BETTE MIDLER - Superstar (Burt Bacharach Special)

[grooverunner]

Ms. Peggy Lee does a version of this song, too! Wish that it could be posted.

[grooverunner]

Barry Manilow arranged the version that Ms. Midler sang on her album, as well as playing the piano. On another note, would love to her the "quad" version of "Superstar" as there is some different instrumentation, a more audible harp accompaniement, for example.

[NoahVale100]

TO ALL THOSE WHO BELIEVE MIDLER'S VERSION OF "SUPERSTAR" WAS BEFORE CAPRPENTERS:

Please get your facts straight. Carpenters included, "Superstar," on their 3rd album, CARPENTERS, released 5/14/71. Midler's version was included on her first album released on 11/7/72. Also, Midler performed "Superstar" on The Tonight Show 10/7/71 - five months AFTER the release of the Carpenters album. So any reference to Richard penning his arrangement after hearing Midler's version on Carson is incorrect.

[awodaly]

Genius.

[Markie27]

for all those haters and for those who believe that Karen Carpenters version is better - while i love Karen's voice, she definitely killed the true meaning of this song - its about a groupie who fell in love so hard with the rock star they were following after having mad sex with him. (original line of "i can't hardly wait to be with you again" was "to sleep with you again". Can anyone imagine Karen be a groupie?!?! Bette's a fine actress and she became this song.

[funkandgroovin]

@Markie27 hmmm wow, that i did not know. I always thought it was lost love. I never realized it that specific. Now that you mention it, it makes perfect sense. It is quite specific that way. I have listened to this song a million times by the Carpenters, Luther Vandross and of course Leon Russell. First time to listen by Bette. Knowing what you mentioned helped me appreciate her version.The song is even heavier to me now. Leon Russell is a brilliant songwriter.

[problem49]

Nope, I just crap on hyperbolic show-biz Divas like Bette, to whom sincerity is a costume to wear, and who will sing anything if there s a buck to be made.

[HSfranciscans]

that's the reason why God made so many voices, just like sun and star-each person can tap into each sun each voice and each star, and feel wanted and loved, and experience the joy of music, be it Bach, Mozart, Aretha or Streisand, Bette or Karen. With eyes wide closed-let us treasure each note as well as each other......yes, closed---

[BunnyShot]

say what you will about bette's performance, but the set design is brilliant!

[krkincaid]

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm­mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm­mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm­mmmmmm.............nice

[ricknmd]

I really love Bette's version of this, what can i say, I don't understand the back and forth about this song. Really if you love her then you love this version. And I love her!

[problem49]

Fucking awful. Just like a complete drama queen to take a great song and make it all about herself. Thank goodness the original Carpenters version is now available for all to see here on YouTube.

[hallauthor]

@problem49 This is an amazing and very personal interpretation that really resonates. Just like a complete drama queen to denigrate an artisitic interpretation as poignant as this. Because you don't like it doesn't make it "fucking awful." Classless and clueless post.

[problem49]

@hallauthor You re right, it is very personal. In fact it is a completely self-centered, narcissistic showcase for an over-rated Broadway showgirl with an obvious Diva complex.

[hallauthor]

@problem49 You obviously have some personal issue here that clearly clouds your judgment. I'm a fan of a lot of singers, and know of nearly no one who thinks Bette Midler is nothing but an over-rated showgirl. Your level of rancor betrays a critic who is describing what he sees in the mirror.

[saveamazon]

@problem49 man, if you don't like it, don't hear it...go listen to the Carpenters or whatever...

[problem49]

@saveamazon I ll make you a deal: I will post my views whenever and wherever I chose, and if you don t like it you can go fuck yourself.

[RichardWinfrey]

@problem49 Ignorance is bliss for you, I assume. The song "Superstar" was performed by Bette Midler prior to the Carpenters. If you knew anything about the Carpenters, you would know that Richard Carpenter stayed up late watching television most nights, because he had a lot of pressure to find another big hit for him and Karen. One night while watching the Johnny Carson show; out walks this crazy looking hippy girl, a young Bette Midler performing this song. The rest is history....

[problem49]

@RichardWinfrey Bullshit. The song is so completely identified with the Carpenters that it simply can t be one of Bette s cast-offs. Nice Try.

[problem49]

@RichardWinfrey My instinct proved me right! A quick Google search revealed that the original is by Delaney and Bonney ; both versions are covers, but the Carpenters is definitive.

[RichardWinfrey]

@problem49 Geez, your attitude sucks! This song was recorded by Midler before the Carpenters got a hold of it. Obviously you have no life if it's that important to you to go around challenging people over a song. The Carpenters are also on my list of favorites, but Bette Midler is a much more talented singer than Karen carpenter ever was. I guess you search out all of the singers you don't like on Youtube and run them in the ground just to pick a fight with other members. Get a life.

[michellesvideosuk]

I love Bette, this is great video, I am so glad I have all her albums, I listen to them all the time, love them all. xx

[domdedomify]

I like it!!! Lovely version!

[ricknmd]

So wonderful, one of my favorite songs of all time.

[cherylcyn]

Wow, I've never seen this! It gave me chills, too! It's such an amazing song and the different intreptations of it are so cool.

[CineFanatique]

this is one major reason why bette is considered one of the greatest interpreters of song ever...she becomes the character of the song. she wraps herself in the cloak of character and inhabits it...

[olyguy2000]

It's beautiful, but Luther Vandross' version still gives me goosebumps.

[TheVineyarder]

I think that Karen Carpenter sung the song from a younger woman's perspective.when love is all new and fresh...Bette sings it from a much older woman's view..she has had many loves and its an older woman who fell for a younger man..and in her voice you just know she knows that he doesnt return her love

[divaishnyc262]

@TheVineyarder Not sure you realize that this show is from the 70s. Bette would have been in her 30s. Don't believe that qualifies as from "a much older woman's view."

[divaishnyc262]

@TheVineyarder Not sure you realize that this show is from the 70s. Bette would have been in her 30s. Don't believe that qualifies as from "a much older woman's view." No matter though. This performance is hauntingly beautiful. thanks for posting.

[DejaVusee]

This is one MASTERPIECE of a performance. This version really got to me. Bette is phenomenal in her interpretation of this Leon Russell classic, and this live performance is a true testament to her immense talent. WOW.

[grooverunner]

I don't think she is acting, I don't think she sings this song, she shares exactly what Leon Russell & Bonnie Bramlett tried to convey in these lyrics. Quite a performance, giving all and then some! Thank you!

[blunklaura]

She could do a beautiful Christmas album,better than the crap Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears are planning to release !

[velvetlady1950]

This the first song i saw Bette sing on the Johnny Carson show and it made me cry. I checked my musice store for several years before she put an album out....I love this song make feel through down into my bones.....TY

[fredjmp]

Beautiful!! Thanks!

[TheReturnOfStephan1]

Wow!

The desolation of this song is so palpable in Bette's performance!

This song, which I've always loved, had never given me chills...until now.

Thanks for posting.:)

[om92555]

This si the best version of the song. You really feel the lonliness and despair.

[astroboirap]

this is soooo crap compared to carpenters and sonic youth's version

[lvmfah]

Any chance that youd post Bacharach playing Beethoven's Ninth, the segment after this in the Special?

You know they worked together in Isn't She Great, right? One of the best songs was/is On My Way, sung by Dionne Warwick. (Not the Bacharach hit On My Own, with Patty LaBelle.)

[hallauthor]

A truly great singer is a great actress. She has to sell the lyrics and must "live" the song to do so. That's what makes the live performances so telling, thats what makes for longevity and legendary status. This is the perfect example of why Bette is in that category. Bette, Diana, Barbara, Tina, Cher. All 4 different vocal abilities and ranges, but all 4 have carved out deservedly legendary careers that very few contemporary pop singers will ever match.

[Tigerbos]

This version sounds so much better than the version of it that Bette did on her album.

[toonmunger]

It's amazing how the devine Miss M can come out of her "trash with flash" (her words) presona and become a a delicate flower for this kind of song.She really communicates the emotion of it.

[1966stevieee]

The longing... the pain, for love thats really not coming back. A performance that makes me weep!

[NicCalder]

R.I.P dirk, gone but not forgotten!

xxxx

[TheSouthernDaddy]

NO ONE, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE can do this song as well as Bette Midler. PERIOD!

[Chrliesangelsman]

@TheSouthernDaddy: It is a lovely version, I don't dispute that. But that is your opinion. Mine is that while Bette's is VERY beautiful, Karen C.'s version is the ABSOULTE best. Karen's voice is so haunting and the orchistration so lush to match. I don't think it can be beat. But again, that is MY opinion, and as we both know, opinions can't be proven as fact. Bette's version IS no doubt beautiful though, I will not deny that.

[TheSouthernDaddy]

@Chrliesangelsman The we shall agree that it is done beautifully by them both, and disagree on who does it best, and call it a day. Agree to disagree. Thanks for your sweet comment Dear.

Love,

Buster

[Chrliesangelsman]

@TheSouthernDaddy: Sounds like a plan bud!

[mochaman15]

@TheSouthernDaddy I remember seeing this on tv. I became an immediate fan of Bette. This version was soooooooooo haunting....so beautiful. I could hardly believe what I was seeing and hearing.

[improvguru]

Karen Carpenter does the definitive version of almost any song she touches, this being no exception (although, admittedly, I haven't heard Luther Vandross). Remember, Karen never really liked this song and recorded it in one take from lyrics which Richard wrote on a napkin. Also: if music is a form of "performance," there is room for an infinite number of interpretations.

[Chrliesangelsman]

@improvguru: VERY GOOD POST!

[danmcc08]

The Carpenters' version was based on Bette's. Other than Burt "discovering" The Carpenters' there is no connection to this song. It was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell and first recored as "The Groupie Song" by Delaney and Bonnie and Friends.

[ggsnaps]

Karen Carpenter, who has one of the most beautiful voices ever recorded, clearly has the superior vocals, but this is how the song should be sung. Poignant, haunting, sexy, almost desperate, Bette turned it out. You go girl!

[Chrliesangelsman]

@ggsnaps: I don't quite get your comment...... If you are implying that Karen's version is NOT haunting, then you need to surf the net. I think that is the ONE word that is used almost every single time that the song is mentioned in respect to Ms. Carpenter's version. Bette's version is very beautiful though, and I am a big fan of hers, I just like other songs she sings better, and like Karen's version best. But we all have our right to our own tastes.

[sorcerer3117]

Bette sings from the soul!

[FlyingMondongo]

Mientras Karen Carpenter estampa este tema en lo más profundo de nuestro estrujado corazoncito, Bette Midler actúa un monólogo, pero está mal dirigida.

[philipmershon]

Simply put: Karen Carpenter sings the song (and quite beautifully), Bette Midler becomes the character of the woman who lives inside the song.

[BabyG18]

@philipmershon very well put. she became the woman in the song. just beautiful song

karens version is amazing 2

and luthers

[islandsylph]

@philipmershon Karen Carpenter did indeed release this song, but Bette Midler released her version of it in 1972 on The Divine Miss M. She is singing it herself here, not Karen.

[A1Beef]

What are you people talking about? This woman can not sing at all! She bastardized this version.

The only good version of this song is by Luther.

Of course Karen C. is nice, but Luther's is so soulful.

[Shivaree777]

@A1Beef Cannot sing? Ever seen The Rose where she plays this superstar who cannot cope with stardom? This woman can sing like a mother f***er! But of course this version cannot appeal to you but that's something different than her not being able to sing.

[sorcerer3117]

The Rose is amazing!! 'Stay With Me Baby' is amazing!..and 'The Rose' sung with soul! Have the DVD and the soundtrack on CD. Ace!!

[misternastytyme]

@A1Beef ur krazy!!!!!!!

[BuzzOnTheFly]

Excellent. Excellent. Go ahead and applaud the ole girl . . .

[olyguy2000]

WOW, stunning version. I always thought that Karen Carpenter wrote it, but I see the composers were "Leon Russell, Bonnie Bramlett, and Delaney Bramlett."

My favorite version has always been Luther's, but this version is amazing, too.

[CHERADICTO]

DIVA.

[christiaandhooghe]

So wonderful, get the kleenex!!!!!

[helow98]

This is brilliant, all the way! thanks for this vid!

[bertmarx]

lol

[maggiescanyon]

LMAO

[flYinjaZZ]

i love you mama :)

[jefgain]

I love Bette and Bette doing this song. It feels like her heart and soul are in this song, like mine.

[funkweeta]

No one touches Karen Carpenter singing this song.

[erginakif]

Yawn...

[uniquebfly]

I always wondered if Barbra Streisand is a fan of Bette's...they are the TOP TWO imo...I've always wanted to see them together in something...like a movie musical!!

[beekmanguy99]

Streisand IS a fan of Bette's. They have never performed together but when Streisand had a concert to raise $ for the Democratics in her backyard in 1986 she invited Bette and if you get the video of the event, you'll see Bette (pregnant with Sophie) being interviewed as she arrives. After the concert Streisand invited Bette inside her home to sit and relax . Can you even imagine the two of them hanging out & chatting & dishing together? Oh to be a fly on the wall that evening, right????

[StoneyEnd444]

true that dude.

[pasadener]

the ultimate version of the song is hers. i somehow thought this very performance was from the first CHER show. i remember the lonely window lighting.johnny carson's people saw her doing it at the gay baths and then richard carpenter saw her do it on carson and they had a number one hit. but this version is my cry to song.

[AMKDivineMissM]

Wow,das ist ja mal eine ganz andere Art...also die kenne ich garnicht von ihr.Aber trortdem super*schmunzel*

[andreasscholl]

Kleenex were art thou???

Such a beautiful song dont yah think?

It was on the first Bette album and later on a single...but such a gem.

When your in crashing state, listen to this song.....

How good can one be?

[nilsdrew]

i remember seeing this on tv, i was a teen and treasured her first albumn, love you miss midler

[goldfishboy89]

I first heard the Carpenters version, and I loved it when I heard it. I think Karen did a great job. I bought the greatest hits cd, and inside was a description about Richard arranging this for Karen, that Bette did it before. I found this, and I must say, I actually prefer Bette's version. I think it's more heartfelt. I think the feeling of solitude and broken-heartedness is better for this song, which is what Bette does with it. Don't get me wrong, Karen's version is great too.

[boonesusan]

I loved it by the Carpenters too. But must say that I prefer Bette's version, over theirs. Have you heard Luther Vandross's version. It will knock your socks off.

[greatestone00]

I love Bette, but this version can't compare in the least to Karen Carpenter. Bette shouldn't even have tried this.

[MamaMidler]

But, Bette did it first, and IMO, best!

[hardcandy900]

Can you explain why do you love Bette's version more? I'm just interested))

[MamaMidler]

Sure I can. When Bette sings it, I can feel each and every word emotionally, It is so honest and raw. The Carpenters' version is lovely, but very commercially done. I just can't FEEL it. Thank you for your interest.

MamaMidler

[hardcandy900]

I wouldn't call it "commercial". I would say, that Carps version is more easy to listen. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Bette as singer and actress, and her ballad "Wing beneath my wings" is one of my favorite songs ever, But her version of Superstar is... Drawn out and overacted to me...

[MamaMidler]

I appreciate your point of view and opinion. We will agree to disagree on this one! LOL! I will say that the Carpenters version of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from the 'Passage' album is my favorite version of that song! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.

Love,

MamaMidler

[sparklingmichele]

I agree with all you've said. Bette put out her heart and soul. As far as I am concerned, this, is the way it should be sung. If anyone has had the experience she is singing about, then, they know she has really captured it. It is too bad that the sound is so poor on this video. If you hear her recording on Divine Miss M then, those who question this recording, will probably understand her amazing talent. The only way to put it, Bette really knows how to perform a song -It's Art!

[MamaMidler]

Truer words were never spoken! You have an ear for the DIVINE!

Love,

Mama

[Nixe1007]

How ironic...)) My favorite version of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" is Madonna's) But this one forever belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter))

[kangaroosbraun]

Olivia Newton John does 'Dont Cry' good too

[cosmonola]

I remember as a young man listening to this song on the flip side of the boogie woogie bugle boy of company B

[miskityone]

Yeah, that's how I first discovered it! But I was a young girl then. Did you ever put earphones on and listen to it?

It use to blow me away!

[c7l8e4]

Brilliant. Only Bette got the desparate sadness and longing of the groupie who this song was about. Karen C was a great singer but just didn't get it right w/ this song. She was just too wholesome to be believable as a groupie wanting to have sex one more time w/ her superstar.

[bluenitepoet]

I agree bettesoff. She touches the core of what loneliness is truly about. It's more than the blues. It's an intense emotion that egulfs everything in a coat of emotional black. She is amazing! Meloncholy at its peak....

[lvmfah]

I would deeply appreciate if one would post the part of the tv spacial in which Burt Bacharach plays his very rythmic version of Beethoven's ninth.

Maybe BerlinDirk2 could help?

Thank you for this.

[bettesoff]

There is no possible way anyone else could put more emotion into this song than Bette! It's a heart wrenching song about her "affair" with loneliness. Loneliness is a feeling where people experience a powerful surge of emptiness and solitude. Karen could connect with a song like that!

[acatinny]

Karen's "Easy Listening Pop" version was beautifully done, I always love it. But this Bette's version really sounds like a Groupie singing, Karen's doesn't. And the original is Bonnie's. I love that one too.

[smthoman]

Boring!! KC actually put some heart and soul into it.

[msongs]

umm, bette had it first, leon russell did on Mad dogs and englishmen before Bette, and Delaney and Bonnie did the first version (they co-wrote it with Russell). can't link here but search for

"Superstar (Delaney and Bonnie song)"

on Wikipedia. IMO all versions of this song are just fine :-)

[yieldyieldyield]

To quote Richard Carpenter - "I came home from the studio one night and heard a then relatively unknown Bette Midler performing this song on the Tonight Show. I could barely wait to arrange and record it. (It remains one of my favorites)." Do YOUR homework.

[kshaligin]

I wonder, if that's the reason Bette started to show her antipathy toward Carpenters and particularly Karen?

[virginQ]

Karen Carpenter stamped her great voice all over this song., i like Bette as well, yet i can only hear Karen singing this song.

[stphncrmr]

The Carpenters recorded this song after hearing Bette Midler sing it on The Tonight Show.

[illlx]

CNN!!!! music makes these thugs caaaalllmmmm doooooooooown classic hip hop!

[LuvStorms]

I love the divine Bette, but she is over singing and over acting this to the hilt. Karen Carpenter's version is by far the definitive standard, beautiful and understated.

[GayHeartLover]

WOW! I cant thank you enough! This has ALWAYS been my FAVORITE song that Bette has ever recorded. i cry every time I hear her sing it. HEARTWRENCHING. I have never seen this. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[drachirzim]

Hard to believe there is a better version than Karens!

[nezcaw]

how sad... :(

[heartbeat3]

I have alrways remembered her singing it

on tv. Its wonderful. Perfect.

[kennyt1230]

Beautiful, quiet sadness

[StoneyEnd444]

dayyyyummm shes sexyy.

[billyguns2]

Surely THE DIVINE MISS M. is one of the great albums of the twentieth century, and this is one of the best tracks from that album. I love Barry Manilow's arrangement more than the original Carpenters version; it lifts the song into high art, and of course Bette is magnificent.

[iboudiop]

Thanks for posting this. It was posted on YT before but disappeared. I am mesmerized by it as ever. . .

[fengfipe]

After the "Cleveland show" this was the first I saw of "The divine miss M", for years and years i've remember the video but not the song (thougth it might has been "Am I ´blue"). All I remember was that i looooved it!! So imagen after more than 20 years - wow - I'm right back where I started!!!

This is Bette Midler as her best!!!!

[Heylookaneagle]

This song is also covered by the Carpenters. Although Karen Carpenter had a finer voice, this song is suited better to Miss Midler's styling.

[yieldyieldyield]

Bette actually performed this song first on Johnny Carson before the Carpenters recorded it. Karen does have a more refined voice, but Bette has the raw emotion that makes this song belong to her only.

[wizardofwaste]

Yes, this is from "The Divine Miss M", which is her first album. This was written by Leon Russell, and is Barry Manilow's arrangement. This is not only Bette at her best but vocal interpretation at it's best. Many thanks for posting this!

[antonic75]

I think this song is from the album "Divine Miss M". I love it very much, it´s one of my favorite songs by Bette.

[MamaMidler]

I just love this song by Bette. It is so full of emotion lacking today in most music.

Love,

MamaMidler

[Mazartz]

OMG - I never knew this footage existed & for the past 5.19 mins I have been totally spellbound by the utter brilliance that is Bette Midler. She can take any song & make it her own. This woman is a genious.  All you wanna be's singers out there - watch this video & learn from the MASTER!

[astro147b]

this is amazin i saw the show it was a lifetime ago this arrangement and simple honest performance is bette at her best

[mochaman15]

I saw this performance on that show in 1974 and have been looking for it ever since. I was soooooo moved by here performance. Bette is awesome. Thanks for posting this!!!!!!!!

[loenrac]

This is my favourite Bette Midler song ! I was so happy the first time i saw the video ! Thank you so much

[MillerNY08]

Good Staging for 1974!