She might have already had two shout outs for her performances on Broadway in my Dark Monday series, but Bernadette Peters also had a couple of songs that made it to the radio back in the early 80s. With her kewpie doll looks, full mane of corkscrew curls, voluptuous figure and peaches and cream complexion, Peters has always seemed like a throwback to a different era, so it should come as no surprise her first hit was a 50s style doo-wop song, "Gee Whiz", from the 1980 album 'Bernadette'.
The following year she released 'Now Playing', which contained an adult contemporary hit, "Broadway Baby". The song was written by Stephen Sondheim for his show 'Follies', a show she was not cast in. However, she has gone on to be a wonderful interpreter of Sondheim's music as well as an inspiration for the composer, who wrote her role in 'Into The Woods' for her.
Those are pretty much it for the songs of Bernadette I have heard on the radio. For the most part, since those two albums, she has worked in the theater, and doing concert tours, still performing at the top of her game, despite turning 62 later this month. But I will add one more clip to the post, that of her singing the Sondheim song "Sooner Or Later", originally sung by Madonna in the movie 'Dick Tracy'. While I loved Madge's version, I have to admit Bernadette sings the crap out of it whenever she can.
Bernadette's life has not been without highs and lows. She has two Tony Awards for her exceptional work. She was a cougar before it was cool, landing a husband who as 15 years her junior, but she also lost him in a helicopter accident after 10 years together. She has worked tirelessly for many charities, and has adopted dogs from shelters. Just little tidbits. And yes, both 'Bernadette' and 'Now Playing' were in my record collection way back when. For more about Bernadette, check out her official website.
