Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes (1981)

Kim Carnes' distinctively raspy, throaty voice graced one of the biggest hits of the '80s, the Grammy-winning smash "Bette Davis Eyes," which spent nine weeks on top of the Billboard charts in 1981. Carnes was born in Los Angeles on July 20, 1945, and during the '60s began writing songs for other artists while performing in local clubs and as a session vocalist. In 1966, she joined the popular folk group the New Christy Minstrels for a time, later leaving (along with husband/songwriting partner Dave Ellingson) to form the duo Kim & Dave. Thanks in part to her folk-music background, Carnes landed an acting role in the 1967 film C'Mon, Let's Live a Little, a folk-themed musical with a staunchly anti-radical viewpoint.
In 1971, Carnes' "Sing Out for Jesus" was recorded by blues legend Big Mama Thornton for the soundtrack of the film Vanishing Point, which also featured Kim & Dave's performance of the song "Nobody Knows." This success landed Carnes a solo deal with Amos, the label on which the soundtrack had appeared. She recorded her first album, Rest On Me, in 1972, but it did nothing, and, frustrated by the predominance of outside writers on the record, Carnes departed, eventually signing with A&M. Her self-titled label debut was issued in 1975 and produced her first chart hit, the self-penned duet with Gene Cotton "You're a Part of Me." 1976's Sailin' and 1979's St. Vincent's Court (her first album for EMI) also produced minor singles, but her big break came in 1980, when former-New Christy Minstrel bandmate Kenny Rogers invited her to duet with him on "Don't Fall in Love With a Dreamer." The song was a hit, and the accompanying concept album Gideon featured nothing but Carnes and Ellingson compositions. Thanks to the exposure, Carnes scored her first solo Top Ten hit later that year with a cover of the Miracles' "More Love," from her album Romance Dance.
Carnes seemed poised for success, and took extra pains with her next album, Mistaken Identity. One of the songs selected was "Bette Davis Eyes," a tune co-written in 1974 by Donna Weiss and former folk-rocker Jackie DeShannon (who had appeared with Carnes in C'Mon, Let's Live a Little). Convinced to record the song with an atmospheric new arrangement, Carnes took "Bette Davis Eyes" to the top of the charts for nine weeks; it became the biggest hit of the year, and later won Grammys for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Despite this major breakthrough, Carnes found it difficult to follow her hit; the subsequent singles from Mistaken Identity failed to make even the Top 20. She scored minor hits with songs from 1982's Voyeur and 1983's Cafe Racers, and in 1985 she became the first artist to be on the charts simultaneously with solo ("Invitation to Dance"), duo ("Make No Mistake, He's Mine," recorded with Barbra Streisand), and trio ("What About Me," with Kenny Rogers and James Ingram) performances. That same year, she scored her last Top 20 hit with "Crazy in the Night," from Barking at Airplanes. 1986's Light House flopped, and for 1988's View from the House, she returned to the folk and country music of her earlier years. With the indifferent response to her continued singing career, Carnes began to concentrate more on her songwriting, still collaborating frequently with Ellingson. She began to place more and more material with major-label country artists, and moved to Nashville in 1994 to be where the action was. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide

[@johndayton3673]

I have always loved this song. Who is with me on this great song.❓

[@ТатьянаМусиенко-г7ч]

Excellent

[@karapana8398]

she is a lady and the song ist wonderful. what more do ya want?

[@zzludzz]

I do clearly remember watching the video as a 7 year old boy in El Salvador. It was always a absolute favorite of mine when it came on the TV. Loved it then and love it now! It is just one heck of track!! ❤❤

[@claudiojassogonzalez9417]

Excelente.

[@jamesbell8496]

I'm with you! Cheers, John

[@acaraballop]

This is a great song! One of the best ever!

[@danitaharris9919]

My sister passed away 11-20-2020, she absolutely had Betty Davis eyes. I miss you my big sister ANNICE😊

[@渡邊明-p6k]

大好きな歌手です👊😆🎵

[@SNTHAKUR96]

44 years old but it's still refreshes our mind.

[@RandallAcquistapace-my4tr]

I can appreciate hearing this song. Remember when it came out.

[@estebanhuertas6915]

You don't know how much I have searched for you in my whole life, since I was a child I heard this song and associated it with a Pac-Man and Seven-Up commercial, and I didn't know who sang it, it made me remember my childhood and it made me cry with joy listening to it again.... I love you Kim Carnes and thank you for making me happy forever...

[@estebanhuertas6915]

I born in 1971.....

[@jamesgreene4811]

I know how you feel about this classic song as it has stuck with me since I first heard it all those years ago,I was born in 75 and love the old classics like this💯 best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪☘️

[@josephshulman6666]

That's an absolutely beautiful tribute to Her . BTW I love this song to !!!!!!

[@timothyfay1334]

Indeed a great song, have one of her discs with this song, Harlow gold= dyed blonde pubes, sorry to say

[@zellezelle2884]

​@@estebanhuertas6915in Deutschland hat es Tamara Danz gesungen,auch diese Version war toll ..❤❤❤❤❤Liebe Grüsse🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@mundokids7386]

Só paro de ouvir se perder a audição! Eu era uma menininha em 81, viajo nas décadas!

[@三朗チャンネル]

Her voice is unbelievable.

[@luisalbertomunozgallardo927]

Traducir al español

[@brunomoreno2731]

Yes raspy.

[@JohnPennock-d3y]

WOW, WHAT A SINGER! Thanks. John P.

[@ticos08]

One of the many great songs of the 80s ,,,Love the 80s ......

[@moweddell]

This iconic song is still great even after 36 years!

[@mikelock6730]

Blew everything else away in 81.

[@yankabartosova894]

Yes , I almost forget that song...Thank you!

[@diananutt1517]

Betty Davis was still around when this hit the charts. She invited Kim to her home and People Magazine covered it . The 2 of them had a great visit. Betty was a character and always was a lot of fun. Seems she had a pillow that said, "No Guts, No Glory!" No surprise.

[@diananutt1517]

Oops! *Bette Davis

[@doertyhaerry66]

unsterblich ❤

[@Rafael-im6ej]

Tem algum brasileiro ouvindo essa música top da um like 🇧🇷

[@mirian4874]

Linda canção

[@franbez8218]

Eu amo!

[@jkmokada5800]

is there any Brazilian listening to this beautiful music in April 2021 like ??????kkkkk

[@rax1971]

Tinha 10 anos quando essa música explodiu e marcou a minha infância

[@Vladhill1]

Achava tão futurista e deliciosa essa canção. E ainda viajo fora de órbita nela até hoje...rsrs

[@24100mw]

This song lives within me, I can't get it out of my mind, it is constantly playing quietly in my mind...and I love it! This song is Kim's, no one else can sing it, no one!

[@raquelalves1783]

Com certeza...

[@shannonburns6724]

A Kentucky girl wrote this song and recorded first. It was written and recorded in 1974. Kim did not record it until 1981. 42 years ago. Kim is now 78 years young. The great singer songwriter that wrote this is 82. Where has time gone?

[@cindylott5887]

My friend

[@GustavoRodriguez-yf6ux]

Un clásico de clásicos de todos los tiempos mi favorita

[@amendez2825]

Classy, great lyrics, still listening in 2019! Like if you're still listening and agree with me. Beautiful lady

[@bmwman2001]

black blank 80’s music is still number one choice of music

[@NatandGeorge]

I was therre for her run in the 1980s. It's 2021 now & this music isstill my favourite, at 54 years old! In 1980 I was 13 & loved this so much I bought the single (vinyl 45, I might still have it)

[@bmac63]

Great times and the music was so good...as a 18 yr old we had such a great time and it only got better...miss the 80s so much..songs like this bring back waves of emotion and such fabulous memories

[@gloriamariacesarcarneiro676]

Voz rouca e interpetação maravilhosa!! Essa é Kim Carmes

[@steveparker7671]

Hello Gloria

[@mkkang6350]

너무나 매력적인 목소리.... 과거 7Up 광고음악으로도 사용해서 더 기억이 나네요 ^^

[@marcmoore4944]

So Beautiful !!!

[@valendanewell5901]

WHAT A LADY....GREAT VOICE and BEAUTY...always giving fans GREAT PERFORMANCES..80s BEST MUSIC❤

[@lucianasilvadeoliveira6944]

Essa entrou na lista das minhas favoritas. Essa mulher canta muito.

[@lisak5931]

Ahh, to be the 21 yr old , all of life is happening now and the future is wide open! ..... This woman, this voice, this song, this is my background music. And 37 years later, I close my eyes and listen.... I'm 21, the world is w.i.d.e. open ... again! Bliss.

[@saptefrati1600]

Excellent comment ! 😍

[@jesusvelazquez29]

YOU RIGHHHH...... BLESS YOU.

[@mymoonams]

Yes!

[@flyingthesails6801]

Pure Class!

[@davidalexander4043]

i was 19 when this came out still a great song

[@손정화-w9c]

언제 들어도 좋아요. 적당한 리듬감! 약간 긁는듯한 허스키한 목소리! 정말 매력적이예요 이 목소리는 질리지가 않아요. 명품보이스죠 노래하는 목소리가 또 얼마나 섹시한지 !!! 외모 만큼 훌륭해요 .보이스가 뭔가 아련하고 온갖 멋짐이 뿜뿜!!!

[@carlosgama9071]

A melhor época de todos os tempos !!! 80tista

[@conceicaomendes3127]

ADORO!!! A loucura dos anos 80.

[@marcelomendes6695]

Eh verdade parente 🙂

[@cristecson4714]

A classic of its kind

[@brandlbracke472]

Als wäre es gestern gewesen. Geile Zeit war das

[@neivaferreira600]

Gente que música lindaaa!! Muitaaas recordações Maravilhosas, de uma época em que o amor era real entre homens e mulheres. Quem viveu nessa época, entenderá o que estou dizendo!❤

[@espeditoferreira9699]

Everdade né muita recordações

[@andreazeidan3222]

Your're so real ❤❤❤

[@dariodario8960]

Saudacoes da argentina...😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@aldomore1409]

Beautiful melody, Kim's raspy voice, brilliant instrumentals and performance! Bravo!!

[@mar4072]

love her voice. love playing that song while driving

[@jssgopman]

mar4072 I just discovered the joys of that.

[@wagil90]

The sound of a 3 pack a day smoker

[@patriciapennec4706]

Kim carnes beautiful music♥️♥️♥️

[@gd78744]

That voice!!!

[@hollywoodrock1224]

Epic. The best of 80's.

[@gerardorodolfocaceresespin3922]

Gran tema musical, de los setenta, todo un homenaje a la mirada de Bette Davis, Kim Carnes hizo una gran interpretación,

[@mauricioferlimlemos1911]

Não da vontade de parar de escutar. Essa música e a voz da Kim e demais

[@MrMucciacito]

Grazie di tutto Marco

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

Send me back in time.

[@nomerianosumang5000]

one of my favorite songs early 80's

[@mariocesarpessoa3465]

KIM CARNES MARCOU ÉPOCA COM ESDA MÚSICA. EMBALOU MEUS SÁBADOS À NOITE.

[@marisavilellasurur4444]

Matando a saudade do ano 80 , musica marávilhósa. 💕💗🌹🤗🎶🍂🥀🌟

[@donmullins483]

Perfect

[@ajorge32]

an incredibly powerful voice that deserves to be heard repeatedly for the characteristic timbre that characterizes it and for the emotion it lent to the excellent musical harmony...

[@robertcolfack26]

Beautiful lady and I loved her songs....

[@leonardolopo3364]

I'm 43 years old,I love this music since I was 11 years old, I listened this music frequently. I's a marvelĺous singer.

[@N2F1]

THIS was a HIT song. A UUUUUGE HIT song! Every component and then some, to make a mega MEGA hit single. That gravelly sounding voice was such a stand out. And it sure didn't hurt that she was just SO hot looking at that particular point in time. Hat's off to Ms Carnes, Jackie DeShannon (and her co-writer) and producer Val Garay. What a record

[@heididouglas619]

Beautiful ❤️

[@heididouglas619]

Yes I am a Fan@Greg Normal

[@heididouglas619]

@Greg Normal I like all her Songs

[@heididouglas619]

My favorite Song is Betty David Eyes il love her Voice

[@lovelylifehappy]

crazy her voice is so beautiful

[@rosecorrea4335]

Quem está com saudades manda um joinha. Caraca como dancei essa música era muito massa no clube. Anos 80 que nostalgia .

[@robertolombardi6014]

Es verdade gente !!

[@rosineidejesus3134]

Eu estou até de mais

[@indiamegamaraosbournematos2226]

ATÉ HOJE EU ENLOUQUEÇO!!!! SAIO DANÇANDO E CHORANDO DAAS BALADAS! !!!

[@markspc1]

Nostalgia, saudades. A coisa mais difícil da vida é envelhecer. Sabendo que a cada dia que passa você fica mais perto do fim.

[@gilmartodt9116]

Quem não está? É d ➕

[@marcomoreira745]

Uma Voz Rouca...Fosca e...Incrivelmente Aveludada em uma Loira Estonteante...Apaixonante!

[@AndresMUy-vd2fy]

Igual a Bonnie Tyler

[@indiamegamaraosbournematos2226]

CONCORDO PLENAMENTEE..AMO DE PAIXÃO ❤❤❤❤❤❤👏👏👏👏

[@jdsheleg8332]

@@AndresMUy-vd2fy La de Bnnie Tyler es mas alta en tono.

[@marcelodantasdantas6670]

😊 seu comentário pode ser início de uma poesia de uma letra de uma canção ou um verso !!! Muito bem 🔭 observando !!! A Califórnia produziu é produz cantores à altura do grande Estados que é.

[@sociopop]

Você conhece a história desse ícone? venha conhecer a história de Kim Carnes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX-qmWejo66packsi=2-6ObQhekL_uz3HL

[@miltonmelo4867]

Época maravilhosa, muitas músicas sensacionais, com letra, arranjos e talento de quem cantava!

[@tomaszk2448]

Simply amazing!

[@tord3818]

Está canción es hermosa la escuchaba y no sabía de quién era, ahora la voy a poder escuchar todas las veces que quiera!!! 🙌🏻🇦🇷

[@josephhunt9962]

I always liked her style and her voice is unique love to hear her sing 💕

[@buddylove346]

Back in high school I dated a beautiful girl with pretty green eyes and her last name was Davis so when this song came out it always made me think of her, I never told her...guess I should have.

[@davidbowie2046]

One of my favourite songs from the 80's :)

[@MichaelRiesner]

Kim "kann" es, Weltklasse-Niveau, atemberaubender Song, unvergänglich 🎉🎉🎉😀😃😄😁😆😊😇🥰😍🤩😘😗☺️😚😙😋😛🤗💋💋💌💘💝💖💗💓💞💕💟❣️💔❤️‍🔥❤️‍🩹❤🧡💛👍👍👍🕺💃🎉🎉🎉🎉!

[@Nokzima]

When people actually had talent! I loved this show!

[@RaimundoNonato-nk9sc]

Dá vontade de chorar e deixar Saudade apoderar de todo o meu ser!! Quem viveu,viveu!!

[@tonyferreira6679]

É mesmo!

[@JoseCarlos-di3vb]

Bateu no fundo de minha alma, voz gostosa de mais.

[@rosana7058]

Ouvia na casa da vizinha, eu com nove anos

[@sociopop]

A história da icônica Kim Carnes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX-qmWejo66packsi=2-6ObQhekL_uz3HL

[@guilhermedealmeida2182]

Anos dourados que jamais se repetirão em todos os sentidos.

[@reubenmccabe3259]

Pure style matching the quality of her music 🎶

[@dt9150730]

addictive song love her voice. love playing that song while driving 2018????

[@Rjk-pz9uv]

Always loved Kim's scratchy voice.🎉❤❤❤

[@lindsayhengehold5341]

Love this artist and song!

[@ValdemarPereiradeLima-p3b]

Muito linda essa música, sem dúvida alguma.

[@beatrizjustina2361]

Época maravilhosa,músicas de qualidade que não tem quem não mexa as cadeiras.

[@joserobertomouralima1209]

Já foi conferir o olhos da bety Davis. Sempre achei sinistro.

[@jackjones7504]

I still have this on LP , 33 RPM Vinyl original bought by me , ah innocent days , gone forever .

[@wesleyg4386]

That voice. God I wish I could go back to the 80s. So much better.

[@suzanneroche1243]

She has an awesome voice! I would love to see her in concert!❤

[@Sou_Skatista_Sweetheart_e_Soft]

Uaaaaau que baita clássico!!!! Parabéns pelo sucesso 🤩👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@ThelurkingScottsman]

my ex wife had those undeniable bette davis eyes. i still think about her everytime i hear this song.

[@mariafatima8622]

Nossa, curti de mais esse Som. E também dancei era Afebre do momento! Amo!!

[@Mariele-zh5uc]

🎉❤

[@Mariele-zh5uc]

❤😂😂

[@marcelinojonas8309]

Tinha 16 anos na época. Começando minha adolescência. Melhor época para começar a curtir a vida.

[@williandouglas6810]

Beautiful music❤

[@williandouglas6810]

Pra quem aprecia música de verdade 🎉❤

[@dianasantiago6455]

Dancei demais essas musica aqui em Manaus. Isso é eternamente inesquecível

[@mylessiglin4134]

Thank you for sharing this video it is a beautiful one of a gorgeous talented artist!

[@albertocastillocachique329]

Si hubiera existido KZbin en los 80 esta canción hubiera tenido 2000 000 000 millones de visitas o mas porque es HERMOSO

[@CaptainScreech]

The first time I heard this song was at a beach party overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Newfoundland. Whenever I hear this great tune it brings me back to what good times we had in the 80’s. Thank God for rock ‘n’ roll!

[@antoniotropea220]

Bette Davis,an American or English singer since 1980,which I have been appreciating since 1980.I could never forget those songs full of great sentiment.

[@pinheiroricardo1]

Uma das vozes mais lindas da música! merecia muito mais reconhecimento!

[@lancelott416]

Chorei hj escutando...saudades!!!

[@elifalmeida]

como a década de 80 tinha tantos valores como kim Carnes,curti demais esta musica.

[@tonyferreira6679]

Eu também!

[@michaelhillman4654]

This is such a great song!!!!!! I was 26 years old, spending a year of young life In Cincinnati, Ohio. It helps that it was sung by such a naturally beautiful woman with a unique voice. I have this on my blue tooth in my car. I never tire of it. An absolute classic!

[@thomasdebono9322]

I Was 18 Years When This Song Came Out . Hasn't The Years Gone By And l Am 57 . Great Song Back Then 🎶🎶🎶🎶 👍 💃

[@CarlosSilva-nl6ni]

Ela canta e encanta com timbre, e expressão peculiar que só mesmo Kim Carnes tem. TOP D++++++

[@ozicadanet]

E além do mais era extremamente linda

[@fomoco1454]

I've always loved her voice. Man what a range.

[@dman6267]

Ain't that the truth. I was 22 when this song came out. I am now 62. I wish i could go back and relive the 80s.

[@gabrieleschwarzenberg1275]

Meine Sturm und Drangzeit👍‼😂Mein Gott, dass waren Zeiten.....wooooo bist du geblieben???????🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 Da war man noch jung und knackig....heute knackt es nur noch👍😭‼

[@Jesse-l8d]

I all ways loved this song and her voice she done a wonderful job on this song listening in Kentucky May of 2024.

[@angelicwarrior4133]

She was an amazing performer

[@flemmy]

not to say she wasn't, but this is clearly lip-synced.

[@heavydiesel]

+Alex Fleming Possibly, but often when uploading vids to youtube the audio gets out of sync.

[@mannyr9518]

+heavydiesel True, but I have listened to this song since the 1980s, and I heard the recorded version possibly a hundred times in the past 3 decades or so; and this is the recorded version, so she was lip syncing.

[@niziademacedo5885]

Essa música é SUPER linda amo demais que saudades daquela época

[@tiagocabral6993]

Que voz!! Ela canta demais, ela brinca com a voz... Controle perfeito!

[@arseniolupin8851]

who listen this beautiful song today again thumbs up forever.

[@dwilliams2101]

I’m now 22. Heard this song a few months ago and as a young man growing into an adult, I love this song. I wish music was like this today man

[@marilyncornell2194]

We saw the best of the best bands

[@haroldomorais5791]

o que é bom, jamais será esquecido!

[@miguelbarbosa5866]

lembrei me da minha infância, bela música, e um voz marcante

[@leonardoesteves8954]

Kim Carnes linda, maravilhosa voz rouca linda.

[@frankjansen3536]

This song always reminds me of Ibiza when I hear it. some friends and i went to a disco. as the song began, a beautiful woman came down the stairs into the disco - a woman's dream. our eyes met and we sat down together. she came from finland. this resulted in a relationship between finland and germany that lasted for several years. Unfortunately, this relationship broke up after about 4 years - a pity, really. a few years ago i happened to see her tombstone online, she passed away in 2017. R.I.P. Merja. I will never forget you and our song.

[@salpaparo2466]

Such a great song from a great decade!!!