Kim Carnes won Record of the Year at the 1982 Grammy Awards for “Bette Davis Eyes.”
The song became Carnes’s signature hit after its release in 1981. Its distinctive raspy vocal and synth-driven production helped it top charts internationally. Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon wrote the song, while Carnes recorded the version that became the major hit.
Record of the Year recognizes the overall recorded performance, including the artist and production team. It is separate from Song of the Year, which is awarded to songwriters. “Bette Davis Eyes” also won Song of the Year at the same ceremony.
The 24th Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles in 1982. The song’s title refers to the famous American film actress Bette Davis, who publicly praised Carnes’s recording.