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Kim Carnes

Kim Carnes is an American singer-songwriter best known for her 1981 hit single “Bette Davis Eyes.” Born in Los Angeles, California, she is recognized for her raspy voice and a career that spans pop, rock, and country music.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kim Carnes is an American singer-songwriter best known for her 1981 hit single “Bette Davis Eyes.” Born in Los Angeles, California, she is recognized for her raspy voice and a career that spans pop, rock, and country music. She also won Grammy Awards for “Bette Davis Eyes” and for work associated with the *Flashdance* soundtrack.

Early life and background

Kim Carnes was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 20, 1945. Her birth name is Kimberly Carnes Ellingson.

Breakthrough and success

Carnes is best known for “Bette Davis Eyes,” which became a major international hit in 1981. The song brought her wide recognition and major award attention.

Musical style

Her recordings are associated with pop, rock, and country, and she is often noted for her husky, raspy voice. This vocal style became one of her identifying features as a performer.

Awards and recognition

Carnes received Grammy recognition for “Bette Davis Eyes” and for work tied to the *Flashdance* soundtrack. Her career has also been marked by songwriting accomplishments for herself and other artists.

Key facts

  • She is known for a distinctive raspy, husky vocal style.
  • “Bette Davis Eyes” became her signature hit and one of the defining songs of 1981.
  • Carnes has written songs for other artists as well as performing her own material.
  • She won Grammy Awards for “Bette Davis Eyes” and for work on the *Flashdance* soundtrack.
  • Her career has included work in pop, rock, and country music.
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Canadian context

Kim Carnes’s music, especially “Bette Davis Eyes,” received international airplay and chart success in Canada, making her part of the broader North American pop and rock landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kim Carnes?
Kim Carnes is an American singer-songwriter best known for the hit “Bette Davis Eyes.”
What is Kim Carnes famous for?
She is most famous for “Bette Davis Eyes,” one of the biggest songs of 1981.
When was Kim Carnes born?
She was born on July 20, 1945.
What kind of music does Kim Carnes perform?
Her work is associated with pop, rock, and country music.
What is Kim Carnes’s voice known for?
She is widely recognized for a raspy, husky singing voice.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Carnes
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupation, and signature song.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kim-Carnes
    Supports: American singer-songwriter background, vocal style, genres, and Grammy recognition.
  3. The Current — https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2020/07/16/today-in-music-history-happy-birthday-kim-carnes
    Supports: Career overview, debut album, and success of “Bette Davis Eyes”.