CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#156 THE ROSE Bette Midler
Bette Midler finally emerged on the entertainment horizon in 1973. She collected her 1st pop hit and a Best New Artist Grammy Award. Those highs were quickly replaced by lows as Midler struggled to sustain her chart run. She had already taken on a minor role in the motion picture 'Hawaii' in the mid-60s, but The Divine Miss M' took on a mighty acting challenge when she agreed to star in the film 'The Rose'. The movie was loosely based on Janis Joplin. 
At Oscar time, Midler was nominated for Best Lead Actress, but the Academy Award went instead to Sally Field for 'Norma Rae'. The title song had been written by Amanda McBroom a few years before it was selected for use in the film. 
Paul A. Rothchild produced Joplin's final album 'Pearl', which was released posthumously in 1971. He had previously worked on key albums by The Doors. Rothchild was the appropriate choice for the film's subject matter. He produced 'The Rose' soundtrack album. 
The version of "The Rose" on the LP is a live rendition. The film was released in 1979. Its lead single was Midler's cover of the Percy Sledge hit "When a Man Loves a Woman". The following year, "The Rose" was issued. This became a major hit for Midler; reaching #1 on both the US and Canadian AC charts. It peaked at #3 Pop in America and made the Top 10 in Canada and Australia. 
Since then, Midler has scored other major hits, including "Beast of Burden", and the #1 singles: "From A Distance" and "Wind Beneath My Wings". The latter was from the soundtrack for another of the performer's box office hit films, 'Beaches'. Other significant film roles include: 'Down and Out in Beverly Hills', 'Ruthless People', 'Outrageous Fortune' and 'The First Wives Club'. 
Midler continues recording and touring to this day. In 2013, she starred in the one-woman show "I'll Eat You Last" on Broadway in the role of real-life agent Sue Mengers. A new album, entitled 'It's The Girls', is expected in November 2014, paying tribute to the girl groups.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.