For many of us, we can’t imagine not seeing the Harlettes singing, dancing and adding comedy and vocals behind Bette Midler in her live appearances and concerts. She’s referred to them as the "Staggering Harlettes" for years, but they didn’t start out with that name.

In this interview with the Windy City Times, Melissa Manchester describes her first meeting with Bette Midler

"Barry and I had known each other because we sang commercials--we were studio singers. He was Bette's music director and on their night off they came to see me. She had made her first appearance on the Carson show by then. I finished my set and I went over to say hello and he introduced me to Bette. I knew she was getting ready for her first Carnegie Hall concert and I asked if she was going to have any background singers. She took a beat and said, 'I don't know, would you like to sing in back of me?' and I said, 'Well, actually I'd like to sing instead of you [ Laughs ] but I'll be happy to sing in back of you.' So Barry and I organized what was originally called The Red Light District and then we were called M.G.M. because those were our initials and then we were called The Harlettes and I was the toots in the middle"

The faces and personalities of this trio has changed time and time again over the years, but the one thing that never changes is the talent they all bring to the stage. I wanted to take some time to finally put a tribute up to these ladies, past and present. Some I’ve met, some I’ve seen perform live, others I’ve seen perform on archived footage that’s out there, and still others sadly I didn’t get a chance to see, however all deserve mention.

They danced, they sang, they were brunt of jokes, they wore outrageous costumes, and in later years, spun poi balls, flapped a mermaid fin and raced at breakneck speed around the stage in wheelchairs, how could I NOT mention them on this site? These girls add so much to a live show, vocally, visually and just to the whole ambiance.

"Oh Those Girls! My three favorite chotchkes on the breakfront of life! I'll never forget how they looked when I first sw them-- dirt streaked, rouge -stained cheeks., there was Magic.
The shocking verbal abuse they hurled at me when I first approached them only made me more certain I was right. I could do so much with them, I thought. And FOR them...... I would be more than their employer, I would be their Benefactress. I would raise them out of the gutter, nourish their minds, their souls, be privy to the elevation of their spirits. I would see them become noble and thin... GOD, I love a Mission." (Bette Midler --View from a Broad)

Most of all, you have to remember, these ladies ALL are talented in their own right. Yes, it is true, they are all past and present members of the elite club called the Harlettes, but that is but a few gigs or years of their careers. So I say to you, if you have enjoyed them at all as Harlettes, please support them in their other projects, show them the support, and respect they have all earned.

I will include links to their current projects wherever possible, CDs, tours, fan clubs, WebPages. Take a few minutes and check them out, you won’t be disappointed.



Melissa Manchester(1971-1973)

Merle Miller (1971-1973, 1977)

Gail Kantor (1971-1973)

Robin Grean (1972-1975)

Charlotte Crossley (1972-1978)

Ula Hedwig (1976 - 1978, 1980, 1982-1983)

Franny Eisenberg (1978-1980)

Linda Hart (1978 - 1980, 1982 - 1983)

Katey Sagal (1978, 1982 - 1983)

Diva Gray (1980)

Jocelyn Brown (1980)

Jenifer Lewis (1983)

Helena Springs (1983)

Carol Hatchett (1993-2000)

Melanie Taylor (1993-2000)

Rhae Ann Theriault (1993-2001)

Nicolette Hart (2003 -2004)

Kyra Da Costa (2003 - Present)

Kamilah Martin/ Marhsall (2003 - Present)

Patina Miller (2007)

Aléna Watters (2007-2008)

Jordan Ballard (2007 - Present)



If you happen to notice any errors on the info below or have any other information (or if you are mentioned below and want to straighten me out) please drop me a line.