Bootleg Betty
Video: Bette Midler – Night And Day – Some People’s Lives – 1990
By Mister D
Sept 22, 2024
Bette Midler’s “Night and Day” from her 1990 album “Some People’s Lives” is distinct from Cole Porter’s classic. Here’s some information based on general knowledge and the context available:
Song Composition: “Night and Day” was written by Roxanne Seeman and Billie Hughes, not Cole Porter. This version by Midler is a different song, focusing on a theme of opposites attracting rather than the romantic longing expressed in the Cole Porter classic.
Album Context: “Some People’s Lives” marked Bette Midler’s return to studio albums after focusing on film work in the late ’80s. This album combined pop, adult contemporary, and jazz standards, showcasing Midler’s versatility. “Night and Day” fits into the album’s motif of exploring life’s various emotional landscapes.
Chart Performance: Despite not being a top hit like some of her other singles, “Night and Day” did chart. It reached number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 15 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart in 1991, indicating its appeal to an adult audience.
Musical Style: Produced by Arif Mardin, known for blending pop with sophisticated arrangements, “Night and Day” likely features the kind of lush, orchestrated sound Mardin was known for, mixed with Midler’s powerful, emotive vocals.
Cultural Impact: While not as universally recognized as her biggest hits like “Wind Beneath My Wings” or “From a Distance” from the same album, “Night and Day” contributes to Midler’s repertoire of songs that celebrate human connection and emotion. Over the years, her fans have appreciated it for its catchy melody and Midler’s characteristic delivery.
Public Sentiment: From social media posts, there’s no direct recent discussion specifically about this song, but Bette Midler’s engagement with her audience often involves sharing music or sentiments that resonate with her. This suggests that “Night and Day” might be revisited in fan discussions or by Midler herself in live performances or social media as part of her broader discography.
Misconceptions: Given its title, Cole Porter’s “Night and Day” might occasionally be confused, but Bette Midler’s version stands on its own merits, focusing on contemporary pop arrangements rather than the jazz standard’s motif.
Like much of Midler’s work, this song likely resonates with themes of love and life’s contrasts, fitting into her career narrative of embracing and performing a wide range of emotional and musical expressions.
