“Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes (often misspelled as “Betty”) is a classic 1981 hit from her album Mistaken Identity.
Quick Facts
- Writers: Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon (written in 1974).
- Original recording: Jackie DeShannon released a jazzier version in 1975.
- Kim Carnes version: Released March 1981. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine non-consecutive weeks, making it one of the biggest songs of the year. It also won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1982.
- Style: New wave/soft rock with a distinctive synth-driven, sultry sound. Kim Carnes’ raspy, unique voice (partly due to a slight sore throat during recording) perfectly fit the mysterious, seductive vibe.
- Inspiration: A tribute to actress Bette Davis’s striking eyes and Hollywood glamour, referencing Jean Harlow as well. Bette Davis herself (then 73) wrote thank-you letters to the songwriters and Carnes after it became a hit.
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