Bootleg Betty
Video: Bette Midler Performs The Story Of Nanette
By Mister D
Oct 8, 2025
Bette Midler’s “The Story of Nanette” is a memorable medley from her 1976 Depression Tour, performed live at the Cleveland Music Hall. This theatrical song cycle humorously tells the tale of a down-and-out character named Nanette through a sequence of standards and originals, blending cabaret flair with Midler’s signature wit and vocal range. It was a highlight of her HBO special, The Bette Midler Show (aired in 1976), and her live album, Live at Last (released in 1977), although parts were edited out of the VHS version due to time constraints.
Songs in the Medley (as performed live):
“Nanette” (Howard Dietz) – An upbeat opener evoking vaudeville charm.
“Alabama Song” (Bertolt Brecht, Kurt Weill) – A surreal plea for moonshine and showgirls.
“Drinking Again” (Doris Tauber, Johnny Mercer) – A torch song about drowning sorrows.
“Mr. Rockefeller” (Bette Midler, Jerry Blatt) – A satirical jab at wealth and aspiration.
“Ready to Begin Again” (Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller) – A hopeful swing number.
“Do You Wanna Dance?” (Bobby Freeman) – An energetic closer, flipping despair into joy.
Runtime: About 15-20 minutes in full live form, showcasing Midler’s banter, costume changes, and emotional depth.
The medley captures Midler’s early Divine Miss M. persona—part diva, part storyteller—drawing from her bathhouse roots and Broadway influences.
