I chose 1981 music as my theme this year. My newest novel The Summer of Princess Diana is set in the summer of 1981, and oh! the music! Let’s take a look back at a pivotal time in the music industry.
I can’t ignore the song that was #1 for the year, even if I’m not crazy about it. Kim Carnes sounds like she’s smoked a carton of cigarettes before she recorded it. What I didn’t know was that the song was actually written in 1974 by Jackie DeShannon (“What the World Needs Now is Love” and “Put a Little Love in Your Heart”). DeShannon recorded it, but who remembers that? No, it was a huge hit for Kim Carnes, who was a songwriter and session background singer for years, until Kenny Rogers commissioned her in 1980 to co-write songs for his new album. She recorded a few other songs, including a duet with Rogers (“Don’t Fall in Love with a Dreamer”). Actually, Kim Carnes has had a pretty impressive career, and you can read about it here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Carnes
Here’s the video:
I am going to give a mention to the song I would have included, if it weren’t for the fact that “Bette Davis Eyes” couldn’t be ignored.
“Being with You” by Smokey Robinson – runner-up!
More knowledge! I didn’t know this was a remake either! BTW…about a year ago, I did look up some stuff on Jackie DeShannon………..her history is amazing as well!! ZD
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think Jackie DeShannon would have nailed this song.
LikeLike
I’m with you on the “Bette Davis Eyes” song. I never cared much for it either, but it was everywhere back then. Smokey Robinson is much better. I’ve listened to him since my high school days in the sixties. A friend of mine’s daughter sings back up for Robinson which is pretty cool.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out Battle of the Bands
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh man. I’m finding so much on your blog posts! Holy cow, Arlee Bird, you have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to music. 🎶
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, my, unlike you I LOVE this song! I think that Carnes’ smoky voice makes the song perfection. I have it on my i-pod.
(Side note: I was going through security at the airport yesterday when the very young lady asked me if I had electronics in my purse. “Only my phone,” I said. “Oh, wait! I have my i-pod, too.” She looked at me as though I had lobsters crawling out of my hears. I explained, “It plays music.” She let me through. I know it’s obsolete, but it’s still my favorite toy of all time!).
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s a great comment, Connie! My iPad stopped working a few years ago, but I do have all my songs on iTunes. Why couldn’t they just leave it as it was?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve actually recently heard this song in the movie “Austenland”.
Ronel visiting for the A-Z Challenge My Languishing TBR: B
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s definitely a memorable song from that time for sure although I haven’t heard it in years. (Until this post!)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Same here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting.. this is the year my daughter was born, so maybe I was too busy to listen to music?!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Then you’ll have lots to discover with this theme!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like this song. A lot of songs from the early 80s have a production style that make them sound really dated, but I think this one holds up well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Liam
LikeLike
I love that song. I’d forgotten about it until The Voice finalist won with it, a few years ago. She did a perfect rendition of Carnes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I did play the “Bette Davis Eyes”. Soothing. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Prakash!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hari OM
Oh yes, that had me sitting forty years younger!!! All those costumes on the dance floor… Blooming Bonkers!!! YAM xx
B=Branches and Berries
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! I heard this song CONSTANTLY during the summer of ‘81, living in Switzerland. It was always on the radio.
LikeLike
Endless love
On Sat, Apr 2, 2022 at 3:01 AM Martha Reynolds Writes wrote:
> Martha Reynolds posted: ” I chose 1981 music as my theme this year. My > newest novel The Summer of Princess Diana is set in the summer of 1981, and > oh! the music! Let’s take a look back at a pivotal time in the music > industry. I can’t ignore the song that was #1 for the year, e” >
LikeLiked by 1 person
???
LikeLike