Bette Midler’s performance of”La Vie en Rose” on the CBS television special Rolling Stone Magazine: The 10th Anniversary is one of those wonderful snapshots of 1977 Bette: theatrical, funny, glamorous, and completely in command of the stage. The special aired on November 25, 1977, celebrating the magazine’s first decade and featuring a wide range of performers and celebrities.
As a featured guest, Bette appeared with The Harlettes and delivered a mini-showcase that included”Red,” “Uptown/Da Doo Ron Ron,” “La Vie en Rose,” and a lengthy comic monologue. She also joined Jerry Lee Lewis for a performance of”Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”
Why “La Vie en Rose” Stands Out
By 1977, “La Vie en Rose” had become one of Bette’s signature concert pieces. Rather than performing it as a straightforward tribute to Édith Piaf, she transformed it into a full character performance, mixing romance, camp, and old-world cabaret charm. The Rolling Stone special captured her at the height of her live-performance powers, when she could move effortlessly from broad comedy to genuine musical elegance.
Reception
According to a retrospective on Bootleg Betty, some critics considered Bette’s entire segment one of the highlights of the special, even though the program itself received a mixed response from both critics and the public.
Trivia for the Bootleg Betty Archive
The special was broadcast on CBS on November 25, 1977.
Other participants included Steve Martin, Patti LaBelle, Art Garfunkel, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Melissa Manchester, Keith Moon, and others.
Footage of Bette performing”La Vie en Rose” from the special survives and circulates among fans and on video-sharing sites.
