2008 Bette Midler

Bette Midler won an award in the first grade for singing "Silent Night" to her class. More than 50 years later, Midler has strongly established herself as an actress, musician, and producer that we know her as today, earning numerous Grammy and Emmy awards along the way.

Midler was raised in Hawaii and studied theater at the University of Hawaii. She landed small roles in movies and eventually moved to New York where she earned small roles on Broadway, eventually landing a major role in Fiddler on the Roof.

In 1972, Midler released her first LP, the Divine Miss M, which went gold and won Midler her first Grammy. Bette Midler was released in 1973, followed by Songs for the New Depression, Live at Last, Broken Blossom and Thighs and Whispers.

In 1979, Midler won the starring role in The Rose. The movie's soundtrack earned Midler a second Grammy and an increasing fan base. The soundtrack eventually hit double platinum, while the single 'The Rose' from the soundtrack went gold.

Throughout the eighties and nineties, Midler released more albums, including both musical and comedy albums. She appeared in many films, as well as establishing her own production company, All-Girl Productions.

In 1989, Midler's production company produced the movie Beaches, which starred Midler herself. The movie was a major hit, and the soundtrack was a huge success as well. The soundtrack eventually went triple platinum, while the single 'Wind Beneath my Wings' went gold.

Midler released many award winning albums in the nineties, including Experience The Divine - Bette Midler's Greatest Hits, Bette of Roses, and Bathhouse Betty. Bette was released in 2000 and Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook was released in 2003.