On this day May 16, 1981, Bette Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes became the number one song in America, beginning a remarkable chart run that saw it dominate the Billboard Hot 100 for nine nonconsecutive weeks. It held the top spot from May 16 through June 19 and returned again from June 27 through July 24, making it one of the longest running number one hits of the decade.
The song’s unique sound, built around a haunting synthesizer riff and Kim Carnes’ raspy vocals, gave it an edge that stood out in the early 80s pop landscape. Originally written by Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss in the 1970s, the 1981 version featured a completely reworked arrangement that turned it into an international smash.
Bette Davis Eyes also hit number one in France, Italy, Spain, West Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Australia and South Africa. Its massive global success helped Kim Carnes earn the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Fun fact: Actress Bette Davis was so flattered by the song that she wrote a personal letter to Kim Carnes thanking her for making her a part of pop music history.
The song’s unique sound, built around a haunting synthesizer riff and Kim Carnes’ raspy vocals, gave it an edge that stood out in the early 80s pop landscape. Originally written by Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss in the 1970s, the 1981 version featured a completely reworked arrangement that turned it into an international smash.
Bette Davis Eyes also hit number one in France, Italy, Spain, West Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Australia and South Africa. Its massive global success helped Kim Carnes earn the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Fun fact: Actress Bette Davis was so flattered by the song that she wrote a personal letter to Kim Carnes thanking her for making her a part of pop music history.
