Kim Carnes
- Music Department
- Actress
- Composer
Raspy-voiced singer/songwriter Kim Carnes was born on July 20, 1945 in
Los Angeles, California. Kim wanted to become a successful singer and
songwriter ever since she was three. Carnes began her music career in
the 60s writing songs for other artists while performing at local clubs
and working as a session vocalist. In 1966 Kim joined the folk group
the New Christy Minstrels, but subsequently left to form the duo Kim
and Dave with her husband David Ellingson. Carnes acted in the 1967
motion picture "C'mon, Let's Live a Little." She recorded her debut
album "Rest on Me" in 1972. This was followed by a few more albums.
Carnes scored her first hit song with "You're a Part of Me," a duet
with Gene Cotton. Her duet with Kenny Rogers on "Don't Fall in Love
with a Dreamer" and a sensuous, stirring cover of "More Love" by the
Miracles likewise did well. Kim enjoyed her most substantial smash with
the fantastic and mesmerizing "Bette Davis Eyes," which peaked at
number one on the Billboard charts for nine weeks. The song won Grammy
Awards for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Moreover,
Carnes sang the song live for Bette Davis at a tribute for the
legendary actress. In 1985 Kim had the distinction of having singles in
three different categories all simultaneously on the pop charts: solo
("Invitation to Dance"), duo ("Make No Mistake, He's Mine," with Barbra
Streisand), and trio ("What About Me," with Kenny Rogers and James
Ingram). In addition, Carnes sings along with an all-star musical
line-up on the song "We Are the World." Kim had her last top 20 hit
with "Crazy in the Night." Her songs are featured on the soundtracks to
several films which include the cult classic car chase action thriller
"Vanishing Point," the blockbuster smash "Flashdance," "Spaceballs,"
"North Country," and "Heartbreak Hotel." She's the mother of sons Ry
and Collin. In 1994 Kim Carnes moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she
continues to perform live and has written songs for such popular
country artists as Tanya Tucker, Sawyer Brown, Pam Tillis, Reba
McIntire, and Deanna Carter.
