Frank Sinatra - Duets

Capitol 89611 (CD) Original Release: November 1993
Album Produced by Phil Ramone

Barbra Streisand duets with Frank Sinatra on "I've Got A Crush On You," produced by David Foster & Phil Ramone, and arranged by Patrick Williams. Reportedly, Barbra also recorded a solo version of the song for 1993's Back To Broadway, but didn't include it on the album. After Sinatra's initial new recording in July 1993, the producers added a female voice to his recording to demonstrate their conception of Streisand's part, which required, among various things, modulation between Sinatra's F key and Streisand's E-flat key. Barbra recorded her duet part with her two producers and live orchestral accompaniment at the Todd-AO studios in L.A. on August 17, 1993. She received a huge flower bouquet and message from Sinatra. Touched by the gesture, Barbra sent Frank a thank you note along with a photocopy of a message he had written her after seeing Funny Girl on Broadway. Because Barbra added the phrase, "You make me blush, Francis," Sinatra subsequently overdubbed "Barbra" for "baby" in the preceding line using a digital tape recorder in his dressing room before a concert later that month. That was the finishing touch. All 13 artists who dueted with Sinatra on this album agreed to perform for no payment or royalties and are free to release their contributions on their own solo albums. 

Barbra had also performed for no fee on June 13, 1971, Frank Sinatra's farewell concert at the L.A. Music Center's Ahmanson Theater, benefiting the Motion Picture and Television Relief Fund. She was the final act before Sinatra (who came out of retirement two years later), yielding the stage to Frank after midnight.

Barbra Streisand was among the countless artists and celebs who videotaped special 80th birthday messages to Frank for the internationally televised Sinatra 80th gala birthday celebration in December 1995. However, Barbra's message didn't appear on the U.S. telecast but was included overseas. Have a listen to her Sinatra birthday message now.
Barbra Streisand's Sinatra 80th Birthday Message (15 sec.)

Frank Sinatra, perhaps the greatest male pop singer of all-time, passed away from a heart attack on May 14, 1998 at age 82. The day after Mr. Sinatra's passing, The BSMG received the following statement from Barbra: "He was the epitome of what singing is all about, beautiful sound, smooth as silk, effortless, impeccable phrasing, stylish, intelligent and full of heart. And what's great about recordings is that his talent will live on forever."