Introduction to Connie Francis
Connie Francis, the renowned pop singer of the 50s and 60s, has passed away at the age of 87, as reported by the New York Times. Her long-time friend and president of Concetta Records, Ron Roberts, announced the news on Facebook, stating that she died with "extreme sadness" and that further details would follow later.
Early Life and Career
Francis was born on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, as Connie Franconero. She began performing in local talent competitions and pageants, eventually changing her name to Francis for easier pronunciation. Her early start in the music industry was rocky, with her first eight singles in 1955 failing to gain traction. However, she eventually found success with her duet with Marvin Rainwater, "The Majesty of Love," which broke into the Billboard Hot 100 in 1957.
Rise to Fame
Francis’ career took off after recording a cover of the 1923 song "Who’s Sorry Now." Although it had a slow start, the song gained popularity after Dick Clark played it on his "American Bandstand" in January 1958. The performance led to MGM Records extending her contract, and she went on to team up with songwriting duo Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. This collaboration resulted in numerous chart hits, including "Stupid Cupid," "My Happiness," and "Frankie."
International Success
Francis became one of the first recording artists to regularly sing albums in other languages, including Italian, Yiddish, German, Romanian, Spanish, and Irish. Her German-language song "Love is a Strange Game" reached number 1 in West Germany, making her an extremely popular artist in Europe. Her songs were even played in the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia during the Cold War.
Challenges and Later Career
In the mid-1960s, Francis’ popularity began to wane in the US charts as the Beatles and Rolling Stones gained dominance. However, she remained a successful live performer, consistently selling out concerts worldwide. In 1969, her contract with MGM ended, and she faced a difficult time in the 1970s, including a rape incident in a motel and a subsequent lawsuit. She also struggled with depression and lost her voice after a nose operation. Francis eventually returned to the spotlight, recording music and performing live, including several shows in Las Vegas.
Personal Life and Legacy
Francis was married four times and had a son, Joey, whom she adopted during her third marriage. She was also in a relationship with singer Bobby Darin and later with Tony Ferretti until his death in 2022. Francis is survived by her son Joey Garzilli. Throughout her career, she sold over 200 million records worldwide and became a legendary figure in the music industry. Her recent viral hit on TikTok, "Pretty Little Baby," introduced her music to a new generation of fans, and she remained grateful and excited about her enduring popularity.
