Streisand fan, Jabara inserted a new opening line in the song "It's raining, it's pouring..."

Scheming, Jabara asked his friend Summer, who had just returned home from touring, if she would like to accompany him to Barbra's house for lunch. She agreed to go if Barbra approved. Jason Gould, age 12, answered the phone. "I told him to ask his mother about lunch" Jabara recalled. Jason screamed, "Donna Summer! Donna Summer!" said Jabara "Turns out Jason was the biggest Donna fan in the world. So I owe it all to him".

Jabara & Summer drove to the Malibu ranch compound. They DIDN'T get lunch, but Jabara did play his revised song for Barbra. Jason develped a rapport with the songwriter, fawned over the visiting queen of disco, loved the song, and urged his mother to do it. Uncertain about the number, but swept up in her son's excitement, Barbra agreed.

"Enough Is Enough" was recorded in a Los Angeles studio in August, 1979. Although there was some of the usual bickering and insecurity of the "Is her line better than mine?" variety , the dueting "divas" were anything but dueling. Instead, they approached one another, sitting stool by stool, with mutual respect.

"Barbra and Donna were intimidated by each other", Jabara related, "and each couldn't understand why the other person should be intimidated."

The two women sang with, and at, each other for hours. At one point, Donna was having a hard time holding a certain note as long as Barbra. Out of breath, she lost her balance and fell off her stool.

Retitled "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" to better fit into Barbra's concept, the song was a smash, with both singers more than holding their own in the end result. It entered the Billboard top 40 on 10/27/79 and bolted into the number one position. For Barbra, however, the REAL reward was that Jason, who never seemed to like any of her records, played the song constantly in his bedroom."

Yeah, I know...it's almost too funny to be true...but yes, budding queen Jason Gould was the deciding factor in this one. :lol:

_________________
Make My Feet Wanna Dance!

Markydefad

[ This Message was edited by: markydefad on 2002-09-12 00:17 ]

[ This Message was edited by: markydefad on 2002-09-12 00:33 ]

**nrgbeat** · September 12th, 2002, 05:32 AM

It's interesting that both Babs and Cher, both gay icons had gay children.

**DanceMan** · September 12th, 2002, 07:10 AM

On 2002-09-12 06:32, nrgbeat wrote:
It's interesting that both Babs and Cher, both gay icons had gay children.

Along that line of thinking.....more food for future thought:

Diana has three daughters and two sons...Bette has one daughter...Madonna has one daughter and one son...and Liza has David Gest!

**zeca azevedo** · September 12th, 2002, 08:19 AM

Hey guys,

nobody will vote for Barbra on this topic? LOL!

Peace

zeca azevedo

**Nano** · September 13th, 2002, 07:24 PM

I just read all the gossip in this thread and wanted to tell you guys it's probably the most interesting topic I read in quite some time in this forum. Plus, I didn't know all that Diana stories. Now I understand...
Now you should do some clearing on the facts of the other (almost) disco collaboration of Mrs. Streisand: the "Guilty" album she made with Barry Gibb. Remember those white suites in the white cover? And Babs' yelling in the infamous and overplayed "Woman in love"? Did she feel Barry's falsetto as competition?

**NickNack** · September 13th, 2002, 07:55 PM

On 2002-09-11 12:12, zeca azevedo wrote:
I can't remember other Disco songs by Mrs. Streisand, do you, guys?

1975: Promo 12" of "Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over)". Trivia note: Above Barbra's name is the phrase 'COLUMBIA DISCO SERIES'. The pressing on this 12" SUCKS!!

1980: Promo 12" of "Promises", form the GUILTY lp. Nicely extended in this remix and the pressing is back to Columbia's standards.

**zeca azevedo** · September 14th, 2002, 01:28 AM

On 2002-09-13 20:24, Nano wrote:
I just read all the gossip in this thread and wanted to tell you guys it's probably the most interesting topic I read in quite some time in this forum. Plus, I didn't know all that Diana stories. Now I understand...
Now you should do some clearing on the facts of the other (almost) disco collaboration of Mrs. Streisand: the "Guilty" album she made with Barry Gibb. Remember those white suites in the white cover? And Babs' yelling in the infamous and overplayed "Woman in love"? Did she feel Barry's falsetto as competition?

Hi Nano,

well, I don't know any stories about this record. All I know is the album sold a zillion copies. GUILTY... What a name for an album like that, eh? LOL! Ok, the song WHAT KIND OF FOOL is cute and PROMISES is passable, but WOMAN IN LOVE, wow! I hear this, er, song and I understand why they decided to call the album GUILTY! LOL!

Peace,

zeca azevedo, not guilty, your honor