Bette Midler, Chapel of Love | COVERS

In the 32^nd edition of COVERS (2023), Bette Midler delivers a compelling rendition of “Chapel of Love,” famously performed by The Dixie Cups.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and totally cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer.  It is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 32^nd edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Bette Midler delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Chapel of Love”, famously performed by 🎙 The Dixie Cups.

Can 💿 The Divine Miss M do no wrong? No, she can’t! 🎙 Bette Midler has had a terrific career, PERIOD. She oozes in talent with her acting skills and voice being truly exceptional.  In 1972, she released her platinum certified tour de force, which was nominated for the 🏆 Grammy for Album Of The Year at the 16th Annual Grammy Awards. There’s no shame in losing the award to the one and only 🎙 Stevie Wonder (💿 Innervisions). Midler would take home a big category, winning Best New Artist over the likes of 🎙 Barry White and 🎙 Marie Osmond.  But enough background about Bette – we already knew she was fab! On The Divine Miss M, she covers a no. 1 hit famously covered by 🎙 The Dixie Cups, 🎵 “Chapel of Love”.  With her electrifying pipes and big personality, you can be your dollar that The Divine Miss M slays!

From the jump, Bette is assertive, channeling the 60s soul style with ease.  The style of “Chapel of Love” is one that is bubbly, cutesy, and tongue in cheek.  Midler leans in and is rewarded for doing so, selling the matrimony vibes of the songwriting superbly. “Bells will ring, and the sun is gonna shine,” she sings exuberantly in the second verse, continuing, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m gonna be his, he’s gonna be mine.”  Midler’s backing vocals do their job awesomely too, channeling their inner Dixie Cups with those terrific, soulful harmonies.  The harmonies pop most during the chorus, the centerpiece of this beloved, vintage soul joint:

“Because we’re goin’ to the chapel

And we’re gonna get married

Goin’ to the chapel

And we’re gonna get married

Gee, I really love you

And we’re gonna get married

Goin’ to the chapel of love.”

The production, unsurprisingly, bears many similarities to the original. Still, it’s been updated, differentiating it from the 60s. A few more notes of this fine cover. From a lead vocal perspective, Midler incorporates more ad-libs – takes more license compared to The Dixie Cups’ ‘original’ (yes, 🎙 Darlene Love originally recorded it, but The Dixie Cups own the definitive take).  Also, the ending is strikingly different, with Bette even playfully commenting, “That is the pits ending to a really terrific song!” A man responds: “That is the worst ending I’ve ever heard!” The ending is a surprise, but that’s part of what makes 🎵 “Chapel of Love” special in the hands of Bette Midler.

🎙 Bette Midler • 💿 The Divine Miss M • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 1972

Bette Midler, Chapel of Love: Covers No. 32 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Atlantic; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]