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YouTubeKim Carnes: Early Beginnings
Born in Los Angeles, Kim Carnes was immersed in a city pulsating with musical innovation. Despite not coming from a musical family—her father was an attorney, and her mother a hospital administrator- Kim’s passion for music ignited at a young age. She knew by the age of three that she wanted to be a singer and songwriter, a determination that would fuel her future endeavours.
In the 60s, Kim started gaining industry experience by working as a staff songwriter, crafting songs for other artists while performing in Los Angeles clubs. This was a common path for many aspiring musicians, but few made the leap to stardom as successfully as she did. During this period, she joined a folk group called The New Christy Minstrels which was a launching pad for several notable musicians, including Kenny Rogers. While her time with the group was brief, it was where she met her soon to be husband, David Ellingson and would serve her well in her solo career.
Transition to Songwriting and Solo Career
In the late 60s and early 70s, Kim began making a name for herself, working as a songwriter for artists like Frank Sinatra, Brenda Lee and Anne Murray. She was signed to a publishing deal and quickly became known for her emotionally rich lyrics and compelling melodies. Her breakthrough as a songwriter came when she co-wrote Love Comes from Unexpected Places which won Best Song at the 1977 American Song Festival. and was recorded by Barbra Streisand. A further turning point came in 1975 when she released the album Kim Carnes featuring the single “You’re a Part of Me.“ The song was later re-recorded as a duet with Gene Cotton.
Singer vs Songwriter
By the late 70s, Kim had developed a distinct voice, both as a singer and a songwriter. Her work as a songwriter however, began to overshadow her own recordings, but she remained determined to establish herself as a solo artist.
Breakthrough with Kenny Rogers
In 1980, Kim found herself working with Kenny Rogers, one of the biggest country-pop crossover artists of the time. She co-wrote and performed “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer” with Rogers, a song that became a massive hit, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination.
Crossing the Bridge from Pop to Country
The success of the duet put her on the radar of both pop and country audiences, opening doors for her to collaborate with more artists and further establish herself in the industry. Around this time, she also wrote songs for Tanya Tucker and other country artists, further expanding her reach across multiple genres.
The “Bette Davis Eyes” Phenomenon
Kim Carnes’ defining moment came in 1981 when she recorded “Bette Davis Eyes,” a song originally written by Jackie DeShannon but radically reimagined by Kim and producer Val Garay. The original version was a folk-tinged track, but Kim transformed it into a synth-driven, atmospheric pop song that was unlike anything else on the radio at the time. The gamble paid off—“Bette Davis Eyes” became a cultural phenomenon, spending nine weeks at #1 on the charts, winning two Grammy Awards, and becoming the biggest-selling single of 1981.
The 1980s: Chart Success and Continued Evolution
The song’s success elevated Kim to international stardom, and her 1981 album Mistaken Identity went multi-platinum, making her one of the most recognisable voices of the decade. Following the massive success of that album, Kim faced the challenge of maintaining her momentum in a rapidly changing music industry. She continued to release a string of hits throughout the early and mid-80s, including “More Love” – a cover of a Smokey Robinson song, “Crazy in the Night (Barking at Airplanes)”, “I’ll Be Here Where the Heart Is” featured on the Flashdance soundtrack.
A Duet with Streisand
While she never quite replicated the success of “Bette Davis Eyes,” Kim remained a consistent presence on the charts. One of her most notable collaborations from this era was the song she wrote, “Make No Mistake, He’s Mine,“ a duet Kim performed with Barbra Streisand. This was later recorded as a duet by Ronnie Milsap and Kenny Rogers
The Move to Nashville and Songwriting Success
As the 80s gave way to the 90s, Kim transitioned from being a pop star to a respected veteran songwriter, particularly in country music. She relocated to Nashville, where she became a sought-after writer for artists like: Reba McEntire & Vince Gill and Eddie Rabbitt. Kim had always been drawn to the storytelling aspects of country songwriting, and her ability to write deeply emotional, melodic songs made her a perfect fit for the genre. She continued to record her own material, albeit on a smaller scale, releasing albums like Chasin’ Wild Trains, which showcased her signature smoky voice and heartfelt songwriting.
Bette Davis Eyes (Kim's Version)
In April 2024, Kim Carnes unveiled “Bette Davis Eyes (Kim’s Version),” a fresh rendition of her iconic 1981 hit. Collaborating with original band members, this release offers a modern take on the classic track. Available on major streaming platforms like Spotify, the song has garnered significant attention, amassing over one million plays on YouTube Music within six months. Additionally, a limited edition 7-inch pink vinyl was released, catering to collectors and vinyl enthusiasts. This reimagined version not only pays homage to the original but also introduces the timeless tune to a new generation of listeners.
