Joe Delaney review: Better Midler - then and now

Friday, Jan. 10, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

A year or so later, she won a Grammy Award as Best New Artist for her Atlantic album "The Divine Miss M," which sold platinum. ... That was the year she also received a special Tony Award for the sold-out appearance at Broadway's Palace Theatre. ... She was on her way.

Meanwhile, Barry Manilow, on his own, signed a contract with Arista Records, had a mega-hit with "Mandy," and the rest is recording business history; he became a superstar in his own right.

It continues

"The Fabulous Bette Midler Show" was a hit on HBO. ... This was followed by an Emmy-winning TV special, "Old Red Hair Is Back" and five more best-selling albums: "Bette Midler," "Songs for the New Depression," "Live at Last," "Broken Blossoms" and "Thighs and Whispers." ... In 1979, she starred in the film "The Rose," earning an Academy Award nomination and several more Grammys.

In 1984, Midler made a deal with Walt Disney Studios and hit big with "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," "Ruthless People," "Outrageous Fortune" and "Big Business." ... In 1985, she produced and starred in the film "Beaches" with Barbara Hershey.

The "Beaches" soundtrack album reached as high as No. 2 on the best-seller lists, and the song "Wind Beneath My Wings" skyrocketed to No. 1 and stayed there for a number of weeks.

Into the '90s

In 1991, it was "For the Boys," which earned her a Golden Globe Award and her second Oscar nomination as Best Actress. ... This year, it's "The First Wives Club," with Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton. ... Last year, Bette earned another Golden Globe, for her portrayal of Mama Rose in the made-for-TV version of "Gypsy."

Midler's first album hits were on the Atlantic label. ... She recently returned to Atlantic for "Bette of Roses," a CD, certified as gold on its way to platinum. ... So far, she has accumulated two Emmy Awards, four Grammy Awards, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes and two Academy Award nominations, with more to come, for sure.

Little did Bette Midler or Barry Manilow dream, opening for Johnny Carson at the Sahara, that superstar status was in store for both in such a short while. ... I still stand by what I wrote back then.

Friday addenda

Bette Midler, without Barry Manilow, will be performing in the MGM Grand Garden at 8 tonight and Saturday. ... Lounge recommendations: the incredible Treniers at the new Orleans Hotel and Brendan Boyer & the Royal Irish Band at the Santa Fe.

Afternoon specials: Nick Lewin's Comedy Magic (Maxim), "Bottoms Up" (Riviera) and "Viva Las Vegas" (Stratosphere). ... Support good jazz; check elsewhere on this page. ... See you next Friday.

JOE DELANEY has been active in the entertainment industry for more than 50 years. His column appears Thursdays and Fridays in the SUN.

Midler