“Bette Davis Eyes” is a hit song by Kim Carnes, released in March 1981 as the lead single from her album Mistaken Identity. The song became a massive international success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., where it stayed for nine weeks, making it one of the biggest hits of the 1980s. It was praised for its unique sound and Carnes’ raspy vocals, which gave the song its distinctive character.
“Bette Davis Eyes” was originally written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon, and recorded by DeShannon in 1974, but their version had a more jazzy, folk-rock feel. When Kim Carnes and producer Val Garay decided to record the song, they reworked it into a synth-heavy, new wave-influenced pop song, giving it a modern, edgy sound that fit the early 1980s pop landscape. Musically, “Bette Davis Eyes” is characterized by its synth-driven production and new wave influences. The song’s distinctive sound features a pulsating synthesizer melody, guitar riffs, and electronic drums, giving it a modern feel for the early 1980s. Kim Carnes’ raspy, gravelly voice contrasts with the smooth instrumentation, adding a layer of emotional intensity and making the song stand out from other pop hits of the time.
“Bette Davis Eyes” was an enormous commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks, making it one of the longest-running No. 1 hits of the 1980s. It was the biggest-selling single of 1981 in the U.S. and also reached No. 1 in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, and Germany. The song won two Grammy Awards in 1982: Record of the Year and Song of the Year, cementing its place as one of the defining songs of the decade. Its massive success helped propel Kim Carnes to international stardom, even though she had been in the music industry for years prior to this breakthrough hit.
The music video for “Bette Davis Eyes” was a simple yet stylish visual accompaniment to the song. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, it featured Kim Carnes performing with her band in a dark, shadowy setting, interspersed with scenes of dancers and models, reflecting the glamorous and mysterious vibe of the song.
The song’s namesake, legendary actress Bette Davis, was reportedly flattered by the song and its tribute to her. She sent a thank-you note to Kim Carnes, Donna Weiss, and Jackie DeShannon, expressing her appreciation for immortalizing her in the song. Davis even said that her grandchildren now considered her “cool” because of the song’s popularity.