Bette Midler to 1969, she played the role of Tzeitel in "Fiddler on the Roof" on Broadway. After "Fiddler", she joined the original cast of "Salvation" in 1969. She began singing in the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse in the Ansonia Hotel, in the summer of 1970. During this time, she became close to her piano accompanist, Barry Manilow, who produced her first album in 1972, "The Divine Miss M." It was during her time at the Continental Baths that she built up a core following. In the late 1990s, during the release of her album "Bathhouse Betty", Midler commented on her
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