# Kim Carnes

> American singer and songwriter

**Wikidata**: [Q4070](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4070)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Carnes)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kim-carnes

## Summary
Kim Carnes is an American singer and songwriter known for her hit single "Bette Davis Eyes" (1981), which became a global success and remains one of her most iconic works. She is celebrated for her contributions to pop and soft rock music, blending her own compositions with a distinctive vocal style.

## Biography
- Born: July 20, 1945
- Nationality: American
- Education: Pasadena City College
- Known for: Writing and performing hit songs like "Bette Davis Eyes" and "We Are the World"
- Employer(s): A&M Records, MCA Records, Warner Music Group
- Field(s): Music composition, singing, songwriting

## Contributions
- **Bette Davis Eyes (1981)**: Co-wrote and performed the title track for the film *Bette Davis Eyes*, which became a massive hit and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
- **We Are the World (1985)**: Contributed vocals to the charity single *We Are the World*, a landmark effort to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
- **Music Composition**: Wrote and recorded multiple albums, including *Kim Carnes* (1977) and *Mistaken Identity* (1983), showcasing her work in pop and soft rock genres.

## FAQs
**What is Kim Carnes known for?**
Kim Carnes is known for her hit single "Bette Davis Eyes" (1981), which became a global success and earned her a Grammy nomination. She is also recognized for her contributions to charity music, including her vocals on *We Are the World* (1985).

**Where did Kim Carnes study?**
Kim Carnes attended Pasadena City College, where she honed her musical skills before launching her career.

**Which record labels was Kim Carnes affiliated with?**
Kim Carnes was signed to A&M Records, MCA Records, and Warner Music Group, which helped distribute her music and albums.

**What genres did Kim Carnes work in?**
Kim Carnes worked primarily in pop and soft rock, blending her own compositions with a distinctive vocal style.

## Why They Matter
Kim Carnes matters as a significant figure in the evolution of pop and soft rock music. Her hit "Bette Davis Eyes" remains a defining track of the 1980s, influencing later artists in the genre. Her participation in *We Are the World* underscores her role in using music for social impact. Her work has left a lasting mark on the music industry, inspiring other singers and songwriters to blend personal storytelling with commercial appeal.

## Notable For
- Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (1982) for "Bette Davis Eyes"
- Co-writer of the iconic charity single *We Are the World* (1985)
- Affiliation with major record labels including A&M Records and Warner Music Group
- Release of multiple albums in the pop and soft rock genres
- Distinctive vocal style that influenced later artists

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Kim Carnes was born on July 20, 1945, in the United States. She attended Pasadena City College, where she developed her musical talents and began writing songs. Her early education laid the foundation for her future career in music.

### Career Beginnings
Kim Carnes began her career in the late 1960s, performing in local venues and recording demos. She signed with A&M Records in the early 1970s, which helped launch her professional music career. Her debut album, *Kim Carnes*, was released in 1977 and showcased her songwriting abilities.

### Breakthrough Success
Kim Carnes achieved her biggest success with the song "Bette Davis Eyes" (1981), which became a global hit and earned her a Grammy nomination. The track was featured in the film of the same name and remains one of her most iconic works. Her distinctive vocal style and emotional delivery made the song a timeless classic.

### Charity Work
In 1985, Kim Carnes contributed her vocals to *We Are the World*, a charity single organized by USA for Africa. Her participation highlighted her commitment to using music for social causes. The song raised millions of dollars for famine relief in Ethiopia and became a defining moment in charity music.

### Later Career and Legacy
Kim Carnes continued to release albums and perform into the 1990s, maintaining her presence in the music industry. Her work with MCA Records and Warner Music Group ensured her music reached a wide audience. Her legacy endures through her contributions to pop and soft rock, influencing generations of singers and songwriters.

### Record Labels and Affiliations
Kim Carnes was affiliated with several major record labels, including A&M Records, MCA Records, and Warner Music Group. These labels helped distribute her music and albums, ensuring her work reached a global audience. Her collaborations with these companies were instrumental in her career trajectory.

### Musical Style and Influence
Kim Carnes worked primarily in pop and soft rock, blending her own compositions with a distinctive vocal style. Her work influenced later artists in these genres, showcasing the power of emotional storytelling in music. Her ability to connect with audiences through her songs made her a standout figure in the music industry.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/carnes-kim-1945)
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. IMDb
8. SNAC
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. CONOR.SI
11. BBC Things
12. ISWC Network
13. Discogs
14. The Movie Database
15. YouTube API
16. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno