This greatest hits album was issued in the UK, Continental Europe, Scandinavia and Australia to coincide with Midler's first world tour.

Later editions released in 1979 also came with a free poster promoting her then upcoming movie The Rose.

The Best of Bette, confusingly released with near identical cover art to 1973's Bette Midler, featured songs from Midler's first four studio albums with the addition of one track from 1977's Live at Last, the studio recording "You're Moving Out Today".

The version included on The Best of Bette is the rare single mix which features an extra verse that is not found on the Live at Last album or on many of the single releases worldwide.

The Best of Bette including the rare single mix of "You're Moving Out Today" was issued on CD in Australia only in 1987.