Beyond the Spotlight: The Groundbreaking NYC Venue That Launched Bette Midler and Redefined Entertainment

When you think of Bette Midler, images of grand stages, sold-out arenas, and dazzling divahood likely spring to mind. But before she became "The Divine Miss M," an Oscar-nominated, Grammy-winning icon, her legendary career took flight in a far more intimate, yet equally flamboyant, setting: a gay bathhouse in the heart of New York City. This wasn't just any bathhouse; it was the extraordinary Continental Baths, a vibrant crucible of culture, community, and cutting-edge entertainment that left an indelible mark on music history and LGBTQ+ nightlife.

The Visionary Behind the Velvet Curtains: Steve Ostrow's Audacious Dream

In the late 1960s, the concept of a gay bathhouse often conjured images of dimly lit, illicit spaces. Enter Steve Ostrow, a former opera singer and visionary entrepreneur with a grander ambition. Ostrow didn't just want to open another bathhouse; he aimed to create an elevated destination – a luxurious health club and spa that transcended the existing scene. He envisioned a sophisticated sanctuary where gay men could socialize, relax, and be entertained in an opulent, safe, and judgment-free environment.

“The Continental Baths wasn’t just a venue; it was a cultural phenomenon, a lavish oasis that reimagined what a bathhouse could be, setting the stage for artistic innovation and community building.”

His dream took shape in 1968, when he secured the vast, multi-level 40,000-square-foot basement of the historic Ansonia Hotel on Manhattan's Upper West Side. This space had a storied past, having once housed the hotel’s opulent Turkish baths and a swimming pool. Ostrow's foresight was remarkable; he predicted his new venture would draw patrons away from established, grittier locations like the Everard Baths.

From Seedy to Sophisticated: A Transformation Unrivaled

When the Continental Baths first opened its doors on September 12, 1968, it featured 50 private rooms and numerous lockers, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But Ostrow’s ambition knew no bounds. He continually expanded the facilities, transforming the space into a veritable pleasure palace. Under the creative direction of interior designer Richard Ohrbach, the columns were adorned with mirrors and glass, and the walls exploded with psychedelic colors. Key additions included:

• A full-service cabaret and stage
• A licensed bar and a restaurant
• A state-of-the-art gym
• An on-site STD clinic (a progressive move for the time)
• A clothing boutique and a travel desk
• A unique rooftop sun deck, accessible via a separate elevator, reportedly featuring sand imported directly from Riis Beach

Beyond the amenities, the Baths were architecturally designed for both comfort and adventure. One large room was famously transformed into a winding labyrinth with black marble, inviting exploration and cruising. Another expansive area, known colloquially as the "Orgy Room," was conceived as a Roman amphitheater, complete with carpeted risers on all four walls – a daring and unapologetically bold statement.

"Bathhouse Betty": How a Star Was Born

It was in this opulent and uninhibited setting that a young, audacious performer named Bette Midler found her voice and her audience. Beginning in the early 1970s, Midler took to the Baths’ stage, often accompanied by a then-unknown Barry Manilow on piano. Her performances were raw, electrifying, and utterly captivating. Clad in just a towel, she commanded the room, belting out show tunes, pop hits, and raunchy jokes with unparalleled charisma. The adoring crowd, many also in towels, bestowed upon her the affectionate moniker "Bathhouse Betty" – a nickname she embraced with gusto, even naming a later album after it.

Midler’s residency at the Continental Baths was pivotal. It was here that she honed her unique stage persona, developed her distinctive blend of humor and pathos, and cultivated a fiercely loyal fan base. She was refreshingly open about her performances at the gay venue, even in early interviews following the release of her debut album, "The Divine Miss M." This openness cemented her bond with the LGBTQ+ community, a relationship that has endured throughout her illustrious career.

The Rhythmic Pulse: Incubator of Sound

Beyond launching the careers of vocal powerhouses, the Continental Baths played a crucial, often overlooked, role in the evolution of electronic music. Saturday nights at the Baths became legendary for their live performances, attracting a diverse crowd of both LGBTQ+ patrons and curious straight audiences who mingled, often fully dressed, alongside men in towels. But it was the DJs who truly set the sonic landscape.

The Baths served as an essential incubator for the burgeoning disco and electronic music scenes. It famously hosted then-unknown DJs who would go on to shape entire genres:

• Frankie Knuckles: Often hailed as the "Godfather of House Music," Knuckles’ early sets at the Continental Baths refined his signature sound before he went on to helm The Warehouse in Chicago, the club widely credited as the birthplace of house music.
• Larry Levan: A pioneer of garage house and a legendary figure in club culture, Levan’s innovative mixing and eclectic selections at the Baths laid groundwork for his iconic residency at the Paradise Garage, which birthed the garage music genre.

The sounds emanating from the Baths’ dance floor were revolutionary, influencing global music trends and cementing its place as a cornerstone of modern dance music history. Who knew that a health club could be such a fertile ground for musical innovation?

Peak, Decline, and Lasting Legacy

At its zenith, the Continental Baths was a thriving metropolis of pleasure and community, boasting 500 private rooms and 2,000 lockers, serving up to 10,000 diverse gay male patrons each week. Some would stay for entire weekends, immersing themselves in the unique atmosphere. Despite its success, the Baths, its employees, and its patrons were subjected to relentless police harassment, including over 20 raids – a grim reminder of the pervasive discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community even in the post-Stonewall era.

As the 1970s progressed, the Continental Baths began to face new challenges. The very popularity that brought in crowds also caused shifts. Some long-time patrons felt the influx of straight audiences, drawn by the cabaret and celebrity performers, diluted the original communal and sexual focus of the bathhouse. Concurrently, the facilities began to show signs of dilapidation, and concerns about increased drug use emerged. The rise of new, glamorous gay and gay-friendly dance venues like Flamingo, The Gallery, and Le Jardin also offered fresh competition.

In response to changing dynamics, Steve Ostrow eventually ended the live shows in 1976. The Continental Baths ultimately closed its doors in 1977. Steve Ostrow himself continued to be active in the LGBTQ+ scene after relocating to Sydney, Australia, where he passed away in 2012 at the age of 91, having continued to teach vocal arts until his final years.

More Than Just a Memory: A Cultural Touchstone

The Continental Baths may no longer exist, but its legacy endures. It stands as a powerful testament to the ingenuity of Steve Ostrow, the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community, and the transformative power of a single stage. It was a place where boundaries blurred, identities flourished, and careers were forged.

For Bette Midler, it was the proving ground where she found her voice and her "Divine" persona. For Frankie Knuckles and Larry Levan, it was the laboratory where the very foundations of house and garage music were mixed into existence. And for countless patrons, it was a sanctuary – a place of escape, connection, and unbridled joy in a world that often failed to understand or accept them. The Continental Baths wasn't just a bathhouse; it was a cultural crucible, a legendary piece of New York City's vibrant, resilient, and ever-evolving history.