Richard Amsel a nationwide artists’ talent search; the artist was 22 at the time. Amsel quickly found popularity within New York's art scene, and his illustrations caught the attention of Barry Manilow, then a young singer/songwriter named who was working with Bette Midler, a newly emerging entertainer in cabaret clubs and piano bars. Manilow introduced the two, and it was quickly decided that Amsel should do the cover of her first Atlantic Records album. The cover, for "The Divine Miss M" proved to be one of the most ubiquitous of the year. More album covers and posters soon followed, as did a
Friends (Bette Midler song) be heard during the final scene and closing credits of the 1973 mystery film "The Last of Sheila". The song was also sung by the 1974-75 cast of "Zoom" during the "ZOOM was presented by" end credits reintroducing the cast members. Also, the song was performed on "The Muppet Show" Episode 115 by the Muppets and Candice Bergen, who is the guest star on that episode. A rendition of the song is heard on the film "Shrek", performed by Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy. Friends (Bette Midler song) "Friends" (also titled "(You Got to Have) Friends") is a 1973 hit