Bootleg Betty
Bette Midler on “Bathhouse Betty,” Singing at the Continental Baths & Her One True Friend (1998)
By Film Discussion
July 12, 2026
In 1998, Bette Midler discussed her album “Bathhouse Betty,” how her career began singing to towel-clad audiences at a New York bathhouse, and why performing has always been her real social outlet.
On where it began: “I knew a teacher at the studio who knew the owner of the baths. He called and said, do you know anyone who can sing in front of people wearing towels? I said, sure, I’ll be there for $300. That was the most money I’d ever heard of in my life.”
On the scene: “The place was about as big as this room, and beyond it was a pool. He had a full set of lights, a sound system, drums and a piano. People in clothes started to come, and pretty soon you couldn’t get a seat. It was the hottest ticket in town.”
On why she performs: “It’s like a party and I’m the hostess. It’s my social outlet because I’m not very social. I have to go out and be Bette Midler when I don’t want to be her. I just want to be regular.”
On the first grade: “I sang Silent Night for the class and they applauded. That was so shocking to me that everyone couldn’t do it. I never really got over that feeling. I was a white child in a completely ethnic school. I was not beloved.”
