What are you listening to now?

[Grommy]

 

[Phylo]

 

[Phylo]

 

[Phylo]

 

[Phylo]

 

[Phylo]

 

[Phylo]

 

[Phylo]

 

[Phylo]

 

[Phylo]

The song "Bette Davis Eyes" was written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon. Jackie Shannon was the first to record and perform it, releasing the original jazz-style version on her 1975 album New Arrangement. [1, 2]

However, Kim Carnes is the artist who made it a massive global hit, releasing her famous synth-heavy version in 1981. [1, 2]

Key Differences Between the Two Versions:

• The Original (Jackie DeShannon, 1975): DeShannon's original track had a laid-back, "R&B lite" and 1920s jazz-inspired arrangement. It also featured different lyrics in a certain section; she originally sang "make a crow blush," an old Midwestern colloquialism. [1, 2, 3]
• The Hit (Kim Carnes, 1981): Carnes and her producer, Val Garay, reworked the song into a synth-driven, driving pop tune. Carnes added her signature raspy vocals and her team mis-transcribed the lyric as "make a pro blush," which is the version everyone sings today. [1, 2, 3]

Both Weiss and DeShannon received multiple Grammy Awards for Song of the Year when Carnes' version topped the charts, and the actress Bette Davis herself was highly flattered by the song, writing to all three women to thank them.

• The synth-driven, haunting arrangement for "Bette Davis Eyes" was created by Bill Cuomo and Kim Carnes' band, working alongside producer Val Garay. Keyboardist Bill Cuomo crafted the song's signature signature instrumental lick, completely transforming it from its original 1920s jazz tempo.

 

[Phylo]

 

[Phylo]