Barbra Streisand Makes Surprise Visit To Smiley & West To Pay Tribute To Iconic Composers Alan And Marilyn Bergman

LOS ANGELES, April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This weekend, Tavis Smiley and Cornel West, co-hosts of Smiley & West distributed by Public Radio International (PRI), pay tribute to the Academy Award®-winning husband-and-wife songwriting duo Alan and Marilyn Bergman - and enjoy a surprise visit from legendary singer and philanthropist, Barbra Streisand.  Smiley and West pay homage to the Bergman's stellar lyrical career and learn the secrets behind their 54 year marriage.

Unbeknownst to either the hosts or the guests, Barbra Streisand surprised everyone by calling in to reflect on her long friendship with the Bergmans. Streisand, who was just 18 years old when they met, became the Bergman's muse and recorded a vast number of their songs including "The Way We Were", "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?", and the soundtrack to "Yentl."

"It's the integrity of the lyric, the imagination of the lyric, the poetry of the lyric," Streisand said, reflecting on the Bergman's lyrical genius. "It just has great depth. I don't know of anyone that comes close to them."

Last year, Streisand recorded an entire album in tribute to the Bergmans titled "What Matters Most."  West took the opportunity to wish Streisand a happy birthday in advance of her natal day, Tuesday, April 24.

This special conversation can be heard across the country and on www.smileyandwest.com starting this Friday, April 20.

Smiley and West are currently on a national tour for their new book The Rich and the Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto.  For more information, visit www.therichandtherestofus.com. 

About SMILEY & WEST from Public Radio International (PRI)
The weekly program from PRI, Smiley & West, is co-hosted by two of America's most influential public intellectuals, noted broadcaster Tavis Smiley and Princeton professor Cornel West.  The one-hour program features thought-provoking, intelligent and stimulating conversations. Listen, engage and discuss on www.smileyandwest.com or follow them on Twitter at @tavissmiley and @cornelwest.

SOURCE Smiley Radio Properties, Inc.