Columbia Records Ready To Release Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook

Columbia Records will release Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook on Tuesday, September 30.

The album reunites Bette Midler with her original piano accompanist and musical director, Barry Manilow, who produced her first two breakthrough albums, Divine Ms. M (1972) and Bette Midler (1973). Produced by Barry Manilow and Robbie Buchanan, Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook pays tribute to one of America's great women of traditional pop and vocal jazz, recasting the brilliance of her material and artistry in shimmering new hues for aficionados of Ms. Clooney, who passed away on June 29, 2002, as well as for a new generation of music fans.

"I have loved Rosemary Clooney for as long as I can remember," wrote Bette Midler in her notes for the album. "She possessed one of the great American voices of the last century, full of warmth, sincerity and truth. Her intonation was impeccable, she never sang a false note...she radiated intelligence and good humor, and boy, could she swing!"

Ms. Midler's enthusiasm is echoed by Barry Manilow: "When I was thinking about who could pay tribute to -- and at the same time, reinvent these splendid songs, which Rosemary [Clooney] first introduced to the world -- Bette was my first ... and only choice! We had a ball, just like the old days! Better than the old days! I'm so thankful that she agreed to do it."

One of the world's best-loved and most versatile entertainers, Bette Midler has garnered accolades in all quarters of show business. She's earned four Grammy Awards including Song of the Year (1989: "Wind Beneath My Wings", 1990: "From A Distance") and Record of the Year (1989: "Wind Beneath My Wings"); two Academy Award nominations, three Emmy Awards, one Tony Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and nine American Comedy Awards.

Her SRO tours have placed historically in the Top 5 grossing concerts in a calendar year. Ms. Midler has sold more than 14 million albums over the course of her career and holds 24 gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications from the RIAA for her albums and singles.

             Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook

   1.  You'll Never Know
       Arranged by Barry Manilow and Jorge Calandrelli
       Conducted by Jorge Calandrelli

       Piano: Randy Waldman

       Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1952

   2.  This Ole House
       Arranged by Barry Manilow and Robbie Buchanan
       Banjo: Herb Pedersen
       Mandolin: Kenny Blackwell
       Bass: Chuck Berghofer
       Guitar: Dean Parks
       Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta

       Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954

   3.  On A Slow Boat To China (Duet with Barry Manilow)
       Arranged by Barry Manilow and Patrick Williams
       Conducted by Patrick Williams

       Piano: Steve Welch and Barry Manilow
       Bass: Chuck Berghofer
       Guitar: George Doering
       Drums: Gregg Field

       Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby in 1958

   4.  Hey There
       Arranged by Barry Manilow and Jorge Calandrelli
       Conducted by Jorge Calandrelli

       Piano: Steve Welch
       Bass: Chuck Berghofer
       Guitar: George Doering
       Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta

       Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954

   5.  Tenderly
       Arranged by Barry Manilow and Jorge Calandrelli
       Conducted by Jorge Calandrelli

       Piano: Steve Welch
       Bass: Chuck Berghofer
       Guitar: George Doering
       Drums: Gregg Field

       Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1951

   6.  Come On-A My House
       Arranged by Ray Ellis and Robbie Buchanan
       Conducted by Ray Ellis

       Harpsichord: Randy Waldman
       Keyboards/Bass: Robbie Buchanan
       Guitar: Michael Thompson
       Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta
       Background Vocals:  Beverly Staunton

       Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1951

   7.  Mambo Italiano
       Arranged by Barry Manilow and Robbie Buchanan

       Piano/Keyboards/Drums: Robbie Buchanan
       Guitar: Michael Thompson
       Background Vocals - Hans Stamer (baritone),
                           Warren Stanyer and David Steele (tenors)

       Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954

   8.  Sisters (Duet with Linda Ronstadt)
       From the Paramount Motion Picture "White Christmas"
       Arranged by Barry Manilow and Ray Ellis
       Conducted by Ray Ellis

       Piano: Randy Waldman
       Bass: Chuck Berghofer
       Guitar: George Doering
       Drums: Gregg Field

       Originally recorded by Rosemary and Betty Clooney in 1954

   9.  Memories Of You
       Arranged by Barry Manilow and Ray Ellis
       Conducted by Ray Ellis

       Piano: Steve Welch
       Bass: Chuck Berghofer
       Guitar: George Doering
       Drums: Gregg Field
       Background Vocals:  David Steele and Warren Stanyer

       Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1955

  10.  In The Cool, Cool, Cool Of The Evening
       Arranged by Barry Manilow and Patrick Williams
       Conducted by Patrick Williams

       Piano: Steve Welch
       Bass: Chuck Berghofer
       Guitar: George Doering
       Drums: Gregg Field

       Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1952

  11.  White Christmas
       From the Paramount Motion Picture "White Christmas"
       Arranged and Conducted by Robbie Buchanan

       Piano, Celesta: Robbie Buchanan

       Originally recorded by Rosemary Clooney in 1954

       Produced by Barry Manilow and Robbie Buchanan

       Executive Producers: Jay Landers and Garry C. Kief
       Associate Producers: Scott Erickson and Marc Hulett

SOURCE: Columbia Records

CONTACT: For more information - Claire Mercuri, Columbia Records, Media,
New York, +1-212-833-5121, claire_mercuri@sonymusic.com; or Online press -
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Web site: http://www.columbiarecords.com/