Barbra, Liza, Aretha Pay Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch

The career of the late Marvin Hamlisch, one of the most respected composers of the past half century, was celebrated by Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Aretha Franklin at a tribute event last night in New York, reports New York Times.

Franklin delivered a soulful version of "Nobody Does It Better" followed by the gospel song "Deep River." Minnelli performed "If You Really Knew Me" from the musical They're Playing Our Song, dedicating it to "a wonderful memory of a splendid, splendid friend." Streisand shared an anecdote about meeting Hamlisch when he served as her rehearsal pianist for Funny Girl, and then received a standing ovation from the crowd for the surprising combination of her hit "The Way We Were" with "Through the Eyes of Love," a song she hasn't sung publicly.

The invitation-only event was held at Julliard School, the alma mater of Hamlisch, who is one of the few musicians to win every major entertainment award. Other celebrities in the audience included Sarah Jessica Parker, Candice Bergen, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mike Nichols, Diane Sawyer, and senior presidential advisor Valerie Jarrett.