Kim Carnes

Kim Carnes was born on July 20, 1945, in Los Angeles, California. From a young age, she demonstrated a strong aspiration to become a successful singer and songwriter. She began her music career in the 1960s, writing songs for other artists, performing in local clubs, and working as a session vocalist. In 1966, she joined the folk group the New Christy Minstrels before forming the duo Kim and Dave with her husband, David Ellingson. Carnes recorded her debut album, “Rest on Me,” in 1972.

Carnes achieved her first solo chart success with “You’re a Part of Me” in 1975, which reached No. 32 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Her collaboration with Kenny Rogers on “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer” hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980, earning a Grammy nomination. Later that year, her cover of The Miracles’ “More Love” reached No. 10. In 1981, Carnes released “Mistaken Identity,” featuring the single “Bette Davis Eyes.” This song spent nine weeks at number one on the U.S. singles charts, became the best-selling single of 1981, and won Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The album “Mistaken Identity” reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Platinum. Carnes’ musical contributions extended to film soundtracks, including “Vanishing Point,” “Flashdance,” “Spaceballs,” and “Heartbreak Hotel.”

In 1985, Carnes achieved the distinction of having singles simultaneously on the pop charts in three different categories: 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). She also participated in the USA for Africa fundraising single “We Are the World.” In 1994, Carnes relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where she continued her songwriting career, contributing to tracks for country artists like Tanya Tucker, Sawyer Brown, Pam Tillis, Reba McEntire, and Deanna Carter. Her most recent studio album, “Chasin’ Wild Trains,” was released in 2004.