Exploring the Complicated History of Bette Midler and Barry Manilow’s Relationship

Barry Manilow and Bette Midler had a successful but stressful working relationship that lasted for three years. Manilow was not only her accompanist, but also her musical director, arranger, and record producer. He told Winnipeg Free Press that they didn’t trust each other, but they both recognized each other’s talents and that kept them together. They worked on Midler’s 1972 debut album “The Divine Miss M,” which Manilow co-produced based on their performances at the Continental Baths. Midler said the work was difficult due to tension between Manilow and co-producer Joel Dorn, as Manilow fought for Midler when she couldn’t speak up for herself. Manilow fought to save his arrangements and brought in a small audience to capture the essence of the live performances in the studio. When Manilow wanted to move on, Midler would convince him to stay. They parted ways in 1974, but collaborated again in the 2000s.