Now, I LOVE me some Joni, but as far as Bette Midler being "not in the same category as Joni", I must invoke the "apples-and-oranges" clause: true, the Divine Miss M is not an accomplished songwriter or painter, but neither is the Divine Joni M an accomplished comedienne, author or Oscar-nominated movie actress. Each is great in her own way. It's like comparing Jessye Norman and Yo-Yo Ma.
Peace y'all, Larry D www.larry-d.com