Who Is Kim Carnes? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on July 20, 1945, in Pasadena, California, Kim Carnes is 79 years old as of 2025. She made her mark in the music industry in the 1970s and 1980s, amassing a reputation as a leading female artist. With a career spanning over several decades, Kim's unique style and undeniable talent have earned her a special place in the hearts of many music lovers. You can learn more about her life and legacy on her Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Country Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1945 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Kim Carnes's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though specific details about Kim Carnes' body stats are not widely published, she is known for her slim build. As of 2025, Kim stands at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). Her weight has fluctuated over the years but is generally reported to be around 130 pounds (59 kg).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Over the years, Kim has been quite private about her personal life. As of 2025, it appears that she is currently single, focusing on her music and career. She was previously married to Dave Ellison, with whom she shares two children. However, they divorced in the late 1990s. Kim continues to cherish her time spent with family, especially with her grandchildren, who she often shares her cherished moments with on social media.
In her breakthrough year, 1980, Carnes and her husband, David Ellingson, were commissioned by Kenny Rogers to co-write the songs for his concept album Gideon. Her duet with Rogers, "Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer", hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and earned the duo a Grammy Award nomination.
Later that year, Carnes' cover of Smokey Robinson's "More Love", from her fifth album, Romance Dance, hit No. 10. The following year, Carnes released Mistaken Identity, which featured the chart-topping "Bette Davis Eyes". A worldwide hit, it became the best-selling single of the year in the United States, spending nine weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100, going Gold, and winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Mistaken Identity reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, was certified Platinum, and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
Net Worth and Salary
Kim Carnes has built an impressive career that has significantly contributed to her financial success. As of 2025, her estimated net worth is around $10 million. This wealth comes from her successful music career, including sales of her albums, royalties, and live performances. Although her salary can vary greatly from year to year, her dedicated fan base ensures that she remains a relevant figure in the music industry.
In 1991, Carnes recorded the single "Hooked on the Memory of You" as a duet with Neil Diamond for his album Lovescape. A second track titled "Hard Times for Lovers" was released as a bonus track. In 1992, Diamond released a compilation album titled The Greatest Hits: 1966–1992 which featured a third duet with Carnes, a cover of "Heartbreak Hotel".
Career, Business, and Investments
Starting her career in the 1960s, Kim has released numerous albums and has received several Grammy nominations, winning one for her hit single "Bette Davis Eyes." Beyond her singing career, she is also a talented songwriter, having penned songs for other artists, which has contributed to her financial portfolio. In addition, Kim has made wise investments over the years, ensuring her long-term financial stability.
Kim Carnes (born July 20, 1945) is an American singer and songwriter born and raised in Los Angeles.
A veteran writer of many of her own hits, as well as those for numerous other artists, she began her career in 1966 as a member of folk group the New Christy Minstrels, before embarking on a solo career as a songwriter and performer in the early 1970s, playing in local clubs.
She also worked for several years as a session background singer with the famed Waters Sisters, Maxine Waters Willard and Julia Waters Tillman, who were later featured in the acclaimed 2013 documentary 20 Feet from Stardom. In 1971, after she signed her first publishing deal with Jimmy Bowen, Carnes released her debut album Rest on Me.
Released in 1975, Carnes' self-titled second album primarily contained self-penned songs, including her first charting single "You're a Part of Me", which reached No. 32 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. In the following year, Carnes released Sailin', produced by Jerry Wexler, which featured "Love Comes from Unexpected Places".
The song won the American Song Festival and the award for Best Composition at the Tokyo Song Festival in 1976.
Social Network
Kim Carnes has maintained a connection with her fans through various social media platforms. On Instagram and Twitter, she shares updates on her music, snippets from her life, and engages with her followers. As of 2025, her social media presence is an essential tool in keeping her legacy alive and introducing her music to new generations.
Bette Davis admitted to being a fan of the song and approached Carnes and the songwriters to thank them. Davis wrote to Carnes after the song was released, saying she loved the song. "It was a thrill to become a part of the rock generation," she said in her memoir This 'N That.
Davis' grandson Ashley told the screen legend she had "finally made it". Carnes and Davis struck up a special friendship, with the singer visiting her at her home several times before Davis' death in 1989.
In what she considers a career highlight, Carnes performed the song live for Davis at a tribute to the legendary actress held just before her death. More recently, the song was used in a 2008 Clairol Nice 'n Easy TV commercial in the United Kingdom, and the ad featuring the song expanded into South Africa and other territories around the world.
In 2008, the song was featured in the opening scene of the documentary film Valentino: The Last Emperor and continues to be licensed for film and TV use. In November 2015, the song was the set piece for the back-story of Liz Taylor in the TV anthology American Horror Story: Hotel.
Education
Kim Carnes attended the California State University, Northridge, where she studied music. Her educational background served as the foundation for her successful music career, honing her skills in both performance and songwriting.
{| class="wikitable" ! colspan="6" align="center"| Grammy Awards ! Year ! style="width:375px;" | Work ! style="width:525px;" | Award ! width="65" | Result ! width="20" | Ref
