In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Choral Arrangements of
Bette Midler

Awards
1979 - Golden Globe Award - Best Original Song
1990 - Grammy Winner - Record of the Year
1990 - Grammy Winner - Song Of The Year

Gloriously flamboyant American entertainer Bette Midler was born in Honolulu, HI, to the only Jewish family in the neighborhood. After dropping out of a drama class at the University of Hawaii, she took a tiny role in the 1966 film Hawaii, playing a seasick boat passenger (though it's hard to see her when viewing the film). Training for a dancing career in New York, Midler made the casting rounds for several months before finally winning a chorus role, and then the featured part of Tzeitel, in the long-running Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof.

It helps to do something well that no one else does, and Midler found her forte by singing at the Continental Baths, a gay hangout in New York. Most bath house performers were painfully bad, but Midler established herself by combining genuine talent with the tackiness expected of her. As the "Divine Miss M," Midler did an act consisting of campy (and dirty) specialty numbers; dead-on imitations of such earlier performers as the Andrews Sisters and Libby Holman; and the most outrageously revealing costumes this side of Bob Mackie. Soon she outgrew the bath houses and went on to nightclub and recording-artist fame, earning a Grammy Award in 1973. After several years of sell-out tours, Midler re-entered films as the star of The Rose, a 1979 film a clef loosely based upon the life and times of Janis Joplin. The film was a success, but it failed to establish Midler as a dramatic actress; audiences, particularly gay fans, still preferred the Divine Miss M.

In addition to her film work, Midler still performs live concerts to sold-out crowds and continues to release albums, including {^Bathouse Bette}, a tribute to her early singing days. In 1993, she scored an enormous success in a superb TV adaptation of the Broadway musical Gypsy. And, in 2000, Midler extended her talents to television, starring as herself in the aptly-named sitcom Bette.

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-8 of 8 items.

Ed Lojeski : From a Distance

Ed Lojeski's masterful arrangement of Bette Midler's mega-hit will make you think you are hearing the song for the first time! Featuring both solo and full choral lines, the powerful message of lyrics and music will create an unforgettable concert moment. Available: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, ShowTrax Cassette. Performance Time: Approx. 4:35.

Ed Lojeski : Tell Him

The 1962 hit by the Exciters, this song jump-started the era of 60s girls' groups with an unmistakable pop/soul sound that inspired covers by dozens of artists including Bette Midler, on her It's the Girls tribute album. A great showcase for SSA choirs!

Mac Huff : It's the Girls

From the Bette Midler album of the same name, this 5-minute medley of hits is a salute to the super girls' groups of the past! Songs include: Be My Baby (the Ronettes), One Fine Day (The Chiffons), Tell Him (The Exciters).

Mark Brymer : Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy

First made popular by the Andrews Sisters, later by Bette Midler in the '70s, and now this hoppin' tune is arranged for mixed as well as treble choirs. The energetic swing style will be incredibly fun to perform and the tune lends itself very well to choreography.

Mark Brymer : From a Distance (Christmas Version)

Now with new Christmas lyrics, Bette Midler's famous hit gets a holiday makeover! From a distance, the world sings 'Silent Night'... the words sound sweet and clear and all is bright and calm. With a message of peace and hope that seems fresh and new, this will be an inspirational addition to your holiday programming.Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 4:05

Mac Huff : Under the Boardwalk

Bette Midler's hit from the movie Beaches brings new appeal to the Drifters' 1964 hit! The moderate tempo and strong hook of this East Coast beach tune give it timeless appeal! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (tpt1, tpt 2, tsx, tbn, gtr, b, dm) Duration: ca. 2:50.

Paris Rutherford : One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)

Bette Midler sang it to Johnny Carson on his last show, a mature lyric targets this arrangement for a more mature ensemble, but the Johnny Mercer/Harold Arlen standard is a classic for the ages! This setting is brooding and bluesy, but filled with heartfelt emotion.

Jay Althouse : Mele Kalikimaka

Grass skirts and coconuts, anyone? Now your men can get in on the act with this popular Hawaiian Christmas greeting, featured on Bette Midleris album Cool Yule.

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-16 of 16 items.

Ed Lojeski : From a Distance

Arranger: Ed Lojeski | Composer: Julie Gold Performed By: Bette Midler

Mac Huff : From A Distance

Here's a stunning new a cappella setting of the #1 pop hit by Bette Midler. These powerful lyrics and a timeless melody will create an unforgettable concert moment.

Arranger: Mac Huff | Composer: Julie Gold Performed By: Bette Midler

Teena Chinn : From a Distance

Teena's brilliant arrangement of Bette Midler's inspirational hit is dynamic, building from simple unison texture to fully-complemented harmonies within a series of strategically placed modulations. The text is exceptionally moving.

Arranger: Teena Chinn Performed By: Bette Midler

Mark Brymer : From a Distance (Christmas Version)

Arranger: Mark Brymer Performed By: Bette Midler

Mac Huff : It's the Girls

Arranger: Mac Huff Performed By: Bette Midler

Jay Althouse : Lullaby of Broadway (and "Forty-Second Street")

What a great pair of songs from the legendary Broadway musical 42nd Street. Bette Midler made "Lullaby of Broadway" a hit in the 1970s, but it's been around since the golden era of Hollywood. Jay's arrangement opens with a touch of "Forty-Second Street." Two swinging standards arranged with style.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: Al Dubin Performed By: Bette Midler

Jay Althouse : Mele Kalikimaka

Grass skirts and coconuts, anyone? Now your men can get in on the act with this popular Hawaiian Christmas greeting, featured on Bette Midler's album Cool Yule.

Arranger: Jay Althouse | Composer: R. Alex Anderson Performed By: Bette Midler | Country: Hawaii

Paris Rutherford : One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)

Arranger: Paris Rutherford | Composer: Harold Arlen | Lyricist: Johnny Mercer Performed By: Bette Midler

Kirby Shaw : Stuff Like That There

Your audiences will love this vampy '40s big band tune, originally recorded by Betty Hutton and covered by Bette Midler and Kelly Clarkson. A great novelty change of pace with attitude! Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available as a digital download (tpt 1-2, tsx, tbn, gtr, b, dm). Duration: ca. 3:00.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw | Composer: Jay Livingston Performed By: Bette Midler

Ed Lojeski : Tell Him

The 1962 hit by the Exciters jump-started the era of '60s girls' groups with an unmistakable pop/soul sound that inspired covers by dozens of artists including Bette Midler, on her It's the Girls tribute album. A great showcase for SSA choirs!

Arranger: Ed Lojeski Performed By: Bette Midler

Jay Rouse : The Glory of Love

From Benny Goodman to Bette Midler and so many other artists, this classic song is forever popular. Beginning with a heart-felt solo, the arrangement goes into a relaxed gospel style, setting the melody and lyrics perfectly to reflect the ups and downs of life and as long as there's the two of us that's the story of, that's the glory of love.

Arranger: Jay Rouse Performed By: Bette Midler

Philip Lawson : The Rose

Opportunities for expressive singing abound in this simply arranged, yet moving setting of the Bette Midler classic. "I say love, it is a flower, and you its only seed."

Arranger: Philip Lawson | Composer: Amanda McBroom Performed By: Bette Midler

Julie Knowles : The Rose

Julie's arrangement of this Bette Midler hit is magnificent. Lovely voicings and gentle accompaniment characterize this work. This piece is an awe-inspiring audience pleaser that stirs sentiment from deep within. A poignant interpretation.

Arranger: Julie Knowles | Composer: Amanda McBroom Performed By: Bette Midler

Bette Midler : The Wind Beneath My Wings

Bette Midler brought international fame to this power ballad from the movie Beaches. More recently, Idina Menzel recorded the instantly recognizable tune with a fresh contemporary flair, as captured in this sumptuous Mark Hayes arrangement. Rich choral parts glide effortlessly over a shimmering keyboard and string accompaniment creating an ethereal tribute to friendship, everyday heroes, graduates, front line workers, anyone who lifts us up. The impactful SoundPax includes parts for four strings.

Arranger: Bette Midler Performed By: Bette Midler

Mac Huff : Under the Boardwalk

Arranger: Mac Huff | Composers: Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick Performed By: Bette Midler

Roger Emerson : Wind Beneath My Wings

This beautiful ballad became a monster hit with a recording by Bette Midler. The positive lyric makes it a natural addition to any choral program. Recorded by Bette Midler on the Beaches soundtrack, The Wind Beneath My Wings became her first #1 hit in ten years and earned her a Grammy® Award in 1990.

Arranger: Roger Emerson | Composer: Larry Henley Performed By: Bette Midler | Musical: Beaches