Jan 14, 20211 min read

Do You Want to Dance? - Bette Midler (1973) 1/15/21

Updated: Mar 21, 2021

When FOUR different versions of the same tune become hits by FOUR different artists over THREE straight decades, you have to believe it's a “Great Song!” (Lots of links below!)

In 1958, 17-year-old Bobby Freeman wrote and recorded “Do You Want to Dance,” a perfect example of early Rock & Roll that made it all the way to #2 on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues chart and #5 on the Hot 100.

In 1962, Cliff Richard & The Shadows released a fantastic version of the song that reached #2 in the UK. Unfortunately, because this was BEFORE the Beatles and the “British Invasion,” it was virtually ignored in the US. It didn't chart here, and that's our loss. :(

In 1965, The Beach Boys, along with several musicians from the legendary “Wrecking Crew,” altered the title slightly, and their “Wall of Sound” version of “Do You Wanna Dance” reached #12 on the Hot 100. (Trivia: This was the first Beach Boy hit with Dennis Wilson singing lead).

Then, in 1972, Bette Midler took an entirely different approach to the song...making it slow and sensual. It was the Divine Miss M's first release, and in early 1973, it went to #1 on Canada's Adult Contemporary Chart, and #8 in the US on Billboard's matching chart. (Trivia: Barry Manilow wrote the arrangement and played piano on the song.)

“Do You Want to Dance:” a Great Song of the '50s, '60s and '70s! Click the links and enjoy! In reverse chronological order:

Bette Midler (1973):