Bette Midler’s Signature Song

Interesting that polling is so close.

Friends

Both; the former emblematizes her raucous, satirical 70s persona and the latter her sappy, frauish 80s turn. Both are authentic to her.

Neither.

actually this is my fave of hers

bitch really puts it over

Why isn't "Otto Titsling" a choice on your stupid, stupid poll OP?

You sound charming R6

I think this was a bigger global hit than both (#2 US, Wind hit #1) because of the whole suck off..I mean support our troops thing.

"Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy from Company B"

"From a Distance"

I haaaaate both those songs

Bette was always better as an entertainer in general than as a pure singer. She's extremely funny, and she knew how to put on a great show. But her voice, while powerful, is not a great voice--it's just a good voice.

Where the fuck is Beast of Burden????

With her distinctive reedy voice (and the canny knack she has for making its limitations feel like strengths) and the “actressiness” she brings to finding emotional arcs in material, her real gift is as a cover artist. I love her renditions of Skylark, Millworker and One For My Baby. But her big Melissa Manchester-ish numbers like Wind Beneath my Wings and From a Distance showcase all her weaknesses (a voice that was never a big and rangey as the personality behind it and a propensity for frau-frau hamminess).

Even Bette admits that her voice isn't that great.

VANCE

I'm partial to this one.

I've been to 4 funerals of people my mum's age in the last 3 years. Wind Beneath My Wings was played at 2 of the funerals.

Johnny Carson’s last show.