Kim Carnes’ 1981 version of “Bette Davis Eyes” became one of the decade’s defining early hits, spending nine weeks at No. 1 in the US. Its sleek, moody production helped establish the emerging sound of the 1980s, although its origins lay in a largely overlooked 1974 song.

Jackie DeShannon co-wrote and first recorded the song with Donna Weiss, releasing it in 1975 without major success. Carnes reshaped it with producer Val Garay, adding keyboards and synthetic percussion influenced by Britain’s New Romantic movement, and fought EMI to release it after the label considered it a mistake. The song’s eventual success confirmed her judgement and introduced many listeners to a seven-year-old composition.