Bette Midler - The Bette Midler Songbook--Original Keys for Singers

Bette Midler grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she began singing at an early age. After winning several talent shows, it was clear what she had to doget the hell out of there! Ironically, playing an extra in the film Hawaii , she earned enough money to move to New York City. She soon landed on Broadway, playing Tzeitel, the oldest daughter in the hit musical Fiddler on the Roof , and singing Matchmaker eight times a week. (Even then, she understood the importance of doing ones own matinees.)

Once she began singing in clubs around town, word reached the owner of the famed Continental Baths, who immediately offered her a job. Performing at the baths, she developed the trademark act that would make her one of the most renowned talents of a generation. Bawdy humor, revealing costumes and a distinctive voice made for an act that was poignant, tacky and altogether fabulous. I wouldnt say I invented tack, she boasted, but I definitely brought it to its present popularity. Her performances of songs like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Delta Dawn and Superstar were unforgettable and caused audiences to fall in love with the self-anointed Divine Miss M.

After being discovered by Ahmet Ertugun, the legendary president of Atlantic Records, Bette recorded her first album, The Divine Miss M , which hit #9 on Billboards Top 200 Chart and went platinum. In 1973, she won her first GRAMMY, for Best New Artist. After successfully touring the world and returning to Broadway in the Tony-winning Clams on the Halfshell , Hollywood beckoned. Midlers first starring role, in the feature film The Rose , garnered two Golden Globe Awards, a GRAMMY for the films title song and a Best Actress Oscar nomination. The Oscar itself went to Sally Field, whom Bette has arm-wrestled twice for the statuette, but, unfortunately, lost both times.

Midler went on to star in many successful films including Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Ruthless People, Outrageous Fortune, Big Business and her most popular movie, Beaches , of which she says, Thank God I made the right decision and played the character who lives! She also starred opposite Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn in the mega-hit The First Wives Club , which she enjoyed shooting primarily because she was playing the chubby gal and during filming could eat whatever she wanted. She didnt even need a trailer on that picture since she never left the craft services table. Bette also starred in the 2005 remake of The Stepford Wives, but is happy to say that, by now, almost everyone has forgiven her. In 2008, Midler co-starred in the critically acclaimed film Then She Found Me with Helen Hunt. Midler also appeared in the highly-anticipated remake of The Women, alongside a talented cast of women including Annette Bening, Meg Ryan and Eva Mendes.

Recently, shes released Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook and Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook , which were both nominated for GRAMMYs. In 2006, she debuted Cool Yule for the holiday season, which features a special Christmas version of From a Distance, which earned Midler another GRAMMY nomination. In September 2008, Midler released Jackpot: The Best Bette , which was hugely successful in the U.K., selling over 300,000 records.

Forty years, four GRAMMYs, four Golden Globes, three Emmys, a Tony Award and tons of record-breaking performances since she hit the scene, the Divine Miss M is still going strong. In February 2008, she opened the critically acclaimed show The Showgirl Must Go On at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which has been bigger than anything shes ever donenot that size matters.

She recently said that although its tough being a living legend, somebodys got to do it. In other words, she added, Im not retiring and you cant make me!

BED OF ROSES

Words and Music by
BONNIE HAYES

BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY

Words and Music by DON RAYE
and HUGHIE PRINCE

BLUEBERRY PIE

Words and Music by CAROLE SAGER,
BETTE MIDLER and BRUCE ROBERTS