Kim Carnes Net Worth

Kim Carnes’ Net Worth: A Look at the Singer-Songwriter’s Career and Fortune

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Kim Carnes, the American singer-songwriter renowned for her distinctive voice and chart-topping hits, has amassed an estimated net worth of $8 million. Her journey began in the vibrant music scene of the 1960s, evolving from a session background singer into a celebrated solo artist. This exploration delves into the life and career of Kim Carnes, examining her financial success alongside her artistic achievements.

Born on July 20, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, Carnes displayed a passion for music from a young age. Although her parents weren’t musicians, her childhood was filled with the sounds of music, solidifying her ambition to become a singer and songwriter by the time she was three. She spent her formative years in Pasadena, California, where she befriended neighbor David Lindley, who also went on to have a successful music career.

Carnes attended San Marino High School, graduating in 1963. By this time, she was already laying the foundation for her career by working as a songwriter, demonstrating an early commitment to her musical path.

Career: From Songwriter to Superstar

Carnes’s career took a significant step forward in 1962 when she secured her first publishing deal with producer Jimmy Bowen. This connection provided her the opportunity to collaborate with fellow songwriters like Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and J.D. Souther, refining her songwriting skills.

The 1970s saw Carnes achieving more substantial success. In 1971, her song “Nobody Knows” was featured in the film “Vanishing Point.” She also contributed the song “Sing Out for Jesus,” performed by Big Mama Thornton, to the same film. Simultaneously, Carnes co-created the bubblegum pop group The Sugar Bears with Mike Settle, releasing their debut album “Presenting the Sugar Bears” along with three singles. In 1971, she released her first solo album, “Rest on Me,” and co-wrote several songs with David Cassidy, even touring with him as an opening act.

In 1975, Carnes released her self-titled second album, which included her first charting hit, “You’re A Part of Me,” peaking at number 32 on the U.S. Adult Contemporary charts. Her third album, “Sailin’,” was released the following year. Her song “Love Comes from Unexpected Places” won the Grand Prize at the 1976 American Song Festival and also earned the award for Best Composition at the Tokyo Song Festival. Barbra Streisand recorded her songs “Love Comes from Unexpected Places” (1977) and “Stay Away” (1978). In 1978, she recorded a duet with Gene Cotton, “You’re A Part of Me,” which reached number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1980, Carnes and Kenny Rogers collaborated on a duet of “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer,” a hit on the Adult Contemporary, Country, and Pop charts, penned by Carnes and her husband, Dave Ellingson. Later that year, Carnes covered “More Love” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, which became her first solo top 10 hit.

“Bette Davis Eyes” and Global Recognition

The year 1981 marked a pivotal moment in Carnes’s career with the release of “Bette Davis Eyes,” a song originally written by Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss. The song spent an impressive nine weeks at the top of the U.S. singles chart and achieved global success. This hit propelled her album, “Mistaken Identity,” to the top of the Billboard 200 chart for four weeks. “Bette Davis Eyes” earned Carnes two Grammy Awards in 1982: Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Furthermore, the song brought her a nomination for Best Pop Female, and “Mistaken Identity” was nominated for Album of the Year. The song’s impact was so profound that Bette Davis herself wrote to Carnes to express her admiration, initiating a friendship between the two women.

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Carnes continued to receive recognition, earning Grammy nominations in 1983 for “Voyeur” and in 1984 for “Invisible Hands.” Her song “I’ll Be Here Where the Heart Is” was featured on the “Flashdance” soundtrack, which won a Grammy for Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture. In 1985, Carnes participated in the USA for Africa charity single “We Are the World,” contributing to famine relief efforts.

In 1988, Carnes released her eleventh album, “View from the House,” which marked a return to her earlier country and folk sound, featuring collaborations with Vince Gill and Lyle Lovett. In the early 1990s, Carnes released tracks exclusively in Japan for a compilation album called “Re-Import.” She also recorded the single “Hooked on the Memory of You” with Neil Diamond in 1991.

Personal Life and Legacy

During the 1990s, Kim focused primarily on songwriting for other artists, including Reba McEntire and Vince Gill. Her song “The Heart Won’t Lie” became a major country hit in 1994. Other artists continued to cover her earlier songs, further testament to the enduring appeal of her work. In June 2004, Carnes released her 13th studio album, “Chasin’ Wild Trains.” She also wrote songs for film soundtracks, including “The Contender” and “Loggerheads.”

Throughout her career, Carnes has become known for her distinctive, raspy vocal style, drawing comparisons to artists like Rod Stewart and Bonnie Tyler. Her work has garnered her two Grammy Awards and eight other nominations, solidifying her place in music history.

Kim Carnes married Dave Ellingson in 1967, and they have collaborated extensively as songwriters. The couple has two sons, Collin and Ry, and currently reside in Nashville, Tennessee.