Bette Midler

I love Bette Midler but I feel that this wasn't one of her best recordings.
Just mostly a rehash of some of her old songs. She has done so many great songs and recordings that they left off this CD. I admit I was a bit disappointed.

The title say's it all. She has the most moving voice on this planet.

Oh, the divine Miss M! She is amazing, as is this CD! It includes all of my favorite hits through out the years- I highly reccomend it! :)

I love this disk. It has all of her best songs including "The Rose" and "Beast of Burden." I play it loud while cleaning house! Wonderful.

This is my very favorite Bette Midler CD. "Jackpot" as it is very aptly named is Bette's greatest work of art, spanning 4 decades, all types of musical genres and every rare and gentle pleasing sound you can imagine, from pop to blues to burlesque. The Divine Miss M is like a butterfly who knows no bounds as far as her music is concerned because she doesn't know how to be boxed in or constricted. I am a purest. My favorite tracks are Bette's signature hits that are still relevant and important today. On "The Rose" Bette belts out her lyrics with such passion and spirit and strength, it feels almost like she's singing this for each of her fans personally. "Wind Beneath My Wings" was a surprise hit for Bette but perhaps it's no coincidence that some 18 years later it still gets massive airplay on stations around the country because the message is completely universal and everlasting. "Wind Beneath My Wings" was Bette's #1 single from the motion picture "Beaches" (which incidentally was also the them song) and it's a perfect fit on this CD. It's like that 1 last jigsaw piece that you've been searching for. You know the feeling? You know it's there and you know you're going to find it but once you do it feels all new again. And that's exactly how I feel when I listen to "Jackpot." Thank you Bette for all of the years of entertainment and fun and laughter. You are a true star if ever there was one and you certainly live up to your namesake!

I see that some only want to hear the classics...but how many times do we have to listen to the same song sung by a different person. I love this less than "typical" Christmas album. I'm always searching for something new to listen to at Christmas. It was exactly what I expected from Bette - her personality is ever present! Great job! Wonderful uplifting album!! My favorites are Merry Christmas and Cool Yule, but I like them all!

Halloween is barely over, I am listening to Christmas music already. I heard this cd back last year. Nice collection of music genres in this christmas cd. Enjoyable to the ear. Tis the season to be relaxing, not getting freaked over shopping.

The Divine Miss M has created yet another stunning piece of work! You hear all the wonderful colors of her voice in this album. From the jazzy Cool Yule to the somber O Come Emmanuel. This is definitely one of my favorite Christmas albums!

She is a true entertainer, very few of them around these days. She has a wonderful voice and energy about her and does so many great Christmas/holiday tunes to enjoy and it always in my mox at Christmas time.

Once again Bette Midler manages to record an album that is fun and merry, which couldn't be better for a Christmas album. It is always nice to hear new Christmas songs: "Merry Christmas", "Cool Yule", "Mele Kalikimaka"; all of which are fantastic in their own right. I especially liked the "Mele Kalikimaka" which has a Hawaiian theme (Bette's place of birth), and "Cool Yule" is simply catchy and upbeat which adds to the seasons cheer.
Of course old standards with Bette's vocals always sound good: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (excellent duet with the incomparable Johnny Mathis), "I'll Be Home For Christmas" (sounds forlorn enough to make you cuddle up by yourself and still feel good about it), "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" (typical Bette and sung in a style that no one can duplicate), "O Come, O Come Emmanual", "From A Distance" (nice reworking of an old song; sounds new again), "White Christmas" (a nice way to end the album, very touching and Christmas like).
I enjoyed this album immensely and would recommend this to anyone who loves Bette Midler, and for those who are looking to buy new Christmas themed albums.

The CD arrived in a timely manner and was well packaged to survive the trip through the US mail. Wonderful price; excellent audio; amazing movie!

I have always loved this movie! I bought it so I could now watch it with my own daughter. It made me cry at the end way back when it first came out, and it still made me cry when I watched it again!!! (of course I am one of those sappy people who loves a good tear jerker so if you are too, this is a movie for you!!!!)

In Atlantic City two eleven-year-old girls meet on the beach. One is very loud and brassy, very show businessy, and the other more sedate and ladylike. The two become instant friends and mug for the camera as they have four pictures in a strip taken by one of those olden days coin-operated machines in an arcade. They tear the strip in two, and each girl keeps two pictures. The movie is bookended by two beaches, one in Atlantic City at the beginning and the other on the Pacific outside of San Francisco at the ending.
Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey play the parts of the two women. Bette becomes a big singing star, the other becomes a lawyer.
There are some good songs in the movie, but I wish Bette Midler had been given a few more really good numbers to sing to show off her talent. She and Hershey do good acting jobs in this movie. It's a real tear-jerker, heartwrenching, targeting the audience's tear ducts, but the film does have an aura of sincerity and authenticity.
It has an interesting and well-constructed plot. The friendship has its ups and downs. Bette is selfish, egotistical, and envious. Her friend is better looking, better behaved, but has marital problems. Bette has marital problems too but because she puts her career first.
A worthwhile movie, sentimental, touching, original and entertaining, but it's more than a chick flick.

Nine Lives Too Many
The Daemon in Our Dreams
The Rice Queen Spy
Clawed Back from the Dead

bought it for my best friend, she loved it.. its the story of us! LOL

I'm sorry but I had a problem with the Dvd it stops in the middle of the movie I miss a big part of it.

For whatever reason this was one disc that I had simply never even noticed before. While perusing the audio rack at my local library I happened upon "Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook". It was a rainy Saturday and I decided that this would be the perfect day to crash and check out some CD's. I am so glad that I did because as it turns out that this disc is a real keeper.
Released back in 2003, "Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook" features 11 of the legendary singers most popular songs. Of course I was curious as to how the producers would approach this material. And while I was pretty sure that Bette Midler had the pipes to pull it off I wondered if this would be an album that I would only listen to just once or something I would be eager to enjoy again and again. After hearing this disc but once I can say without equivocation that I would definitely fall into the latter category. Furthermore, I can attest to the fact that there really is not a bad track on this album. There are fresh new arrangements of Clooney favorites like "This Ole House", "Memories of You" and "Hey There". A really pleasant surprise was Bette's marvelous duet with producer Barry Manilow on the old Kay Kyser hit "On A Slow Boat To China". And speaking of duets, much to my surprise my favorite cut on this disc just has to be the remarkable duet with Linda Ronstadt called "Sisters". This tune was originally recorded by Rosemary and her sister Betty Clooney and appeared briefly on the charts back in 1954. Rosemary Clooney also performed the song in the classic Bing Crosby holiday film "White Christmas". Now the very idea of Bette Midler attempting the Mitch Miller inspired pop hits "Come On-A My House" and "Mambo Italiano" seems rather improbable but Bette Midler manages to pull it off with grace and style and makes these silly little songs all her own.
Unfortunately, there is only about 31 minutes worth of music to be had on "Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook". The problem is that everything on this disc is so good that it leaves you longing for more. It certainly would have been nice to hear Bette Midler's remarkable voice on tunes like "Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)", "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "Half As Much" to name but a few. That being said "Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook" is a first rate production. Indeed, this is a disc I can see myself playing frequently in the future. As a matter of fact I will be ordering my copy as soon as I finish this review. Very highly recommended!

Bette Midler delivers some Great music. She is an artist that has tried just about everything (and has won Emmy, Grammy and Tony awards) Seeing her Live at Caesars Palace in Las Veges in 'The Showgirl Must Go On' is going to be my treat to myself ... saw Cher perform at Caesars, she was Great as always.
... Bette Midler's last tour, 'Kiss My Brass', earned $74,347,404 from 77 shows, played between December 10, 2003 to May 1, 2005 and sold 739,462 tickets (Billboard Boxscore) "Bette" CBS/TV sitcom ended the 2000/01 TV season at #79 (Nielsen Media Research ratings from Entertainment Weekly 6-1,2001) Bette Midler's strength and courage remind me of Senator Hillary Clinton's: In the 2008 Presidential Primary race, Hillary Clinton not only earned more votes than any of her rivals, she earned more votes than any Presidential Primary candidate in History.

Bette and Barry back together again! They make great music together! Rosemary Clooney is smiling from heaven! Midler's voice provides the great range and emotional sentiment of Rosemary's songs. The duet with Linda Ronstadt for "Sisters" was outstanding and joyful. The production of the cd by Barry Manilow is genius! Bette and Barry were meant to make music together!
Kimberly

I don't believe this C.D. was available in shops in Australia and having found it on Amazon, I'm delighted. Have been a Bette fan for over 20 years and, being older, appreciate her renditions of songs heard when I was quite young. The Manilow arrangements are extremely authentic....in all, great entertainment from one of my favourites.

I think this is Bette Midler at her best! She gives a subtle and yet powerful rendition of Rosemary Clooney's works.

I highly recommend this.

Actually I purchased the CD for two songs that I liked. They were ok but overall I think I have moved on with my music tastes.

Bette Midler's voice has an almost shamanic power in her career-making "Rose" based on Janis Joplin's fast and hard life. Raw, potent, and sulty .... enough to put the listener into an altered state. A vocal tribute to the legendary troubled and deeply tormented Texas Rose.

A gut wrenching vocal portrayal of a life engulfed in insecurities, self-doubt and low self-esteem, Bette Midler shines in the semi autobiographical songs that one could imagine Janis Joplin singing in writing. Bette's strong and powerful vocals tug at the heartstrings, bring laughter to the tip of your tongue and sorrowful moments in your heart. Hauntingly familiar yet vaguely distant, her gutsy renditions of the songs lead a lasting impression in your mind. This is a must-have for your CD collection.

If Bette Midler ever gets inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame, she can call "the rose" her ticket in. Her performance in this movie, both as an actor and as a singer, reached new heights, and she has probably never been better at either. Blues and rock'n roll suit her so well you have to wonder why she didn't go this route again. High point: her version of "When a man loves a woman" which gives a well known, done-to-death classic a new spin. Midler AC fans will also bask in the light of the main theme. Ignored at the academy awards (although Bette's performance wasn't) the song did win the Golden Globe months before becoming a big radio hit.The soundtrack also earned Bette the Grammy for best female pop performance of 1980.

This is an grammy album.You will get to hear the most amazing album in rocknroll history.This album not only shows the vocal talents of the divine miss m.But shows how bette midler works her butt off on this album.THis is what kicked off Bette Midler's showbiz career.This is two thumbs up.

Not many albums are perfection but this - Bette Midler's debut is just that. At the time of its release she was performing at a bath house in New York City with Barry Manilow as her producer and arranger/pianist. She was campy, over the time and very brassy. But included in all this was immense talent.

For the first part of her career she was always called THE DIVINE MISS M and this cd reflects what that was in all its glory. Today many cds are made so carefully, every note pitch perfect and carefully arranged. The early Bette Midler was carefree and this cd sounds like she just came into your home and performed some songs for you. Nothing is held back and it is amazing.

There were two big hits here - the sultry DO YOU WANT TO DANCE and BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY and they are amazing but interestingly enough they are not the best cuts on this superb set. Eclectic is not a strong enough word to describe what Ms. Midler is capable of. Every song is performed with strong personality - raw, sincere and honest. She takes the songs SUPERSTAR and DELTA DAWN and makes them emotional, heart wrenching songs of deep emotion. She wears her heart on her sleeve. I must admit I do love Karen Carpenter's version of SUPERRSTAR but this version makes it like a totally different song entirely. Other ballads AM I BLUE and HELLO IN THERE are performed with the same intensity.

Then we have the campy, fun Bette on remakes of CHAPEL OF LOVE and LEADER OF THE PACK. She makes these songs come alive. And then there are 2 slightly different versions of her signatiure song FRIENDS. This simple song becomes an anthemic statement of how important it is to have people in your life. It is a snappy, uptempo song and it develops a life of its own. Throughout the songs Bette may break into dialogue and talk/share with the listener. It all works. Bette Midler, here on her debut album gloriously remastered on cd, introduces herself fully and holds nothing back. And she has so much to give. This album is a masterpiece by a legend.

Highly recommended for all Bette Midler fans and all fans of quality music.

The Divine Miss M indeed demonstrates that from the very start Bette Midler had exceptional talent and her sense of timing when she sings her songs is impeccable. This CD gives us her debut album with numbers that sound so fresh and exciting when Bette sings them; and it's sure to be an album countless people will continue to cherish for quite some while to come.

The album starts with Bette singing a passionate rendition of Bobby Freeman's "Do You Want To Dance?" Bette massages these lyrics and breathes new life into this song with a spectacular delivery that also conveys a certain sense of human vulnerability that is very sweet and memorable. The backup singers do a great job also; and there's also a great cover of "Chapel Of Love." The Dixie Cups must have been so proud! Bette Midler makes this tune sweet, slightly sassy and romantic all at once. Great! The musical arrangement makes good use of the percussion.

"Superstar," a song I first heard performed by Carpenters, gets the royal treatment from Bette as sings this to perfection and beyond. "Superstar" finds Bette taking her time to deliver this passionately and Bette never misses a note. The piano arrangement is very pretty and overall "Superstar" is easily a major highlight of this album.

"Am I Blue" is another major highlight of this CD; Bette sings this flawlessly and the piano arrangement complements her vocals very nicely. "Am I Blue" is about an unrequited love and sooner or later just about everyone can identify with the lyrics to this classic ballad. In addition, listen for "Friends." "Friends" is a timeless song about how we all need people in our lives; and Bette makes this song so very special with her sensitive performance.

"Delta Dawn" features Bette Midler doing an excellent version of a song I first heard sung by Helen Reddy; and of course "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" really sounds sharp and clear--I love that retro sound! Bette never sings a superfluous note and the tempo makes "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" a true gem.

The album comes with great artwork; and we get the song credits, too.

Overall, Bette Midler's debut album was nothing short of stellar; and all these years later it still remains an outstanding set of songs by the incomparable Bette Midler. I highly recommend this album for Bette's fans (as if they haven't heard of this CD already); and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will also love this album.

Fine performances and Bette is clear as a bell. Get the early Barbra Streisand stuff too.

There isn't much more you can say about the Divine Ms. M...a fantastic singer, performer and actress.

Don't be fooled here. Friends appears twice, as it should but they are the same version. On the LP, the first version is entirely different from the version which closes the album. It is this last version that appears twice. And whatever you do, don't make the mistake of buying the mp3. They make it sound like it's your fault!!!

Bette Midler opened tonight in Vegas- incomparable show with many of the songs on this album - When a Man Loves a Woman blows the roof off Caesars.
Buy the music here and do not miss this show.

I absolutley love this CD.. Have been looking for it for a long time and just love it!!

Midler is Divine, one of a handful of singers that can get you off the couch and singing like you think you have a voice. She gets you hopping in this CD and intertwines some of her greatest ballads with her most popular rock tunes. Its a sweet rollercoaster ride that you don't want to end.

This album of Bette Midler's Greatest Hits is just that, plain and simple. You cannot play it enough, as she is truly one of the most talented singers / actress / and gifted person on the face of the earth. Rarely do I feel the emotion of anyone's performance in voice that is as moving as from her. This album gives you just a taste of the range of talent this true star really has!

Although I bought the album particularly for 3 of my favorite Bette Midler songs, I was also treated to a few other good ones.

Bette Midler's first album THE DIVINE MISS M was such a masterpiece that honestly nothing could ever compare. That certainly does not mean that this, her self titled second release, is not of the highest quality and a 5 star release in itself. It is just a little subpar compared to the amazing debut. This album follows in the same vein with dramatic, emotional readings of ballads such as DRINKING AGAIN, SKYLARK and HIGHERT AND HIGHER. We also have a venture into jazz wtith IN THE MOOD and she lets it all loose on the anthemic I SHALL BE RELEASED. Some think this song is overdone and out of place but I think it works perfectly. Bette also returns to the fun, campy remakes with LULLABY OF BROADWAY and the awesome medley with the highlight of DA DOO RUN RUN.

Most important, what is here is a continuation of the rare talent that is Bette Midler. She is campy, raw, seductive, sultry and always impressive. A very high quality follow-up to an amazing debut.

well,this cd was worth waiting for.it's the first bette midler album and its music and its singer and the arrangements of barry manilo are one of a kind.it's a cd that is worth having in every house

I do not consider myself a Bette Midler fan. I usually find her musical work to be generic vocalist material: over done and over emotional. But I am consistently amazed at how nearly perfect this album is.

The album is very sharply divided into side A and side B, with the slower, more serious songs up first, followed by the more dance-happy material bringing up the rear. This works wonderfully for me.

"Skylark" is a beautiful song with simple, stunning lyrics. ("Sad as a gypsy serenading the moon," gives me shivers each time I hear it.)

"Drinking Again" makes me want to cry and sings out to every soul who has ever lost a loved one ("Drinking again, thinking of when you loved me," Bette cries out, and so does the heart.)

"I Shall be Released" is flat-out incredible. When she lets out her anguished shout toward the end, well, if you don't feel something there, then you've got no feelings at all.

Personally I could do without the song "Twisted." I feel it's a hint of where she would go musically -- into the realm of novelty songs where she becomes a sort of comic character prattling away for a few minutes. I always skip this track when I put "Bette Midler" on and I don't miss it.

"Higher and Higher" is simply divine.

I live in San Francisco and I find this album to be the perfect thing to play when it's late at night and the fog comes in. I get a glass of scotch, put on this album, and stare out at the City while Bette Midler serenades the San Francisco moon.

I don't think Bette Midler has ever recorded a bad album.
This, in my opinion, is her best. Every one of the songs on the disc - from Sinatra's classic "Drinkin' Again" (which Bette
actually outdoes "Ol Blue Eyes") to the great Jackie Wilson's
"Higher And Higher", is given a uniqe arrangemet by Barry Manilow.
Barry, Arif Mardin and Atlantic Records obviously spared no
expense assembling some of the greatest studio musicians ever
to form a terrific all-star orchestra.
"Lullabye of Broadway" is especially delightful with "The Wizard Of Oz's" "Optimistic Voices" as a lead-in to the song.
If you're a Bette Midler fan, I know you won't go out and buy it
because you probably already have it.
If you don't have it on CD, get it! It's madatory!
It was recorded in 1973. I bought the LP then. I just got the
CD. I'd forgotten what it sounded like before all the scratches, skips and pops that were added over the past 22 years.

Bette Midler's self-titled 1973 second album is a notch below "The Divine Miss M," but that is hardly surprising since her debut effort so wonderfully defined her singing persona (although this album did chart slightly higher). "Bette Midler" is in the same vein, mixing Forties Boogie-Woogie with some R&B and straight out blues. Once again Barry Manilow, who played piano for Midler when she was starting out, provides some solid production values to the effort. The standout kitsch track is when she starts off "The Lullaby of Broadway" with "The Optimistic Voices" from "The Wizard of Oz." Her high octane version of "In the Mood" was the one single released from the album, but it only made it to #51 on Billboard. However, look over the play list and clearly Midler is trying to provide some substance with the style when she is recording songs by Kurt Weil and Bertolt Brecht, not to mention Johnny Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael, and Bob Dylan, although the latter's "I Shall Be Released" seems a tad out of place (check out the live version on "Divine Madness" where it comes out of the Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want"). This album is still worth having, but only after you get the ones that came before it and after it ("Songs for the New Depression"), which are the two best albums from the early years of Midler's career (i.e., anything before "The Rose"). Of course, if you have ever seen Midler perform live, it is pretty hard not to want to own everything she has ever recorded.

This video was terrific and the music was a big part of making it so. Bette Midler sings her heart out. I have the video and now have the c.d.
You will not be disappointed in it...ever!

Nostalgic, yet refreshing. Born long after the War, I can see such different sentiments compared to today's. Wonder what we have become and where we are going with what cause?

OK, the film from which this came is a bit muddled and wasn't great. (James Caan has a unique place in show biz for having played similar characters opposite two of moviedom's great movie musical divas -- Bette & Barbra -- in classic period pieces!)

But, love the movie or not, the soundtrack is terrific. I agree with the other comments that Bette was in great voice for this and the song selection is terrific. Bette is a classic entertainer. She doesn't have the MOST thrilling voice with the greatest range, but, wow, she always knows what to do with it and she's in good company with her contemporaries like Barbra and Liza.

She tells a story in her music and she conveys what the song is about in an uncanny manner. I've seen her live a few times (that's a real treat if you haven't done that) and happily, the same essence that comes across in-person and makes her such a stand out in that arena also comes across in her recordings. Enjoy!

I already knew what the soundtrack would be like, as I had loved the (WWII era) songs from the movie.

It was as great as I remember.

Great music, Bette is the best! However, they have a lot of spoken dialgue from the movie in the beginnings of a lot of songs, gets a little old after a while. I can't really use any of the songs for my Ipod at work because the talking confuses everyone. But overall a great album.

I was thrilled when I saw that Diva Las Vegas was available for order. I knew being an import that the DVD part would probably not play. It is indeed a Region 2-6 DVD, and not a Region 0 as it states. Thus it wouldn't play in my DVD player, but I was able to watch it on my computer. The video quality was wonderful, and it was such fun to watch again. Why it has not been made available here in the USA yet I do not know. It was never officially released here on VHS either -- only Emmy screeners I believe.

Anyway, the CD is great, although I find the track order to be a little odd. I'm not quite sure why they put them in that order, but still it's a great CD, and it's a lot of fun to listen to as well.

I think this is a great CD/DVD combo. It's definitely for fans of the Divine. It would be nice to have a Region 1 DVD, but until then this is the next best thing. A great product at a great price!

Big oops! I ordered this from Amazon but it was out-of-stock. I cancelled and ordered from a Marketplace seller and I did not get a Region 0 DVD. No, I got a Region 2 through 6 DVD. I'm not sure if there is a Region 0 or not, but Marketplace sellers should be careful that the item they are selling matches the Amazon one. If there is no Region 0 version, shame on Amazon for letting this through. I give 3 stars for the audio CD portion since it has been previously unavailable. Sadly, the DVD is still unavailable to me as well. I have a useless DVD because it's described as playable in the U.S. market. Buyer beware of this product.