Connie Francis, Iconic 1950s-60s Pop Star, Passes Away at 87

Los Angeles, Jul 17 (AP) — Connie Francis, the renowned pop star from the 1950s and 1960s known for hits like “Pretty Little Baby,” has passed away at the age of 87. Her death was confirmed on Thursday by her friend and publicist Ron Roberts, though he provided no further details. Francis rose to prominence during the pre-Beatles era. From 1957 to 1964, she consistently ranked on the charts with more than a dozen Top 20 hits. Her musical prowess bridged generations, captivating both youth and adults with songs such as “Who's Sorry Now?” alongside chart-toppers like “Don't Break the Heart That Loves You” and “The Heart Has a Mind of Its Own.” Like many teenage icons of her time, she also ventured into cinema. She appeared in films like “Where the Boys Are” and “Follow the Boys.” Francis's journey in the music world began at 17. She signed with MGM Records after TV appearances on several variety shows. Her early recordings didn’t capture much attention until her rendition of “Who's Sorry Now?” This old ballad by Ted Snyder, Bert Kalmar, and Harry Ruby found its breakthrough when Dick Clark played it on his “American Bandstand” show in 1958. She captured the hearts of teens with hits such as “Stupid Cupid,” “Everybody's Somebody's Fool,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” Her songs resonated globally, leading her to record in multiple languages. Her concerts across the country were met with immense enthusiasm. Her life, however, was not without its challenges. A budding romance with fellow teen idol Bobby Darin ended abruptly due to interference from her father, a significant influence in her life. This relationship's end marked the beginning of many personal struggles. She detailed her life's tumultuous journey in her autobiography, “Who's Sorry Now?” stating,“My personal life is a regret from A to Z.” She recognized the overwhelming control her father exerted over her decisions. Her father, George Franconero, initiated her into music as soon as she showed an inclination. At 4, she started learning the accordion, leading to performances under her father's management. Francis's career faced further challenges with a horrifying incident in 1974. While performing at New York's Westbury Music Centre, she was sexually assaulted in her hotel room, forever changing her life. In 1976, she won a lawsuit against the hotel for inadequate security, receiving a settlement of USD 1,475,000. This tragedy took a deep emotional toll and damaged her marriage. Another heartbreak struck in 1981. Her brother George was fatally shot outside his New Jersey home. Later, she was institutionalized by her father, diagnosed as manic-depressive, and attempted suicide. She thankfully recovered after a coma induced by an overdose of sleeping pills. Connie's personal life was filled with trials. She married four times, only finding some solace in her third marriage with Joseph Garzilli. Her other marriages were short-lived. Born as Concetta Rosemarie Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, her journey in music began early. At just 3 years old, her father gifted her a child-sized accordion. By 9, she was making television appearances on shows like “Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts” and “The Perry Como Show,” where Godfrey advised shortening her last name. Dick Clark played a pivotal role in her career. Speaking in later years, Francis acknowledged that without his unwavering support on “American Bandstand,” she might have left her music career behind. (AP) RD RD

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