Streisand Backstage Chatter: Elliott Gould Had No Idea Son Jason Is Now a Performer
ALL EXCLUSIVE Lots of this and that from the backstage at Barbra Streisand’s return to Brooklyn: first of all, actor Elliott Gould had no idea his son with Barbra, 46 (yes, hard to believe) year old Jason Gould could sing, would sing, did sing on stage and so professionally with Barbra at the show. Elliott looked a little stunned. During the show, Barbra presents a birthday video that Jason made for her 70th with him singing “Nature Boy” backed by an orchestra. He sounds like a pro, with a deep lustrous version of his mom’s vocals.
After the video, he joined Barbra on stage, where they sang together, then he performed “This Masquerade” on his own. He could easily have a career, and an act. Backstage he told me he’s got songs on iTunes. Indeed he has five songs including “Nature Boy” and “How Deep the Ocean.” A surprised Elliott told me: “I didn’t know he could sing like that. But once when he was younger he sang when we were on a trip, and I knew he had it in him.” A proud father, I’d say…
…A big group gathered in a circle and sang “Happy Birthday” to Chris Botti at the backstage party. The youthful looking horn player turned 50 at midnight. Among the group was his manager, Bobby Colomby, an original member of the great Blood, Sweat, & Tears–who are still not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, dammit. Now Chris– who tours constantly–is with Barbra at every show–just wowing the crowd musically and doing double time as an able co-host…Good for him…ex girlfriend Katie Couric stopped by to say hello. She missed the show because of an event with one of her kids, but wanted to see Chris and congratulate him…
…The after-party was hosted, nominally, by Universal Pictures chief Ron Meyer– as a friend, not professionally. He brought his 18 year old daughter and two of her college friends. Meyer is the mensch of the movie business. And he’s about to have a huge, huge hit with Tom Hooper’s “Les Miserables” starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway. Meyers’ guests included former Paramount chief Sherry Lansing and director husband William Friedkin. Also there, the great “Rocky” producer Irwin Winkler…
…Barbra’s manager of half a century Marty Ehrlichmann had a little gathering of his own immediately after the show, and before Barbra was ready to see everyone. She had joked on stage that Marty “spotted me in the neonatal unit at Brooklyn Hospital and knew that I had a voice.” Cantankerous Marty has steered Streisand through mostly ups and presumably downs (I don’t know of any). They’ve had a remarkably successful association. And he’s as feisty as ever, a great guy in a bad business…
…Finally: Barbra’s producer Jay Landers says if “Release Me,” her new album of unreleased tracks is a hit, they have more. And “Release Me” will enter the charts around number 5 on Monday. Not bad.
What a marvelous and beautiful gift Jason Gould has. More Jason. Barbara must be so proud. Love the two of them together. Jason has an extaordinary gift he needs to share with the world. Class act all the way with both of them. Jason is awesome in his own right. What a special and beautiful gift from God and what a great reward for Barbara. So moving and he is totally charismatic onstage. Lovely, keep it coming Jason. He is gifted, wonder why he kept it under wraps for so long. And he is handsome beyond words. What a beautiful life she has now and a great reward for a parent. Jason is magnificent and extaordinary.
The first time I saw and “heard” Barbra Sreisand was in Funny Girl. It was one of the first movies my mother took me to see as a small child.
When I saw her in concert, in Vancouver recently…it fulfilled a lifelong dream.
It is a blessing that she has passed on her beautiful gift to her son Jason.
So thankful that I finally got to see and hear her in person. Once in a lifetime.
Donna
My dream of 20 years came true last Monday night finally seeing Barbra Streisand live in concert in Vancouver, Canada…it was truly amazing and everything I dreamed it wd be….my husband surprised me a month ago with a ticket and we both flew to Vancouver from Australia!!!! I was so lucky and am so,grateful xxxxalia
Rafaela. I enjoyed your account of your experience Thank You.
For such an ardent fan, I can appreciate you needing to attend the performances alone.
For me who lives in New Zealand, I cannot attend.
However my joy comes from knowing Barbra found James Brolin
Chris Botti-my heart pounds at the sound of his name! One of America’s true, great artists, may he play and play and play for another 50, thank you Chris Botti for all the joy and inspiration your enormous ability and sensuous musicality has given us, never leave the stage and our hearts! MMH
Love Barbra so much, her singing was incredible in Brooklyn and brought us old Brooklynites home again- especially impressed with Jason’s beautiful voice and stage presence- the pride in Ms Streisand’s eyes said enough for all us moms!
my comment not complete…. I AM almost exactly 10 years younger than barbra and was a fan at 12 years old. the concert as alwaYS was so great and beautiful aND mesmerizng. and yes… Mr. Jason Gould, has a gorgeous voice… i guess it runs in the family… streisand, among her many talents, her performance as an “actress that sings” was overwhelmingly riveting for me…. matched with her honesty and humor mellowness too… was a wonder…. i must say i must go alone to any performance that streisand gives (i’ve seen most) because i must concentrate and study and focus without missing a moment. it is a spritual experience. for me…
In deed I went to the concert thursday (i originally ms streisand in the original broadway cast of funny girl…i