Bootleg Betty
Video: Sentimental Journey & Boogie Woogie Bugle Home
By Mister D
April 18, 2025
Bette Midler performed “Sentimental Journey” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” with the Harlettes during a 1973 United Jewish Appeal (UJA) telethon. After the performance, she auctioned off her dress, dropping it for Israel for $5,000!
This performance aligns with her early career when she was promoting her debut album, The Divine Miss M (1972), which included her hit cover of “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” The song was a major success, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart.
Her performance at the UJA telethon was a lively, campy rendition, consistent with her “Divine Miss M” persona, which blended humor, nostalgia, and bold theatrics. Risque! I say!
