Bette Midler stands as one of the most iconic voices in American music history, captivating audiences for over five decades with her powerful vocals and theatrical presence. From her early days performing in bathhouses to becoming a multi-platinum recording artist, The Divine Miss M has delivered countless memorable performances that have stood the test of time. This comprehensive guide explores the greatest Bette Midler songs that have defined her legendary career and continue to resonate with music lovers worldwide.
The Wind Beneath My Wings
“The Wind Beneath My Wings” remains Bette Midler’s signature song and her most commercially successful single, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989. Featured in the tearjerker film “Beaches,” this emotional ballad showcases Midler’s ability to convey deep sentiment through her powerful vocal delivery. The song earned her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and has become a staple at weddings, funerals, and graduation ceremonies around the world. Its message of gratitude and appreciation for unsung heroes resonates just as powerfully today as it did upon its initial release, cementing its place as one of the most beloved power ballads of all time.
From a Distance
Written by Julie Gold, “From a Distance” became another massive hit for Bette Midler in 1990, earning her another Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance. The song’s message of peace and unity struck a chord during the Gulf War era, climbing to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Midler’s interpretation brings a sense of hope and perspective to Gold’s lyrics about viewing the world from afar. The song’s universal appeal has made it a concert favorite and one of her most requested performances throughout her career.
The Rose
Serving as the title track from her 1979 film debut, “The Rose” showcased Bette Midler’s transition from cabaret performer to movie star and mainstream recording artist. This haunting ballad about love’s resilience reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Midler a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. The song’s metaphorical lyrics compare love to a flower that blooms despite hardship, delivered with Midler’s characteristic emotional depth. It remains one of her most covered songs and continues to be a highlight of her live performances decades later.
Do You Want to Dance
Originally recorded by Bobby Freeman in 1958, Bette Midler’s 1972 version of “Do You Want to Dance” became one of her earliest chart successes. Her soulful interpretation added new depth to this classic rock and roll invitation, reaching number seventeen on the Billboard Hot 100. The song demonstrated Midler’s versatility in tackling different genres while maintaining her distinctive vocal style. This early hit helped establish her as more than just a novelty act and proved she could compete with contemporary pop artists.
Beast of Burden
Bette Midler’s powerful cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden” appeared on her 1983 album “No Frills” and showcased her rock credentials. Her interpretation transformed Mick Jagger’s original into a soulful plea that highlighted her vocal range and emotional delivery. The song reached number seventy-one on the Billboard Hot 100 but became a favorite among critics and longtime fans. Midler’s version demonstrated her ability to take established rock classics and make them uniquely her own through sheer vocal prowess.
Chapel of Love
This 1972 cover of The Dixie Cups’ 1964 hit “Chapel of Love” appeared on Bette Midler’s debut album “The Divine Miss M” and helped establish her retro aesthetic. Her playful yet sincere interpretation of this girl group classic reached number eighty on the Billboard Hot 100. The song showcased Midler’s ability to honor the original while adding her theatrical flair and vocal sophistication. It remains a beloved deep cut among fans who appreciate her early work and her respect for musical history.
Hello in There
John Prine’s poignant “Hello in There” received a deeply moving interpretation from Bette Midler on her 1973 self-titled album. This song about loneliness and aging showcased Midler’s ability to convey profound emotion through understated vocal delivery. While not a commercial hit, it became one of the most critically acclaimed tracks in her catalog and demonstrated her range as an interpretive artist. The song remains a powerful reminder of Midler’s commitment to meaningful storytelling through music, exploring themes often overlooked in popular entertainment.
In My Life
Bette Midler’s cover of The Beatles’ classic “In My Life” appeared on her 1991 album “Some People’s Lives” and offered a mature reflection on memory and nostalgia. Her interpretation brought a feminine perspective to Lennon and McCartney’s autobiographical lyrics about cherished memories. The song never charted as a single but became a fan favorite for its tender vocal performance and tasteful arrangement. Midler’s version stands among the most respected covers of this Beatles masterpiece, showcasing her ability to honor legendary songwriters while making their work her own.
Shiver Me Timbers
Written by Tom Waits specifically for Bette Midler, “Shiver Me Timbers” appeared on her 1974 self-titled album and remains a hidden gem in her catalog. This haunting ballad about longing and the sea showcased Midler’s willingness to take artistic risks with unconventional material. Waits’ gravelly poetry found perfect expression through Midler’s emotionally charged delivery, creating one of the most atmospheric recordings in her discography. The song demonstrates the mutual respect between two iconic artists and Midler’s appreciation for innovative songwriting.
To Deserve You
“To Deserve You” from Bette Midler’s 1990 album “Some People’s Lives” showcased her continued relevance in the contemporary adult contemporary market. This mid-tempo ballad about striving to be worthy of love’s gift demonstrated her mature vocal approach and sophisticated musical taste. While not as commercially successful as other singles from the album, it resonated with longtime fans who appreciated her evolving artistry. The song’s production perfectly balanced pop accessibility with emotional authenticity, hallmarks of Midler’s most successful work.
Friends
The theme song from the 1973 film of the same name, “Friends” showcased Bette Midler’s ability to deliver heartwarming messages about human connection. This gentle ballad reached number forty on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a popular choice for commemorating friendships. Midler’s sincere vocal delivery elevated the simple lyrics about loyalty and companionship into something genuinely touching. The song remains a testament to her skill at finding the emotional core of even the most straightforward material.
You Don’t Know Me
Bette Midler’s interpretation of “You Don’t Know Me” appeared on her 1977 album “Broken Blossom” and demonstrated her affinity for classic country-pop material. Originally written by Cindy Walker and Eddy Arnold, the song about unrequited love received a deeply personal treatment from Midler. Her vocal performance conveyed years of unspoken longing with remarkable subtlety and control. This track represents Midler’s ability to inhabit a song completely, making every lyric feel like a personal confession rather than a performance.
Under the Boardwalk
Bette Midler’s 1975 cover of The Drifters’ classic “Under the Boardwalk” brought her signature style to this summer anthem. Her interpretation added theatrical flair to the beach romance narrative while maintaining the song’s nostalgic charm. The track showcased her ability to balance playfulness with genuine emotion, creating a version that honored the original while standing on its own merits. This recording exemplifies how exploring diverse musical genres has enriched Midler’s career and expanded her artistic range beyond any single category.
Stay with me
Originally performed by Lorraine Ellison, Bette Midler’s version of “Stay With Me” from her 1979 album “Thighs and Whispers” demonstrated her soul music credentials. This desperate plea for love showcased Midler’s raw vocal power and her ability to convey emotional vulnerability. The song never achieved major commercial success but became a favorite among critics and fellow musicians who recognized its artistic merit. Midler’s interpretation stands as one of the most powerful vocal performances in her entire catalog, proving her range extends far beyond her pop hits.
Favorite Waste of Time
Written by Marshall Crenshaw, “Favorite Waste of Time” appeared on Bette Midler’s 1983 album “No Frills” and became a moderate adult contemporary hit. The song’s lyrics about finding joy in simple romantic moments perfectly suited Midler’s ability to convey warmth and intimacy. Her vocal performance balanced playfulness with genuine affection, creating a relatable portrait of domestic happiness. This track represents Midler’s skill at selecting material that resonates with adult audiences while maintaining pop sensibility.
Big Noise from Winnetka
Bette Midler’s rendition of “Big Noise from Winnetka” showcased her love for swing era novelty songs and demonstrated her comedic timing. This instrumental jazz piece with whistling received the full Midler treatment, complete with theatrical flourishes and playful vocals. While not a chart success, it became a concert favorite and demonstrated her versatility as an entertainer. The song exemplifies Midler’s commitment to preserving and celebrating American musical heritage through her performances.
My Mother’s Eyes
“My Mother’s Eyes” from Bette Midler’s 2014 album “It’s the Girls!” represented her return to the studio after nearly a decade. This touching tribute to maternal influence showcased Midler’s mature vocal tone and her continued emotional depth as an interpreter. The album paid homage to girl groups throughout history, and this track perfectly captured the sentimentality of classic pop while maintaining contemporary production values. It demonstrated that even late in her career, Midler could deliver performances that resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners discovering her artistry.
When Your Life Was Low
Featured on her 2021 digital single release, “When Your Life Was Low” showed Bette Midler remaining relevant and engaged with contemporary issues. This newer track addressed themes of resilience and hope during challenging times, resonating particularly strongly during the global pandemic. Midler’s seasoned voice brought gravitas and comfort to lyrics about perseverance and community support. The song proved that her artistry continues to evolve while maintaining the emotional authenticity that has defined her entire career.
Stuff Like That There
Bette Midler’s interpretation of “Stuff Like That There” showcased her jazz sensibilities and her appreciation for sophisticated lyrical wordplay. This playful song about romantic attraction allowed Midler to demonstrate her gift for comic timing alongside her vocal prowess. The track highlighted her cabaret roots and her ability to make even lighthearted material feel substantial through committed performance. It remains a favorite among fans who appreciate the full range of her theatrical and musical abilities.
Memory
While Bette Midler’s cover of “Memory” from the musical “Cats” appeared on various compilation albums, her interpretation brought new emotional weight to this Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. Her powerful vocal delivery emphasized the song’s themes of nostalgia and loss, creating a version that stood apart from countless other recordings. Midler’s theatrical background made her ideally suited to tackle this demanding Broadway standard. Her version demonstrates how her stage experience informs even her studio recordings, bringing dramatic intensity that elevates familiar material.
Throughout her remarkable career spanning over fifty years, Bette Midler has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to connect with audiences through music that spans multiple genres and generations. From her early cabaret performances to her latest recordings, she has maintained artistic integrity while achieving commercial success. Her influence on popular music extends beyond her own recordings, as countless artists have cited her as an inspiration for combining theatrical presentation with genuine vocal artistry. Whether performing classic standards, contemporary pop, or original material, Midler brings her unique perspective and emotional honesty to every song. Her greatest hits represent not just commercial success but a musical legacy that continues to inspire and move listeners around the world. For those looking to explore more exceptional music, check out our extensive collection of songs that have shaped popular culture. The Divine Miss M remains an enduring presence in popular music, proving that true artistry transcends trends and time. Her catalog serves as a masterclass in interpretive singing and shows how a performer can honor musical traditions while creating something entirely their own. As new generations discover her work, Bette Midler’s greatest songs continue to find fresh audiences who appreciate her unique blend of power, emotion, and theatrical flair. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her music, these twenty songs represent the very best of an extraordinary artist. For music enthusiasts seeking quality audio equipment to fully appreciate these classics, explore our guides on earbuds and headphones to enhance your listening experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bette Midler’s most famous song?
“The Wind Beneath My Wings” is universally recognized as Bette Midler’s most famous song, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989. The emotional ballad from the film “Beaches” earned her a Grammy Award and has become an enduring classic played at significant life events worldwide. Its message of gratitude and the powerful vocal performance have made it synonymous with Midler’s name.
How many hit songs has Bette Midler had?
Bette Midler has had numerous hit songs throughout her career, with multiple singles reaching the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 since the early 1970s. Her biggest commercial successes include “The Wind Beneath My Wings,” “From a Distance,” “The Rose,” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Beyond chart performance, many of her album tracks and covers have become beloved standards among fans and critics alike.
What was Bette Midler’s first hit song?
“Do You Want to Dance” served as one of Bette Midler’s first significant hit songs in 1972, reaching number seventeen on the Billboard Hot 100. Her cover of Bobby Freeman’s 1958 classic appeared on her debut album “The Divine Miss M” and helped establish her as a legitimate recording artist. “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” from 1973 became her breakthrough mainstream hit, reaching number eight on the charts.
Has Bette Midler released any new music recently?
Yes, Bette Midler has continued releasing music in recent years, with her 2014 album “It’s the Girls!” marking a significant studio return. She has also released digital singles addressing contemporary themes, including “When Your Life Was Low” in 2021. While she may not release music as frequently as during her peak commercial years, Midler remains musically active and continues to engage with her fan base through selective new recordings.
What genre of music is Bette Midler known for?
Bette Midler is known for her versatility across multiple genres including pop, adult contemporary, rock, soul, jazz, and Broadway standards. Her career has encompassed everything from 1940s swing revivals to contemporary ballads, demonstrating her refusal to be confined to a single musical category. This genre-spanning approach has been key to her longevity and has allowed her to appeal to diverse audiences across multiple generations.