The Unforgettable Harmony And Discord Of Barry Manilow And Bette Midler
In the vast tapestry of American music and entertainment, few partnerships spark as much intrigue and admiration as that of Barry Manilow and Bette Midler. Their names are synonymous with showmanship, heartfelt ballads, and an undeniable stage presence. For decades, fans have marveled at the "true magic musically" that these two icons created whenever their paths crossed. Yet, beneath the dazzling lights and soaring melodies, their relationship was a complex blend of professional brilliance and personal friction, a story of synergy, success, and eventual separation.
Before the Divine Miss M: Barry Manilow's Early Spark
Before he became the legendary "Copacabana" crooner we know today, Barry Manilow was a burgeoning talent in New York's vibrant music scene. He was a gifted songwriter, arranger, and a highly sought-after accompanist. His early career was marked by a keen musical intellect and a relentless drive to create. In 1964, a pivotal moment arrived when Manilow met Bro Herrod, a CBS director. Herrod approached him with a request to arrange some songs for a musical adaptation of the melodrama, The Drunkard. Instead of merely arranging, Manilow, ever the visionary, took it a step further: he wrote an entire original score.
Manilow's composition proved to be a resounding success. Herrod utilized his score in the Off-Broadway musical, which went on to enjoy an impressive eight-year run at New York's 13th Street Repertory Theatre. This early achievement showcased Manilow's profound capabilities not just as a performer, but as a composer and musical architect, laying the groundwork for the extraordinary career that was about to unfold.
The Continental Baths: Where Legends Were Forged
The early 1970s saw the convergence of these two future superstars in an unlikely, yet iconic, venue: The Continental Baths in New York. This gay bathhouse became the crucible where Bette Midler, "The Divine Miss M," truly found her voice and her audience. It was here that her outlandish, captivating stage show captivated an "adoring room of towel-clad men," laying the foundation for her legendary status. Her electrifying performances at the baths were so impactful that they earned her the enduring nickname, "Bathhouse Betty."
It was at the Continental, in 1971, that Barry Manilow was hired by Bette Midler to be the musical director of her show. This marked the true beginning of their intertwined careers. Manilow wasn't just her accompanist; he was the maestro behind her theatrical brilliance, shaping the musical landscape for her audacious performances. He reflected on this formative period, acknowledging the unique environment where they performed. While some might assume they "toured bathhouses" in the 70s, Manilow has clarified, "One bathhouse. We played one bathhouse." That single venue, however, was enough to launch two colossal careers.
A Partnership of Brilliance and Strain
For approximately three years, Bette Midler and Barry Manilow shared a working relationship that was both incredibly "successful but stressful." Manilow's role extended beyond merely playing the piano; he was her musical director, orchestrating her sound and guiding her artistic direction. This intense collaboration forged a unique bond and undeniably contributed to Midler's meteoric rise. Their combined talents created a synergy that was palpable, transforming the raw energy of Midler's performances into polished, yet still delightfully outrageous, spectacles.
Their careers crossed paths not only on stage but also in the recording studio. Years later, they would work together on a couple of records, further cementing their musical connection. The "true magic musically" they created was evident in every note, every arrangement, and every performance. They understood each other's artistic impulses, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their combined genius. This period was instrumental in shaping both their individual sounds and their collective impact on pop culture.
The Rift: "Bad Blood" and Unspoken Words
Despite their undeniable musical chemistry, the professional intensity eventually took its toll on their personal relationship. Over the years, whispers and confirmed reports have painted a picture of a significant rift between the two stars. Sources suggest "bad blood" has kept them apart for extended periods, preventing potential reunions that fans and industry insiders alike might dream of. For instance, there was buzz along the Great White Way that Barry Manilow and Bette Midler could be asked to open the Tonys together, but reports indicated that their strained relationship would likely prevent such a collaboration.
The specifics of their falling out have been hinted at by both parties. "The Divine Miss M" herself has revealed that she did something that "upset him so much that he hasn’t spoken to her in recent years." This admission underscores the depth of the personal chasm that formed between them. Manilow, contemplating a future without his one-time partner, once remarked, "I won’t even mind if they call me Mr. Q," a statement that subtly conveyed his readiness to move forward independently from the shadow of their famous partnership. This period marked a significant shift, moving from constant collaboration to a notable distance.
Lingering Connections and Reflections
Despite the periods of estrangement, the indelible mark they left on each other's lives and careers meant their paths would occasionally converge, even if briefly. Proof of their enduring, albeit complex, connection can be seen in later performances. In 1998, fans were delighted to see Bette and Barry Manilow performing "Friends" live on the Roseanne Show, a rare and cherished reunion. Years later, in 2003, they collaborated again on the Today Show, performing "On a Slow Boat to China" from Midler's album Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook. These instances offered glimpses of the magic that once defined their collaboration.
In recent years, both artists have reflected on their shared history. Manilow, looking back on his musical breakthrough, often reminisces about the time he and Bette Midler performed at The Continental. As the 80-year-old crooner, who recently became a grandfather, continues to break records in Vegas and take on Broadway, he looks back on life and love. During these reflections, there is often "input from an emotional Bette Midler," indicating that despite the past friction, a deep, if complicated, affection or respect still exists. Manilow has even shared anecdotes, like how Midler reacted to his surprising news about becoming a grandfather, suggesting that some form of communication, perhaps indirect or through shared circles, persists.
Summary
The story of Barry Manilow and Bette Midler is a compelling narrative of two extraordinary talents whose lives became inextricably linked at a pivotal moment in their careers. From the groundbreaking performances at The Continental Baths, where Manilow served as Midler's indispensable musical director, to their subsequent chart-topping collaborations, they created a unique and unforgettable brand of musical magic. While their professional synergy was undeniable, their personal relationship was marked by stress and eventual estrangement, leading to periods of "bad blood" and unspoken words. Yet, despite the rifts, their shared history and mutual impact on each other's success remain a testament to their enduring legacies, occasionally punctuated by brief, cherished reunions that remind us of the powerful harmony they once shared.



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