For her part, the icon was happy for the attention, according to CheatSheet. "Bette Davis Eyes" was originally recorded in a 1920s jazz style by Jackie DeShannon on her 1975 album New Arrangement.DeShannon wrote the song with the songwriter Donna Weiss. Updated April 30, 2021. Ostensibly in a role of servitude, but clearly holding the power.). She said the success of the song also made her grandchild look up to her because she thought she was super cool. Because of her hard-fought achievements, we all had it a little easier., (Her eyes, in The Nanny: bulging under thickly-painted eyebrows, over deeply-lined bags, eyelids blinking quickly. While just six years after her breakthrough, and only 32 years old, she looks as if she's aged a couple decadesher character a curious mix of noir femme fatale and quaint grandmother. Although "Of Human Bondage" made Bette Davis into a breakout star on the silver screen and earned her an Oscar nomination, the critical plaudits and audience reception didn't translate into prizes when award season came around. She also adopted two children namely Margot and Michael, together with her fourth husband, Gary Merrill. Yes, it is definitely a compliment to have Bette Davis eyes! I like how Bette wrote to Kim Carnes to express her approval and admiration for the popularity of the song. [6] It was also a No. She was also the first woman to receive theAmerican Film Institutes Lifetime Achievement Award. Kim Carnes put it back in circulation and in the ensuing years the phrase has been applied to more women in more novels and biographies than it was back in Miss Davis' screen heyday. I remember I was about 7 yo. She took the initiative of enrolling inJohn Murray Andersonsdrama school, later working in George Cukors acting company and theCape Playhouse. Good Article, although there must be an error in the date under the last image. Swelling the muscles around the eyes and surrounding tissues, the condition pushes the eyeballs forward, causing them to protrude, limiting their movement. Some saw ugliness, disdain, even some form of evil. She made appearances in 1931 films,SeedandBad Sisterwhich went unnoticed by movie critics. Carnes version of Bette Davis Eyes was released in 1981. One of the few exceptions wasDangerous, in which Bette played the role of a failed actress who attempts to kill her husband. Despite their unique features, her eyes did share one common traitintensity. The two fought endlessly, even on their honeymoon, when Sherry threw a case at Davis after a blazing argument, according to Hollywood historian Daniel Bubbeo. Is Bette Davis eyes a compliment? But its at least true that what we see in the eyes is often not emotional depth but the bodys interior health. Universal Studios head Carl Laemmle Jr., after her screen test: She has about as much sex appeal as [gangly character actor] Slim Summerville. She gives the curious feeling of being charged with power that can find no ordinary outlet" (via "More than a Woman"). American actress Gwyneth Paltrow covered "Bette Davis Eyes" included on the soundtrack to the 2000 road trip film Duets. I was threatened by my father, if I tell a soul, Ill be taken away and put into juvenals facility with the worst and evilest kids. The production was already highly anticipated after the success of the 1936 Margaret Mitchell novel on which the film was based. According to the Beat Music Magazine in 2015, when asked what she thought of the song Bette Davis simply replied I never did like that song. Indeed, she wrote letters to the song's writers, and to its performer, thanking them for making her "a part of modern history.". Loved this article. In addition to its success on the pop charts, Bette Davis Eyes also won Grammy awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1982. Apple Music Kim Carnes Bette Davis Eyes . However, the woman being referenced in the song, who has this attribute to her appearance, is not someone to be appreciated. When are eyes windows to the soul and when are they windows to the body? . Her eyes had an intensity to them that could make even the most stoic of characters cry. At the beginning of the interview they discuss the word precocious referring to one of the characters shes played and it hit me that it was in the song She precocious and she knows just what it takes to make a pro blush. Theyre out there, on display, functional. As a kid, her movies weren't particularly memorable or interesting. Spada suggests that there may have been some element of spite in Davis' relationship with Tone Davis was reportedly jealous of Crawford's glamorous image and of the roles she attracted which set the tone for the famous feud between the two actresses. Your email address will not be published. Its longevity has been attributed to the influence of its boastful and rebellious lyrics, which continue to connect generations of music lovers. According to "The Lonely Life,"Davis made her interest in the role well known, saying the role "could have been written for me." She didn't live to hear "her" song popularized twice again, by Taylor Swift in 2011 and Kylie Minogue in 2014. 1981. According to Davis, cameraman Karl Freund fought for her, telling Laemmle that Davis had "lovely eyes.". But with her entire adult life lived in the spotlight, when was she not playing a role? Bette Davis had a reputation for being a "difficult" actress, while her admirers argue that she was simply an overt perfectionist with a passion for making the best films she possibly could. Dangerous(1935), earned her aBest Actress Academy Award. As the 1930s rolled on, Davis became increasingly concerned with the lack of quality roles that were being offered to her by executive Jack Warner. Song Meanings and Facts 2023. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Kim Carnes "Bette Davis Eyes" 45 RPM 7" EMI America records 8077 1981 at the best online prices at eBay! However, she is indeed ferocious. ". Narrowing, muscles tensing, then relaxing, hinting at an understanding reached, a plan for revenge coursing down into the body. But biographers still do it today; Im doing it right now: defining this woman by her bodyeven just a single part of her body. The record label this track was released on is EMI America. Through the eyeballs, we can see signs of alcohol and drug abuse, allergies, infections, high cholesterol, certain types of cancer, stress, sleep issues, and a host of other diseases and conditions. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Some of her most notable films include 1935s Dangerous, 1938s Jezebel and 1952s The Star. Growing up with my grandparents, I watched more black-and-white movies of their generation than I did color films of mine. When the same frustrations emerged with the productions "The Golden Arrow," "Satan Met a Lady," and "God's Country and the Woman," Davis accepted work in the United Kingdom, which was against the terms of her contract. At some point, I asked him about the book face-down on his lap. With her career in the ascendancy, many movie insiders and critics considered her a shoo-in for the role of another Southern belle, Scarlet O'Hara in David O. Selznick's upcoming "Gone with the Wind." You often need to know a person to accurately interpret what is being revealed. Reportedly, Davis was tickled that her grandchildren thought having a hit song about her gave her cool points. The songs theme is similar to the themes of songs such as Easy Lover by Phil Collins and Maneater by Hall & Oates. He's currently working on a book about eyes, vision, and blindness. 1 Brooklyn,among others. According to James Spada, another great attraction was the fact that Sherry apparently had no idea who the world-famous Hollywood actress was. Our brand new app is here! The lyrics of the song desribe a woman with a "mean, mean stride" and "devious eyes." What Did Bette Davis Say After Joan Crawford Died? Cleopatra Records released a re-recording of the song as a single in 2007. Because of this, Davis could have taken the song as either an insult or a compliment. However, Davis refused to play opposite Flynn, as she didn't rate him particularly highly as an actor, and the deal fell through. Powered by - Designed with theHueman theme. Thats why Adele sells millions even when she doesnt do her best work all her last cd. With Simone Missick, Wilson Bethel, Jessica Camacho, J. Alex Brinson. Bette Davis, 1981. Her son, Michael Merrill createdThe Bette Davis Foundationin honor of her. It was her first taste of serious theater, and the character of the daughter Hedvig so moved her that she "lost herself" in her experience, just as the actress portraying her, Peg Entwistle, seemed to. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Tags: Bette DavisDonna WeissJackie DeShannon. But though she was initially enthusiastic about the cast and production, her role once again proved to be yet another female bit part. Everyday Mythologies, a chapbook of his essays, was recently released on Two Plum Press. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-leader-4','ezslot_21',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'remodelormove_com-leader-4','ezslot_22',165,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-4-0_1');.leader-4-multi-165{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Bette Davis had strikingly distinct eyes that combined the features of several different shapes. Joshua James Amberson isa Portland, Oregon-based writer and creative writing instructor. In the film, the lids shield her eyeballs as they move about like a cat's tail, connected to the body, but with a mind of their own. This song has evoked some very deep and interesting emotions from the reviews. One of these affairs was with William Wyler, the young, uber-masculine director of "Jezebel." She wrote letters to Carnes, Weiss, and DeShannon to thank all three of them for making her "a part of modern times" and stated that her grandson now looked up to her. 5 on Billboard's Top Tracks charts and No. In May and June of 1981, the most popular song around was a tune about a Hollywood actress or more precisely, about her eyes. Nominated for the Album of the Year of the Grammy Award, Mistaken Identity is the sixth studio album of Kim Carness illustrious career. Carnes has continued to produce music, tour, and collaborate with other artists over the past few decades, most recently working with her daughter, Kira Small, on a new version of Bette Davis Eyes. Nevertheless, she soon established herself in Hollywood, taking roles in six movies for Universal Pictures before signing a seven-year contract with Warner Bros. in 1932. The memorable chorus features the repeated lines: Bette Davis eyes/Shell turn her music on you, adding to the songs mystique and charm. Back in the 1980s, Kim Carnes had her one and only hit with "Bette Davis Eyes." [65] Paltrow's cover ended 2001 at number 35 on Australia's year-end chart and earned a platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association for shipments exceeding 70,000 units. The headline-grabbing case boosted Davis' reputation as a difficult and pampered actress, though despite the rift, the years that followed at Warner Bros. would be some of the most successful of her career. Her death came after years of battling with breast cancer and stroke. I think I would love to hear Billie Eillish whisper her way through this song with a very eilish like track. As Davis grew disgusted at Warners studio offers, she refused to take on their roles. Yes, having Bette Davis Eyes is a compliment! It is a term that was created in the 1980s after the song Bette Davis Eyes, which was popularized by Kim Carnes. Same here. It's through Kim Carnes's "Bette Davis Eyes"the biggest hit of 1981 and still a staple of 24-hour grocery storesthat we have an anthem for Davis's lasting ocular mystique. American actress Bette Davis was often filmed in close-up shots thanks to her distinctive eyes. People with green eyes have a higher level of melanin pigment, specifically pheomelanin, which is responsible for the green hue. Davis reacted with a new memoir of her own, "This 'n That," in 1987, which included an open letter to her estranged daughter describing the pain the memoir had caused her, as well as a number of letters from friends and critical reviews disparaging B.D. Eyes reveal, to some degree, how a person is feeling in a particular moment. (Her eyes, in The Anniversary: or, rather, her eye. Davis was known for playing women with a strong sense of independence and determination, often portraying characters who flouted social conventions and acted in ways considered bold or unconventional for the time period. The song was performed by singer Kim Carnes, and was originally written . "Bette Davis Eyes" is a song written and composed by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon in 1974. I recited Marx Brothers lines by heart and imitated Charlie Chaplin's walk. Betty Davis was one of the most well-renowned African American women of her time, becoming a huge influence in the world of entertainment. 1 hit it spent nine weeks at the top of the charts, according to SongFacts. I loved the whole tape it was interesting. "Bette Davis eyes" was a common expression in the 1940s, but it was certainly on the wane by 1981. Bette Davis was an iconic actress who won two Academy Awards, with most of her well-known roles coming in the 1930s to 1950s. Then came "Bette Davis Eyes." DeShannon, a writer, hitmaker and performer since the turn of the 1960s, had written the song that namechecked one of Hollywood's most famous stars for . Look close enough and youll catch a hint. In 1982, the song won two Grammies in the following categories: Song of the Year and Record of the Year. She was known for her distinctive looks most notably, her dramatic eyes which gave her a unique, yet classic beauty. Along with all the actresses of my generation, I am a direct beneficiary of Bette Daviss will and determination. It was originally recorded by DeShannon in that year for her album New Arrangement but it was made popular by American singer Kim Carnes in 1981 when it spent nine non-consecutive weeks on top of the U.S. After their Grammy wins, Davis sent them roses as well. Required fields are marked *. When Carnes says the main figure of her song has "Bette Davis Eyes," she's signalling to the audience that the character cannot be trusted, no matter how beautiful she is. The song Bette Davis Eyes gives a shoutout to the iconic American actress Bette Davis, and she acknowledged the composers of this song for such. Sikov: She had, more than any performer I have ever studied, a blazing ability to imprint herself onto every character she ever playedto make me believe in those fictive characters while never letting me forget that I was watching her, a calculating actress, an intuitive star. It's a showdown between him and celebrity lawyer Adam Pryce (Jere Burns), who makes a mockery of the courthouse. With her left covered by a patch, shes unwittingly kicking off another film trope: the bad-ass woman with an eyepatch, decades before Daryl Hannah, before Angelina Jolie, before Rachel Weisz. Davis' third husband was William Grant Sherry, an artist of little success who at 30 was seven years younger than Davis at the time of their meeting, but whom Davis admired for his dedication to his art. She confused my categorical understanding of the world. 12 on Billboard's list of the Top 100 songs in the first 50 years of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[11]. She's got Bette Davis eyes, Carnes croons, her voice filled with apparent passion and meaning, but saying almost nothing. Bette Davis Eyes is a song by American singer-songwriter Kim Carnes, released as the lead single from her 1981 album Mistaken Identity. It was released in April 1981 under the label EMI America. Mother is 82 now, and I think her punishment is to live with her guilt for a long time. The biggest song of the year was "Bette Davis Eyes", sung by Kim Carnes. [17] Keyboardist Bill Cuomo came up with the signature synth riff, using the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 synthesizer, which now defines Carnes's version. At Davis' request, her grave in Los Angeles carries an epitaph that sums up her life and career: "she did it the hard way. Betty Davis is arguably the greatest actress of all time. Davis' mother, Ruthie, took her and her sister Bobby to see Henrik Ibsen's play "The Wild Duck." Thirty years after her death and nearly eighty years since the height of her fame, Davis remains in our cultural memory. With her . "At her best, she is devastating at her worst, she is merely the best Bette Davis caricature out of all the other stars doing Bette Davis caricatures." When music was great and worth listening to and obviously memorable. On the set of the 1935 movie "Dangerous," Davis also began an affair with her co-star Franchot Tone (pictured), a meticulously handsome and suave leading man who was famous for his charisma and a long list of sexual conquests. In terms of singles, Mistaken Identity birthed three singles in addition to Bette Davis Eyes. There are, depending on how you count them, over a dozen biographies about her, recounting the bottomless drama of her personal and professional life, all while trying to crack the mystery beneath Daviss hard exterior. Thank you for all the information about her personal life and career. He flipped it over to reveal Davis, staring directly at me, smiling but not soft. Theyre not only public, but we believe they hold secrets, answers. Nelson filed for divorce from Davis in 1938. I can relate to your unfortunate childhood, as I was the first and oldest of 3 daughters of my mother. Davis's eyes are just a stand-in, a phrase that asks each listener to imagine a different pair. Now having seen over 50 of her films, Bette was fantastic, and the song remains as catchy and fun as always. and before I fell asleep I prayed every night to God asked him to take me away, just end this nightmare forever. Bette Davis eyes 1) Used to describe eyes that are prominent (i.e., eyes that sit forward in the face), very large and attractive like legendary actress Bette Davis. Love, Jane Fonda:Just watching Bette Davis on the screen was empowering to women. She wrote letters to Carnes, Weiss, and DeShannon to thank all three of them for making her "a part of modern times" and stated that her grandson now looked up to her. She was known for her intense gaze, which gave her a captivating presence. However, this occurrence is rare and typically it is safe to assume that green eyes are genetically green and will remain that way. The song became an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States for nine consecutive weeks while also topping the charts in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Eye color is determined by a combination of genetics and other factors, such as the production of a pigment called melanin. Davis's lids can hang so low, their weight so palpable, a biological anomaly. Warner Bros. offered to lend Davis to MGM, the studio producing "Gone With the Wind," but insisted that the role of O'Hara's love interest Rhett Butler be played by another of their actors, Errol Flynn. Lover by Phil Collins and Maneater by Hall & Oates her role once again proved to yet! Hear `` her '' song popularized twice again, by Taylor Swift in 2011 and Minogue. I am a direct beneficiary of Bette Davis eyes/Shell turn her music on you, adding to 2000... Catchy and fun as always height of her well-known roles coming in the categories. Similar to the themes of songs such as the lead single from her 1981 album Mistaken birthed! Of `` Jezebel. Jezebel and 1952s the Star of her fame Davis... Her best work all her last cd but we believe they hold secrets answers... I asked him to take on their roles her role once again to! 5 on Billboard 's Top Tracks charts and no hit with `` Bette Davis eyes is song... 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