Ebony Eyes

Album: French Kiss (1977)
Charted: 14
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The follow up to Welch's hit "Sentimental Lady," this song is a straightforward ode to a shy woman at a dance with the most alluring eyes he's ever seen. Welch was a member of Fleetwood Mac before recording as a solo artist. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    S.D. - Denver, CO

Comments: 13

  • Lori M from CaliforniaThe woman in the video is Mary Ann Zabresky from Long Beach, CA. She was a close family friend, and yes, she resembled Valerie Bertinelli.
  • Tony Z from San DiegoHow does this song have a few comments? I love every comment everyone has posted so far. If you never listen to the entire album French Kiss, u are sorely missing a hidden pop gem of the 70's.
  • Tj Gallagher from AmericaThe woman in the video playing the title character, looks alot like Valerie Bertinelli from "one day at a time" fame, which was a hit show at the time of this song.
  • Griselda74 from AtlantaI read someplace that Bob wrote this song about Linda Ronstadt and the girl in the vid does look like Linda.
  • Dave from Wheaton, IlFound out that Juice Newton sang backup on it.
  • Brent from Denair, CaAwesome song! Chris Berman of ESPN fame nicknamed the former Dodgers/A's pitcher Bob "Ebony Eyes" Welch during his highlight show on Sportscenter back in the day.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NySeventeen years before Welch's "Ebony Eyes" the Everly Brothers had a completely different record with the same title, their song peaked at No. 8...
  • Dane from Lima,ohio, FlAnother song I've always loved.The guitar lick that opens it,the words & the sweet harmonies.I have this on CD,French Kiss is the name of it.It also has "Sentimental Lady" on it.Good album overall.I don't know what he did afterwards.I knew he was in pre Lindsay & Stevie Fleetwood Mac,but that's all I know.
  • Paul from Kennewick, WaThis one rules! It always picks me up,and inspires me. I often use it as a kind of therapy when I need a boost. Love it.
  • Lee from Huntsville, Ali always thought the song was about a beautiful black woman with ebony eyes. anyway,i have always liked the tune and bought the album when it was released. still have it!
  • Roman from Barrie, Onfurther to Michael @ Chicago; radio stations are the same all over the world. 50 years ago they used to play the top 60 hits. today they have 60 commercials and a handful of songs licensed to a couple labels - less paperwork to submit the royalties and less choices and entertainment for you and me. this by the way is a great song if you have it in your collection at home.
  • George from Calumet City, IlIndeed, Michael, for some reason this song seems to get shunned.
  • Michael from Chicago, IlThis is one of the great songs that came out of artists connected to Fleetwood Mac--and the damm 'Classic Rock' stations rarely play it, at least in the Chicago area!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Mike Love of The Beach Boys

Mike Love of The Beach BoysSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist of The Beach Boys talks about coming up with the words for "Good Vibrations," "Fun, Fun, Fun," "Kokomo" and other classic songs.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.

Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders

Chrissie Hynde of The PretendersSongwriter Interviews

The rock revolutionist on songwriting, quitting smoking, and what she thinks of Rush Limbaugh using her song.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.