Music legends collided in New York on Thursday night at the 43rd Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony, where Stevie Nicks presented Bette Midler with the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. given to those who further the successes of songwriters.
At first, the pairing of Nick’s honoring Midler may have seemed a bit odd, given Nick’s breezy, mystical West Coast vibe and Midler’s acerbic, brash New York persona. But Nicks proved that in the hands (and voice) of the right interpreter, a great song always shines through. Clad in a black outfit with dark sunglasses, Nicks put her spin on the Amanda McBroom-penned ‘The Rose.’
This is what Ms. Nicks had to say about Bette. Mister D: My recollection was that they have been long time friends when Bette was researching female rock singers for her debut film, “The Rose”
And here was a little bit of what Bette had to say:
“This thing has been going on for 43 years and this is the first time I’ve been invited? I’m kind of annoyed! And then I get invited and there’s not a single TV camera around? You MotherFuckers!
— Bette Midler, Songwriters Hall Of Fame, 2012
First I was a tramp, then a visionary. Then I was an icon, then an institution. This is an award for tenacity! … I’d like to thank my daughter, my long-suffering husband, for the family that I had, as nutty as they were and a team of managers and publicists subjected to my vast insecurity. I would also like to thank people who love me unconditionally even when I was at my worst. Which is, unfortunately, a lot.”
Bette, from what I heard got a big Standing Ovation. She kindly thanked all of the fans, songwriters, producers, and others who have supported her throughout her life.
