Press Release Source: Columbia Records
Columbia Records Ready To Release Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney
Songbook Tuesday September 9, 2003 5:24 pm ET
In Stores, Tuesday, September 30
NEW YORK, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ — Columbia Records will release Bette
Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook on Tuesday, September 30. The
album reunites Bette Midler with her original piano accompanist and
musical director, Barry Manilow, who produced her first two breakthrough
albums, Divine Ms. M (1972) and Bette Midler (1973). Produced by Barry
Manilow and Robbie Buchanan, Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney
Songbook pays tribute to one of America’s great women of traditional pop
and vocal jazz, recasting the brilliance of her material and artistry in
shimmering new hues for aficionados of Ms. Clooney, who passed away on
June 29, 2002, as well as for a new generation of music fans.
“I have loved Rosemary Clooney for as long as I can remember,” wrote Bette
Midler in her notes for the album. “She possessed one of the great
American voices of the last century, full of warmth, sincerity and truth.
Her intonation was impeccable, she never sang a false note…she radiated
intelligence and good humor, and boy, could she swing!”
Ms. Midler’s enthusiasm is echoed by Barry Manilow: “When I was thinking
about who could pay tribute to — and at the same time, reinvent these
splendid songs, which Rosemary [Clooney] first introduced to the world —
Bette was my first … and only choice! We had a ball, just like the old
days! Better than the old days! I’m so thankful that she agreed to do
it.”
One of the world’s best-loved and most versatile entertainers, Bette
Midler has garnered accolades in all quarters of show business. She’s
earned four Grammy Awards including Song of the Year (1989: “Wind Beneath
My Wings”, 1990: “From A Distance”) and Record of the Year (1989: “Wind
Beneath My Wings”); two Academy Award nominations, three Emmy Awards, one
Tony Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and nine American Comedy Awards.
Her SRO tours have placed historically in the Top 5 grossing concerts in a
calendar year. Ms. Midler has sold more than 14 million albums over the
course of her career and holds 24 gold, platinum and multi-platinum
certifications from the RIAA for her albums and singles.
Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook
1. You’ll Never Know
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Jorge Calandrelli
Conducted by Jorge Calandrelli
Piano: Randy Waldman
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1952
2. This Ole House
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Robbie Buchanan
Banjo: Herb Pedersen
Mandolin: Kenny Blackwell
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitar: Dean Parks
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954
3. On A Slow Boat To China (Duet with Barry Manilow)
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Patrick Williams
Conducted by Patrick Williams
Piano: Steve Welch and Barry Manilow
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitar: George Doering
Drums: Gregg Field
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby in 1958
4. Hey There
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Jorge Calandrelli
Conducted by Jorge Calandrelli
Piano: Steve Welch
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitar: George Doering
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954
5. Tenderly
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Jorge Calandrelli
Conducted by Jorge Calandrelli
Piano: Steve Welch
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitar: George Doering
Drums: Gregg Field
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1951
6. Come On-A My House
Arranged by Ray Ellis and Robbie Buchanan
Conducted by Ray Ellis
Harpsichord: Randy Waldman
Keyboards/Bass: Robbie Buchanan
Guitar: Michael Thompson
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta
Background Vocals: Beverly Staunton
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1951
7. Mambo Italiano
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Robbie Buchanan
Piano/Keyboards/Drums: Robbie Buchanan
Guitar: Michael Thompson
Background Vocals – Hans Stamer (baritone),
Warren Stanyer and David Steele (tenors)
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954
8. Sisters (Duet with Linda Ronstadt)
From the Paramount Motion Picture “White Christmas”
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Ray Ellis
Conducted by Ray Ellis
Piano: Randy Waldman
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitar: George Doering
Drums: Gregg Field
Originally recorded by Rosemary and Betty Clooney in 1954
9. Memories Of You
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Ray Ellis
Conducted by Ray Ellis
Piano: Steve Welch
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitar: George Doering
Drums: Gregg Field
Background Vocals: David Steele and Warren Stanyer
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1955
10. In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening
Arranged by Barry Manilow and Patrick Williams
Conducted by Patrick Williams
Piano: Steve Welch
Bass: Chuck Berghofer
Guitar: George Doering
Drums: Gregg Field
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1952
11. White Christmas
From the Paramount Motion Picture “White Christmas”
Arranged and Conducted by Robbie Buchanan
Piano, Celesta: Robbie Buchanan
Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954
Produced by Barry Manilow and Robbie Buchanan
Executive Producers: Jay Landers and Garry C. Kief
Associate Producers: Scott Erickson and Marc Hulett
