Tuesday, July 20, 2010

EVER WONDER WHAT HAPPENED TO CONNIE FRANCIS?

Today I heard a song by Connie Francis and it started me thinking about where she is today and why she suddenly stopped performing. I knew there was an incident with her but for some reason I did not know the whole story. I remember hearing that she was attacked but what I found out shocked me.

Do you remember her and what happened back then? She was so pretty and had such an angels voice.

The following is what I found on her:


Connie Francis is the prototype for the female pop singer of today. At the height of her chart popularity in the late '50s and early '60s, Connie Francis was unique as a female recording artist, amassing record sales equal to and surpassing those of many of her post-rock era male contemporaries. Ultimately, she branched into other styles of music -- big band, country, ethnic, and more.

She still challenges Madonna as the biggest-selling female recording artist of all time. Like Madonna, Concetta Rosemarie Franconero comes from an Italian American background. Francis started her music career at three, playing an accordion bought for her by her contractor father George. Her father's dream was not for his daughter to become a star, but for Francis to become independent of men as an adult with her own accordion school of music. At age ten, she was accepted on Startime, a New York City television show that featured talented child singers and performers. The show had no one else who played an accordion. Its host, legendary TV talent scout Arthur Godfrey, had difficulty pronouncing her name and suggested something "easy and Irish," which turned into Francis. After three weeks on Startime , the show's producer and Francis' would-be manager advised her to dump the accordion and concentrate on singing. Francis performed weekly on Startime for four years.
After being turned down by almost every record label she approached, 16-year-old Francis signed a record contract with MGM, only because one of the songs on her demo, "Freddy," also happened to be the name of the president's son. "Freddy" was released in June 1955 as the singer's first single. After a series of flop singles, on October 2, 1957, she undertook what was to be her last session for MGM. Francis had recently accepted a pre-med scholarship to New York University and was contemplating the end of her career as a singer. Having recorded two songs, she thanked the technicians and musicians, hoping not to have to have to record the third song her father had in mind, an old tune from 1923. After a false start, she sang it in one take. When Dick Clark played "Who's Sorry Now" on American Bandstand, he told its eight million viewers that Connie Francis was "a new girl singer that is heading straight for the number one spot."
"Who's Sorry Now" was the first of Francis' long string of worldwide hits. By 1967, she had sold 35 million world wide, with 35 U.S. Top 40 hits, and three number ones ("Everybody's Somebody's Fool," "My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own," "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You," and "Stupid Cupid" ) to her credit. 1963's "In the Summer of His Years," written as a tribute to the assassinated John F. Kennedy, remains one of the earliest known charity records, with proceeds donated to dependents of the policemen shot during the incident.
1957's "Who's Sorry Now" was going to be her final session for MGM. She ended that relationship in 1969, choosing not to renew her contract when MGM was taken over by Polydor. She opted instead for domestic life with her third husband. Francis didn't return to the recording studio until 1973 when the writers of "Tie a Yellow Ribbon," longtime friends, wrote "The Answer" especially for Francis. In 1974, her husband encouraged her to return to the stage, with disastrous consequences.

After her third performance, she was raped at the hotel she was staying in. Ultimately, this incident contributed to the end of her marriage. During 1975, nasal surgery temporarily robbed her of her voice. She was on the comeback trail in 1981 when her brother, George, was brutally murdered. It took seven years to determine that through all of those events, she was also a manic depressive. She finally made her return to the stage and recording in 1989 and Connie Francis continues to sing to sold-out audiences. She has recorded more than 70 LPs.

In the late 1960s Connie went to Vietnam to sing for the troops. Through the years, she has performed charity work for organizations such as UNICEF, the USO, and CARE.Following a November 1974 performance at the Westbury Music Fair in Westbury, New York, Francis was the victim of a brutal rape and robbery after an intruder broke into her hotel room and held her at knifepoint. She won a lawsuit against the hotel for inadequate security, the result of which influenced the hotel and motel industry to install deadbolts, viewing ports, and improved lighting. Francis was unable to sing for years after her attack, but slowly recovered until she was again able to tour in the early 1990s.Her autobiography, Who's Sorry Now, was released in 1984.

49 comments:

Beth Niquette said...

What an incredible lady. I had no idea.

Junibears said...

How lovely to catch up with her life. I didn't know all that and she was one of my favourite singers in the 50's.
Thank you Patti.xx

Sueann said...

Thanks for the info...I knew some of the story too. She is one strong brave lady. Amazing!
Hugs
SueAnn

linda said...

Wow. i had no idea. 'Who's sorry now' was one of my favorite songs.
Thanks for the info, very interesting.

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful voice she has. I've always enjoyed listening to her. I didn't know the full extent of her story though. Always nice to learn something.

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

I remember Connie very well. She has had a very difficult life.

Eye-Catching Video said...

Wow, Connie's been through a lot. Thanks for posting this!

JANN said...

Very interesting post on Connie. I had previously read some about her and knew she had been raped . Just awful that would happen. She was always a favorite of mine too. Such talent. Loved her in WHERE THE BOYS ARE , have you ever heard that song of hers called FALLIN, I think that is the name. Thanks for this good post.

Anonymous said...

That was well written and informative. When I was a kid I asked my grandma if Connie Francis was still alive and she said yes but then told me what happened to her and that she has never been the same. About two years ago I heard her give an interview on Sirius sattelite radio. The host asked her questions about music and all she talked about was the rapist and what he did. It was very akward and I felt very sorry for her. I love this little website you have here by the way.

Anonymous said...

I grew up listening to the beautiful voice of Connie Francis. She was our favorite. My single mother raised 3 small children, We had the pleasure of meeting Connie Francis at the Mill Run Theatre in Niles, Illinois in the mid to late 1980's. A memory and treasure that touched our hearts forever. Connie Francis is forever in our hearts. We love her!

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed your post on Connie Francis. I grew up listening to her hits. She is truly a phenomenal singer. I don't think anyone's voice today could compare to the magnificent voice of Connie Francis. What happened to her was a tragedy, but she came back when most people would not have been able to return to the industry. That's because her singing has always come from her heart and soul. A Class Act.

Patricia Urbano said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Patricia Urbano said...

I enjoyed your post on Connie Francis. I grew up listening to her hits. She is truly a phenomenal singer. I don't think anyone's voice today could compare to the magnificent voice of Connie Francis. What happened to her was a tragedy, but she came back when most people would not have been able to return to the industry. That's because her singing has always come from her heart and soul. A Class Act.

Unknown said...

Such a talented and gorgeous lady. Love her songs. Brings back memories when I listen to her songs.

John Neal said...

That Article on Connie Francis was written very well. And I personally did know all of that because I am and consider myself to be her most devoted fan in the world. I say that because it all started when i heard the Imcomobrake, hearfelst soulful, unique voice ever. I was in middle school. I bought a total of 56 Albums by her. Some of the songs were the same but in a different language such as Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Yiddish, etc. It was and is her unique voice and unparalleled phrasing. I got on here because I heard she was deceased and had to find out. I commend you on your article and I too would put the natural voice of Connie Francis against against anyone yesterday or today. She sings songs better than the people who released them. I hope and pray that her movie is made soon. What a Movie That Will Be. John from Columbus, Ohio

charlotte said...

thank you connie for all your beautiful songs you brought to millions

Shrinksjp said...

Connie celebrated her birthday yesterday. For the past few years, she performed rarely. Baltimorenetradio.com carries programs on her and she often is interviewed by them. She remains one of the top selling female vocalists of all time. She is very active in mental health and with U.S> veteranss.

Unknown said...

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. See the link below for more info.


#happened
www.ufgop.org

Patsy said...

I enjoyed the information so much, I had seen Miss Francis perform in Buffalo N.Y. thought it was in the 90's still have her autograph. I thought I remember something about her being crazy in love w/Bobby Darin but her father was so totally against it and had forbidden her to see him, think he ended up w/ Sandra Dee

LiLa Hidell said...

At 85 years old, I have enjoyed the music of Connie Francis for a LONG time. Patsy Cline is the only other female singer that I consider to be equal to Connie. "Who's Sorry Now" and "Crazy" are favorites of mine. I remember seeing Connie on talk-shows over the years and felt such compassion for what she experienced in that hotel room in her young life. I, too, began wondering whatever happened to her; was she still alive? Glad to hear she is - and at just 76, hope she has many happy years coming to her. AND, thank you for posting this information for those who love her.

Fred Woodcock said...

The first time I heard of Connie Frances I was 18 years old an d staying at my aunts place in Calgary Alberta my aunt had this record of Connie's I think I must have wore it out while I was there. Connie was not only a beautiful woman but she could sing like an Angel my only wish is that serious Radio would play her songs more. She was probably my first love. Fred Woodcock

Syd Wagstaff said...

Hello everyone, I am so glad I found this site as my wife and I love Connie Francis, we have many Vinyl and c.d. recordings of hers and no one can get close to her superb vocals, and it is great to hear that she is still performing after such a traumatic life, good on you Connie. To those of you that read this you all should try and obtain a copy of Connie Sings Buddy Holly it is a record that is a Rock "N" Roll vocal master class, brilliant arrangements and superb backing from the musicians and backing vocal group, if you don't have a copy of this recording do get one soon you will not regret it. Best wishes to Connie and you all who still love and remember her she has given us a great deal of pleasure over the years. We are both in our 70s and 60s but still love music.

Syd Sue Wagstaff
Crewe, Cheshire,
North West England.

Unknown said...

She is still truly loved what a beautiful voice she had. Would you believe my soon to be 13 year old son (tomorrow's his bday) loves her music. He finds it very relaxing and listens to it to daily 😊 Would love for him to meet her

Anonymous said...

Hi, Every time I hear Connie Francis sing, I get goose bumps. She was born with the most wonderful gift in the world. When I die , I hope its her voice that sends me too wherever I'm supposed to be going. I know I'll be blessed, Thank you Connie, from a loyal and faithful fan.

Terry Fox , Sylvania Ohio said...

Thanks for not giving up. I just watched where the boys are and your voice and beauty made me smile. You bring many fabulous memories in my home. Love you bunches.

Anonymous said...

To Connie... I have spent 30 years of active military service in the U.S.Navy and at 80 years of age, one of my greatest moments in life would be to listen to your beautiful voice singing our NATIONAL ANTHEM at either the ARMY -NAVY football game or better still at the NFL championship game! You have sooo many followers that it would be A MOMENT TO REMEMBER.

Thomas W Kelly III
Captain U.S. Navy (ret)

Unknown said...

i was 13 when i first heard connie on radio singing my sailor boy. not hearing from her for a while after that i thought she was forgotten about. then came WHOS SORRY NOW. wow i was truly smitten and still am. i love connie francis and wish her the very best. cant wait till the film of her life.xx. ted mcguire washington. england.

Unknown said...

So glad I came across this Site. For seemingly ages now I have wanted to "google" Connie Francis and find out some current news about her. Way back when I was a teenager, I was chastised by my siblings for playing her songs instead of Hard Rock which was fast becoming popular at the time. I loved her voice then and still do. I spent many hours Digitizing some of her old Cassette Tapes and now have a fairly decent compilation of her songs. I was very happy to hear of the work she has done towards Charitable causes over the years.

Unknown said...

She was awesum and still.is nice wstching her on the internet
What even after what happened to her she keept goin..you sure are brave all the best the singer i remeber always .thank you for sharing your beautiful.voice with.the world .

Anonymous said...

I have been thinking about Connie Francis for the wonderful voice she had and looking for Italian music then I remembered that Connie made a cd Connie Francis sings Italian Favourites,found the cd on eBay and boy was it a great purchase, yes sir it was.contains many great songs and what a voice in Italian great to listen to.Just great.

Vaughan Enokian said...

Never was and never will be any better or any as good as Connie Francis

Anonymous said...

was wondering if there was a way to email her or some kind of contact. My Mother was her nurse back in the 70's at a hospital my Mom worked at and Connie liked my Mom & only wanted her as a nurse.My Mom mentions about that now & then but she 92 now & hope that memory she has remains always.I will not mention the hospital or way Connie was in that one hospital Mother worked at.

Ian Godfrey. said...

Connie is my most favourite female singer. Just loved to hear her. So sad to find out what happened to her.

Anonymous said...

In my 67 years of life, Connie Francis' singing has been enormously superior to all others I've heard. She had the voice of an angel. Connie, if you read these comments made by just a few of your thousands of fans, please know we're so thankful for you sharing your lovely sound with us. God bless you. We will always love you.

Anonymous said...

Conny; I am 77 years old and I remember a beautiful incident when I was 16 ! You were performing at a nightclub in College Point Queens called the Safari club ! When you finished your show , I asked you to dance ! I truly didn't expect you to say yes but my heart push me forward ! However , you did say yes and we had fun ! Later you gave me an autographed picture which I still have hanging in my office ! You are a beautiful person and may God always be with you ! Your old friend; John

Anonymous said...

I have read all the comments and it's not surprising to know that the legendary Connie Francis has millions of avid fans, and, I'm one of those. It's true that no one is at par at Connie's voice. She is the best, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Her voice is magical and angelic, nobody can sing as beautiful as she does. Thank you for this info, I have learned more about her. I hope she have more wonderful years to come. We love you Connie.

Anonymous said...

Wow. Just discovered Connie Francis and I'm 66. What a sweet, golden voice. How did I miss this treasure? Her voice goes straight to your heart. Put on good headphones. Turn it up. Melt. Unbelievable.

Lisa Galocy said...

Yes you are correct. Bobby Darin died young of complications from open heart surgery at about age 37. What I did not know was that he started out as a songwriter for Connie Francis. Ms. Francis was everything I, as a third grader, wanted to be when I grew up:) beautiful, adored by millions, successful, and that lovely voice that would cry when she sang a sad song. I still have her book, Who's Sorry Now. And the first 45 I ever bought, Many Tears Ago. Still one of my favorites....oh, I should listened when they told me so,...

Unknown said...

I have been and will always be a huge fan of Connie Francis.i still listen to her music. What a huge talent. I love you Connie

Anonymous said...

I listened to Connie as a kid on my grandma's 45's. What a beautiful, penetrating voice. Wishing her all the very best!!

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Unknown said...

First heard Connie Francis at the age of 9.She crept into my soul.Her voice and music kept the hurt at bay and let the happiness wash over me.She was part of my life's memories.....in her songs.Today at 70 when i listen to her haunting voice it brings bac all those wonderful and not so wonderful memories. From the bottom of my soul she will always be no one.

Jim said...

I fell in love with Connie Francis when I was 10 years old and heard "Among My Souvenirs". I had never even heard of her before that. After buying that record I spent a lot of time until I got everything she had done prior to that and continued to buy everything she did after that. I don't know of any singer who could ever match that voice. She brought much happiness into my life and I thank her for all the great moments I have had listening to her music.

🌟Jasmine🌟 said...

Hi John if you are still able to see this then reach my email I'm typing in here debbiemaffei@yahoo.com to reach me to chat about Connie and exchange rare songs, etc. Anyone seeing this is also welcome. I love Connie and am trying to find the biggest fans and collectors to talk with. Remember to not reach the email it shows as the user since that's not active anymore. Reach the one I typed in because it works. Happy holidays

🌟Jasmine🌟 said...

Hi John if you are still able to see this then reach my email I'm typing in here debbiemaffei@yahoo.com to reach me to chat about Connie and exchange rare songs, etc. Anyone seeing this is also welcome. I love Connie and am trying to find the biggest fans and collectors to talk with. Remember to not reach the email it shows as the user since that's not active anymore. Reach the one I typed in because it works. Happy holidays to you all :)

🌟Jasmine🌟 said...

Hi, if you see this then reach my email debbiemaffei@yahoo.com to reach me to chat about Connie and exchange rare songs, etc. I'm hoping that since you've always been a huge fan that you have awesome things. Anyone seeing this is also welcome. I love Connie and am trying to find the biggest fans and collectors to talk with. Thanks! Happy holidays :)

🌟Jasmine🌟 said...

Hi, wow a fan for over 60 years! If you see this then reach my email debbiemaffei@yahoo.com to reach me to chat about Connie and exchange rare songs, etc. I'm hoping that since you've always been a huge fan that you have awesome things. Anyone seeing this is also welcome. I love Connie and am trying to find the biggest fans and collectors to talk with. Thanks! Happy holidays :)

🌟Jasmine🌟 said...

Hi Jim, very happy to see another huge collector like me. If you see this then reach my email debbiemaffei@yahoo.com to reach me to chat about Connie and exchange rare songs, etc. I'm hoping that since you've always been a huge fan that you have awesome things. Anyone seeing this is also welcome. I love Connie and am trying to find the biggest fans and collectors to talk with. Thanks! Happy holidays :)

🌟Jasmine🌟 said...

👑Connie Franis was the Best and always will be the Best. I would put Lady Gaga "package wise" in second place. I am the youngest fan that I know of and believe more are building especially since they are hearing her songs in recent movies and shows. I have been obsessed now with her for over 15 years and am one of the best biggest fans who has collected memorabilia, rare records, rare unissued unreleased songs and listens to her almost every day. She makes me cry in a very good way, she helps me lower my depression. She has happy and sad songs. She is genuine, doesn't sound karaoke like most singers since her emotions are perfect for each song and she did them the right way in the studio which is singing with bands while being recorded and not just doing studio magic from equipment. She also sang from the heart with real talent while dressed classy. She didn't need to dress in little clothing to get your approval for just OK vocals put in catchy music.

She deserved to be one of the first Legends to automatically be put into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There is no excuse because she does rock and all kinds of styles plus they put rappers and other genres into the Hall which means they just put in anyone they particularly like. She's known as the first female Rocker and paved the road for the rest. She is iconic and is a one of a kind legend. She helped huge legends get their careers and she is the first female to exercise woman's lib within music since she controlled her career with MGM which they hated and that's why they purposely didn't promote her strongly passed 1964. I love her songs, voice and style. She has so many genres and languages. No one else can ever compare to the Queen. If I could sing like I always wanted to well I would choose to have her voice! I love you Connie and am very grateful to have you in my life. I am looking for the biggest collectors to be friends with and to talk to about her. I am looking to share things and enjoy our favorite singer. I am looking to buy things as well like memorabilia and impossible to get songs and etc. Please feel very welcome to say hi to me at debbiemaffei@yahoo.com

Ps in 2017 an acetate from Connie called Old Records Demo got sold to a great person who took the country gem and remastered it and then put it on a CD called Left in the can 1960s stars unreleased. The song is in stereo and was recorded in January 1969 in Tennessee. It wasn't ever released until 2017. It is only done by Kitty Wells but Connie's version blows hers away. Hope to hear from you guys in my email. I may not see any responses on here.

Thanks, Happy Holidays!