Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook

Released in 2005, 'Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook' marks the second collaboration between Midler and producer Barry Manilow, following their successful Rosemary Clooney tribute. This album is a focused stylistic exercise, moving Midler away from contemporary pop and back toward her roots in cabaret and traditional vocal jazz. The project was meticulously researched, featuring arrangements that echo the original Decca and Capitol sessions while providing a modern hi-fi sheen. The tracklist covers the breadth of Lee's career, from the minimalist 'Fever' to the complex storytelling of 'Is That All There Is?'. Critically, the album was praised for Midler's ability to inhabit Lee's persona without resorting to mere imitation. The inclusion of several spoken-word tracks and 'Bette's Intro' provides a documentary-style framing, positioning the album as both a musical tribute and an educational piece on Lee's legacy as a songwriter and performer. It remains a standout in Midler's later career for its cohesion and vocal discipline.