Unveiling the captivating narrative of “Make No Mistake, She’s Mine”
(composed by Kim Carnes)
In the realm of musical synergy, where creativity often spawns incredible connections, we delve into the enthralling history behind the ballad “Make No Mistake, She’s Mine.” This enchanting tune intertwined the talents of two renowned artists, Ronnie Milsap and Kenny Rogers, creating a harmonious symphony that resonated deeply with audiences and etched its name in the annals of music history.
Our story embarks on a journey through time, back to the late 1960s, when Kim Carnes embarked on a musical voyage as a member of the New Christy Minstrels. Despite her initial hesitation towards folk music, her tenure within the group serendipitously led her to two pivotal connections that would shape her career. One of these connections was Dave Ellingson, a fellow Minstrel, who eventually became her life partner. The other was Kenny Rogers, a luminary in the realm of music, who would play a crucial role in Kim Carnes’ artistic evolution.
Kenny Rogers, a distinguished figure already associated with the First Edition, was the first to recognize Kim Carnes’ songwriting prowess. He embraced one of her compositions, “Where Does Rosie Go,” setting the wheels of collaboration in motion. As the ’70s unfolded, Kim’s reputation as a proficient songwriter flourished, yet her presence as a performer remained relatively concealed from the public eye. It wasn’t until her duet with Gene Cotton in 1978, titled “You’re A Part Of Me,” that her vocal abilities began to shine on a broader stage.
However, the pinnacle of Kim Carnes’ recognition came when Kenny Rogers, along with Dave Ellingson, extended an invitation to craft a concept album. This project, named “Gideon,” bore fruit in the form of a single that resonated powerfully – the duet “Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer.” This musical endeavor not only clinched the third spot on Billboard’s country chart but also surged to the fourth spot on the Hot 100 pop chart. A year later, Kim Carnes solidified her position as a pop sensation with the resounding success of “Bette Davis Eyes,” a chart-topper reigning for a remarkable nine weeks.
Skipping ahead to the pivotal year of 1984, Kim Carnes once again collaborated with Kenny Rogers on the captivating duet “What About Me?” The subsequent chapter of her musical journey unfolded in an unforeseen manner as the opportunity to team up with the illustrious Barbra Streisand materialized. A call from Streisand’s producer, Jon Peters, acted as the catalyst for this unexpected partnership, propelling Kim to compose “Make No Mistake, He’s Mine” within the span of a mere ten minutes. The song took shape, ultimately becoming the centerpiece of their duet.
Two years later, destiny intertwined Kenny Rogers once more with Kim Carnes’ narrative. As Rogers and fellow RCA label mate Ronnie Milsap embarked on a tour in 1987, a quest for the perfect collaborative piece emerged. While Milsap searched fruitlessly, Kenny Rogers decided to reimagine the Streisand/Carnes duet, reshaping it into “Make No Mistake, She’s Mine,” a lyrical masterpiece with a gender-infused transformation.
Kenny and Ronnie united their voices alongside the instrumental ensemble, crafting a musical tapestry that would leave an indelible mark. The collaborative effort didn’t conclude there; the two artists later contributed distinct segments through overdubbing. The meticulous work of producers Ron Galbraith and Kyle Lehning harmoniously amalgamated these sections, resulting in an extraordinary sonic fusion.
The poignant duet was unleashed into the world, serving as a precursor to Milsap’s album “Heart And Soul” and Rogers’ “I Prefer The Moonlight.” In a symphonic culmination, the single ascended to the zenith of Billboard’s country chart on September 12, 1987, a mere month after the release of both albums. It’s worth noting that Carnes’ vocal presence also graced Kenny’s album, securing a remarkable second place on Billboard’s pop album chart (with a commendable 13th position on the country chart). Simultaneously, Milsap’s “Heart And Soul” attained the 18th spot, underlining the enduring impact of their collective musical journey.
In the timeless annals of music, the enchanting odyssey behind “Make No Mistake, She’s Mine” remains an emblem of collaboration and creativity. An ode to intertwined destinies and harmonious melodies, this tale continues to reverberate through the hearts of music enthusiasts, a testament to the power of unity and artistic expression.
Released: 1987
Artists: Kenny Rogers, Ronnie Milsap
Album: Heart & Soul
Lyrics
Don’t call her up anymore
‘Cause I don’t want to hear your voice
I don’t want to see your face answer her door
Make no mistake she’s mine, she’s mine
She only knows how I feel
I only know what she’s like when she needs me
Oh how she needs me deep in the night
Make no mistake she’s mine, she’s mine, no she’s mine
Don’t get too close when you dance
‘Cause I don’t want to hear from my friends
You were out on the town
With her in your arms (her in your arms)
With her in your arms (her in your arms)
Don’t include her in your dreams
‘Cause I don’t want to close my eyes
No I don’t want to know where she goes each night when she leaves
Make no mistake, make no mistake she’s mine, no she’s mine, she’s mine
Don’t call her up, anymore don’t call her up (don’t call her up) anymore
