Evergreen (1977) 5/9/20

The plot: An up-and-coming singer meets and falls in love with an over-the-hill alcoholic performer on his way down.

“A Star is Born” is a classic drama. So much so, that Hollywood has made and remade the film a total of 4 times.

#1: In 1937, starring Janet Gaynor, with a screenplay by the legendary Dorothy Parker.

#2: In 1954, starring the legendary Judy Garland.

#4: In 2018, starring the quickly-becoming-legendary Lady Gaga.

And #3: In 1976 starring the legendary Barbra Streisand., and featuring today's “Great Song of the '70s.

Of course, you've noticed that I used the word “legendary” for a woman in every film. That's not an accident. Nor is it lip service.

But in Barbra's case, she not only won the 1977 Golden Globe for Best Actress (in the Golden Globe winner for Best Picture!), she won the Golden Globe AND the Oscar for Best Original Song, “Evergreen,” which she co-wrote with composer Paul Williams. She thus became the first woman ever to win an Oscar for composing.

Many times, a Golden Globe or Oscar-winning song does not translate into chart success, but once again, Barbra defied the odds. “Evergreen” went to #1 on the Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary Charts in both the US and Canada, and was a Top 10 hit 4 other countries. Plus, the song won TWO 1977 Grammys: “Best Pop Vocal Performance” and “Song of the Year!”

Barbra Streisand: Truly legendary—with a Truly“Great Song of the '70s!” (This version is directly from the film and features co-star Kris Kristofferson.)