Bette Midler

Bette Midler grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she began singing at an early age. After winning several talent shows, it was clear what she had to do -- get the hell out of there! Ironically, playing an extra in the film, "Hawaii," she earned enough money to move to New York City. She soon landed on Broadway, playing Tzeitel, the oldest daughter in the hit musical," Fiddler on the Roof,"

Once she began singing in clubs around town, word reached the owner of the famed Continental Baths, who immediately offered her a job. Performing at the baths, she developed the trademark act that would make her one of the most renowned talents of a generation. Bawdy humor, revealing costumes and a distinctive voice made for an act that was poignant, tacky and altogether fabulous. "I wouldn't say I invented tack," she boasted,"but I definitely brought it to its present popularity." Her performances of songs like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Delta Dawn, and Superstar were unforgettable and caused audiences to fall in love with the self-anointed "Divine Miss M."

After being discovered by Ahmet Ertugun, the legendary president of Atlantic Records, Bette recorded her first album, "The Divine Miss M," which hit No, 9 on Billboard's Top 200 Chart and went platinum. In 1973, she won her first Grammy for Best New Artist. After successfully touring the world and returning to Broadway in the Tony winning, "Clams On The Halfshell," Hollywood beckoned. Midler's first starring role in the feature film, "The Rose," garnered two Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy for the film's title song and a best actress Oscar nomination.

Forty years, four Grammys, four Golden Globes, three Emmys, a Tony Award and tons of record-breaking performances since she hit the scene, the "Divine Miss M" is still going strong. She recently said that although it's tough being a living legend, somebody's got to do it. "In other words," she added, "I'm not retiring and you can't make me!"