Bette Midler

Singer and performer Bette Midler got her start when she moved from her native Hawaii to New York City and began taking classes from renowned acting teacher Uta Hagen.

∙ Midler’s debut album, 1972’s The Divine Miss M, established her as a mainstream pop star and spawned three hits, including a cover of The Andrews Sisters’ “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” ∙ Her first two albums were coproduced by pianist Barry Manilow, whom she met while performing at a New York City bath house.

∙ In 1974, Midler won the Best New Artist Grammy Award and took home Best Female Pop Vocal Performance honors for “The Rose,” from her 1979 movie of the same name.