Some songs take time, not to mention the right artist, to become unforgettable hits.
“Bette Davis Eyes” was first co-written and recorded in 1974 by Jackie DeShannon, offering a jazz-influenced soft rock take that reflected the sound of the era.
“I started off when I was around 12 or 13, writing songs because it was very difficult to get a recording contract when I was so young, and there were only just a few labels,” DeShannon told NPR in 2010. Though “Bette Davis Eyes” was undeniably a well-written song and did manage to gain some attention, it never reached the heights that would come later.
That changed seven years later.
In 1981, singer-songwriter Kim Carnes reimagined the song with a completely different approach, transforming it into a sleek, synth-driven track that fit perfectly within the evolving pop landscape of the early ’80s. With its distinctive arrangement and Carnes’ raspy, unmistakable vocals, the song took on a new life.
The result was a massive breakthrough. Carnes’ version of “Bette Davis Eyes” climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for an impressive nine weeks, making it one of the biggest hits of the year.
The song’s success also earned critical acclaim, winning multiple Grammy Awards and becoming a defining track of the decade.
Its lyrics, inspired by the iconic Hollywood actress Bette Davis, added to its intrigue, blending old-Hollywood glamour with a modern edge that resonated with listeners. Davis herself was even a fan of the song.
“I was flabbergasted, and I thought it was fun, and I thought the words were pretty terrific,” the legendary actress said in a 1987 interview. “As a matter of fact, I wrote the girl who wrote the words and asked her how she knew me this well. But the big thrill of that was the reaction of my grandson, Ashley. That his grandmother was in the rock ‘n’ roll area, with a record … he looked at me completely differently from then on.”
What makes “Bette Davis Eyes” especially remarkable is its journey from a modestly received original to a chart-topping global hit years later. It’s a rare example of a song being completely reinvented and surpassing its initial release in both popularity and cultural impact.
Decades later, the track remains a staple of ’80s music and a testament to the power of reinvention.
Sometimes, all a great song needs is a second chance to truly shine.
Related: 1972 Country Classic, Which Became a No. 1 Hit Over a Decade Later, Ranked Among the ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’