When people think of Bette Midler, most people think of Bette Midler, the actress. However, long before she started getting nominated for Academy Awards for acting, she was a singer. And a very, very good one. She was actually considered a pop star. In fact, she won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “The Rose.” She also won two other Grammy Awards, one for “Wind Beneath My Wings” and one for Best New Artist. In addition to her Grammy Awards, Bette has been nominated for and won numerous other awards. She has twice been nominated for Academy Awards and has won awards for the American Comedy Awards, BAFTA, and the Golden Globes, for which she won two. She has also won two Emmy Awards and two People’s Choice Awards. She’s even won a Tony Award for her performance in “Hello, Dolly!” Seriously, the list goes on and on. This is one talented lady.
In regards to “The Rose,” Bette Midler starred in a movie with the same name. She actually won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance in “The Rose.” The song was originally performed by Bette for the soundtrack for the movie. It hit number one on the charts, and the single was certified Gold. It sold more than half a million copies in the U.S. Here’s some amazing trivia about “The Rose” (the song). Amanda McBroom wrote it in 45 minutes when her manager suggested she write some “Bob Seger-type tunes.” McBroom notes that “The Rose” is just one musical verse repeated three times without a bridge or a hook.
“The Rose” was originally recorded in 1979 by a singer named Amanda McBroom, but the rendition by Bette Midler is probably the most memorable. It appeared on the soundtrack for the movie with the same name.
In the rare video shown below, you get to hear the pure, unadulterated version of “The Rose” sung by the incomparable Bette Midler. Enjoy.
