Bootleg Betty
This Day In History: 48 Years Ago Bette Midler Appeared In The Rolling Stone Magazine 10th Anniversary TV Special
By Mister D
Nov. 25, 2025
Bette Midler (and The Harlettes) was a featured guest star on the CBS special Rolling Stone Magazine: The 10th Anniversary, which aired on November 25, 1977.
Performance: She performed the song “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” with Jerry Lee Lewis, who joined her on piano.
Highlight: Her segment, which also included the songs RED, UPTOWN/DA DOO RON RON, LA VIE EN ROSE, and a lengthy monologue, was considered by some critics to be the highlight of the entire special, which was generally not well-received by the public and critics.
Other notable guests and contributors included:
- Steve Martin: He opened the show with a skit and co-wrote the special.
- Art Garfunkel
- Gladys Knight & The Pips
- Keith Moon (The Who drummer)
- Melissa Manchester
- Mike Love (The Beach Boys)
- The Rubinoos
- Martin Sheen (who read a story by a Vietnam War veteran)
- Richie Havens and Yvonne Elliman (who performed a duet)
- Patti LaBelle
The show also included a controversial Beatles medley and a performance by a KISS-esque hard-rock band.
