Godfrey convinced her to change her real last name to Francis after he had difficulty pronouncing it. since MGM Records had renewed her contract. "Bobby had everything: charisma, talent, he was brilliant. Well, the feeling was cosmic - just cosmic! She was afraid you would use the F-word. Frank said, Well I didnt disappoint her, did I? Don said, Dont you see that sign on her forehead? Fox News: How did you and Don Rickles meet?Francis: Don Rickles was the one who taught me how to really laugh. Much like Connie, Izzy had also been married once before and had two children from his previous relationship. My father said, If I have to nail you to that microphone, youre gonna do Whos Sorry Now. So I did it. Keep scrolling to learn more about Connies four marriages. Because I knew in five seconds my life would never be the same. There was never [22] In March and October 2007, Francis performed to sold-out crowds at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco. It affected her very much and her mental equilibrium began to waver. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, just one of her other 53 career hits. Her lawsuit led to improved security measures throughout the hotel industry. [16] Her father insisted, though, and when the recording "Who's Sorry Now?" [31] "I'm Me Again" became Francis' last single to chart on the AC charts. Dick Clark introduced the song on his Bandstand TV show in 1958, and it became an immediate hit, selling a million copies less than six months after release. However, it was Vacation, a song recorded on July 18, 1962, that brought her the final Top Ten Hit. The mobster was from New Jersey so I knew who to call. Following another idea from her father, Francis traveled to London in August 1959[12] to record an Italian album at EMI's famous Abbey Road Studios. Her music talent was spotted early in her life and by the age of three she began attending music school for vocal and accordion training and started performing in public by the age of four. In 1959, she gained two gold records for a double-sided hit: on the A-side, "Lipstick on Your Collar" (number 5), and on the B-side, "Frankie" (number 9). I needed to put humor into my book. Despite it all, she considers her personal life a bust. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Connie Francis (center) with her mother, father and brother George. The businessman died in 1973 after battling cancer. Overseas, especially in England, I was an adult star before I was an Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero (born December 12, 1937), [2] known professionally as Connie Francis, is an American pop singer, actress, and top-charting female vocalist of the late 1950s and early 1960s. songs I wanted, in whatever country, in whatever language, with The pair were married for five years before calling it quits in 1978. All three albums and the singles culled from them were released on United Artists Records. However, what seemed like support to her father seemed more like smothering to Connie. Fox411: Beloved singer Connie Francis come forward with a tell-all titled 'Among My Souvenirs,' where she candidly opens up about one of her greatest tragedies. A 5-year-old child went missing in Dublin, Va., in spring 2015. In the wake of this, Francis recorded two duets for the German Herzklang label (a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment) with Peter Kraus, with whom she had already worked several times in the late 1950s and early 1960s. But Dick Clark liked it It was a cosmic moment for me. On the B side was Carolina Moon, which she had recorded on 9 June at the same studio. While her singles were mostly kept in the then-current sounds of the day such as rock 'n' roll, novelty songs, the twist, torch ballads, or the girl group sound created by Brill Building alumni Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry, Francis' albums represented her in a variety of styles, ranging from R&B, vocal jazz, and country to Broadway standards, children's music, waltzes, spiritual music, schlager music, traditionals from various ethnic groups represented in the US, and select songs from popular songwriters of the day, such as Burt Bacharach and Hal David, or Les Reed. Between the 70s and 80s, her brother was brutally murdered, she was made a victim of sexual abuse, and she started struggling with her mental health. The couple were married for 81 days before their relationship headed towards a divorce. In December 2009 the film project was dropped. Following this success, Francis recorded seven more albums of "favorites" between 1960 and 1964, including Jewish, German, and Irish, among others. [56] This suit was also dismissed. She had guards around her house. The lawsuit was dismissed. In 1989, Francis resumed her recording and performing career again. The singer is known for hits such as "Who's Sorry Now?" After becoming the top female vocalist in the country, Francis also starred in a few films throughout the 1960s. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. By mid-year, over a million copies had been sold, and Francis was suddenly launched into worldwide stardom. releasing stuff. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible. They got married in 1971 and divorced ten months later in 1972. And it wasnt. She later wrote her autobiography, Whos Sorry Now?, in 1984 where she opened up about all of the devastation she has faced in her life. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. We raise awareness about these issues to help potential victims seek professional counseling and prevent anyone from getting hurt. Gowns-bills were sent to MGM because I needed them for album covers. I didnt grant an interview for seven years. Throughout it all, Francis kept her sense of humor, which helped her tremendously. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. The song was also recorded by Connie Francis in 1959 for her album Connie Francis Sings Italian Favorites, with her hit single released in February 1960. The singer is known for hits such as "Who's Sorry Now? [17] She managed to churn out more hits by covering several older songs, such as "My Happiness" (number 2 on the Hot 100) and "Among My Souvenirs" (number 7), as well as performing her own original songs. was finished, only a few seconds were left on the tape.[7]. The two quickly developed a romance, and they stuck with each other until Ferretti's death, and the couple shared a cozy home. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The Portable Italian Mamma: Guilt, Pasta, and When Are You Giving Me Grandchildren? 11/6/74: After an appearance at the Westbury Music Fair in New York, she was raped at knifepoint at the Howard Johnson Motel where age 11 she appeared on, - IMDb Mini Biography By: Hup234! In 1978, Francis returned to the recording studio to cut an album titled Who's Happy Now? He wanted the children. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/connie-francis-9130.php. In 1974, Francis was the victim of a brutal rape in her hotel room. On November 8, 1974, she met with a tragedy, being raped and nearly killed by an unknown man in a hotel room in Jericho, New York. Their marriage only lasted three months before ending in divorce. In 1992, a medley of remixed versions of her biggest German hits charted in Germany. It was not until her number 7 on the US charts, "Many Tears Ago", later in 1960 when Francis began to record cover versions of her own songs in foreign languages besides German. was paid for. Francis attended Newark Arts High School in 1951 and 1952. [13], In the fall of 1957, Francis enjoyed her first chart success with a duet single she had recorded with Marvin Rainwater: "The Majesty of Love", with "You, My Darlin' You" as the B-side, peaked at number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100. The pair were married for five years before calling it quits in 1978. Connie Francis was born into an Italian-American family, and her father always knew that she was destined for stardom. On February 15, 1958, she sang it on Clarks Saturday Night Beechnut Show. She spent some time in a mental hospital for severe depression. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Francis returned to the recording studio in 1981 to cut "Comme ci, comme a", and "I'm Me Again", the latter of which became the title track of an album which featured the aforementioned new songs. MTW 7:00PM- 8:15PM 6/12-7/22. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Francis watched the show and wrote in her diary: I heard Dick Clark mention something about a new girl singer. In her autobiography, Francis stated she and her father were driving into the Lincoln Tunnel when the radio DJ announced Dee and Darin's marriage. You can do better than her, cause Ive seen better legs on Sonny Liston. Don said, Connie, the guy said hes gonna break my legs! So I made a phone call because I did have connections. Though success had finally seemed to come with "The Majesty of Love", Francis was informed by MGM Records that her contract would not be renewed after her last solo single. Godfrey also told her to drop the accordionadvice she gladly followed, as she had begun to hate the large and heavy instrument. Connie Francis (born 12 December 1937 in Newark, New Jersey, USA) is an American pop singer best known for international hit songs such as "Who's Sorry Now?," "Where The read more. The beloved singer, who is recognized as the top-selling female vocalist of the '60s, has enjoyed a lasting career, but her success didn't come without its fair share of heartache. Magazine, Connie tells. On the B-side was You Were Only Foolin' (While I Was Fallin' in Love). He said that there was a mobster in the audience [at his show] with a date. Her autobiography, Who's Sorry Now, was released in 1984. Fox News: Whats the story behind your famous song Whos Sorry Now?Francis: My father wanted me to record that song for a year and a half and I turned him down. American pop singer Connie Francis, circa 1970. But it did take seven years out of my life. The ex-wife of Joseph, Connie Francis is a top-charting female vocalist of the late 1950s and early 1960s. The legendary singer has over 1 million monthly listeners on the platform. During the height of the Vietnam War in 1967, Connie Francis performed for US troops. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. Best Known For: Connie Francis was a pop music star in the 1950s and '60s and starred in a number of films aimed at the teen market. [51][52], Francis saw Darin only two more times: once when the two were scheduled to sing together for a television show, and again when she was spotlighted on the TV series This Is Your Life. Connie Francis celebrated her 85th birthday with "the largest gathering of lifelong friends.". anything about speed or diet pills, but they gave me these little red Her father made a negative comment about Darin finally being out of their lives. [30] The leading recording on this album was a disco version of "Where the Boys Are". And from there we had a wonderful friendship. [18], In 1973, Francis returned to the recording studio, cutting "(Should I) Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree? Sedaka then played "Stupid Cupid." We tried to make a home for Izzys two children by his previous marriage, she said. Astrological Sign: Sagittarius, Article Title: Connie Francis Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/musicians/connie-francis, Publisher: A&E; Television Networks, Last Updated: April 22, 2021, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. However, life goes on for the singer, and she is enjoying her last days out of the spotlight. Her rapist was never found. One year later, the songstress married her fourth husband, Bob Parkinson in 1985. I owe a lot to Don Rickles because he made me see humor in things that ordinarily I wouldnt have seen humor in. The single seemed to go unnoticed like all previous releases, just as Francis had predicted, but on January 1, 1958, it debuted on Dick Clark's American Bandstand. All Rights Reserved, Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google. in the September 1991 issue of DISCoveries Magazine, Connie tells 'Jerry And he cooperated with the government for three years. In 1964, she was briefly married to Dick Kanellis, a press agent and entertainment director for the Aladdin Hotel. "Mama," the single taken from the album, reached number 8 in the United States and number 2 in the United Kingdom.[18]. speaks out against the above mentioned and. In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan appointed her as head of his task force on violent crime. All Rights Reserved. Connie/Bety (Ext 2272) NESL 962 50026: Beginning. I absolutely adored his screenplay of Judy's life he was so eager to do my life story for film, but she [Gloria] wouldn't agree to hire him and that was the end of that. This answer song to "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree" by Tony Orlando & Dawn bubbled under the charts. I do want to concentrate on things that are vital for me, which are veterans, victims of violent crime and the mentally ill. And if I were in a relationship, I wouldnt be able to do these other things. [38] That same year, she also released With Love to Buddy, a tribute album of songs made famous by the late Buddy Holly. Even if it wasn't on MGM business, it was paid for. Her last top-40 entry was 'Be Anything (but Be Mine)' (1964). NEWARK, N.J. -- The brother of singer Connie Francis was slain outside his home Friday by two gunmen who stepped from behind a row of bushes and shot him in the head. Finally in 1978, she returned to the recording studio to cut her first album in the post MGM era, Whos Happy Now?. Market data provided by Factset. Connie Francis, performs on stage on a TV show, 1959. . He never knew I did that. Through the years, she has performed charity work for organizations such as UNICEF, the USO and CARE. Also in the same year, she released four more albums; one in English, others in Jewish, Spanish and Italian. The 80-year-old has chosen to come forward with a tell-all titled Among My Souvenirs, where she candidly opens up about one of her greatest tragedies. [53], In the same article, Francis said that Dolly Parton had been contacting her for years trying to produce her life story, but owing to her previous commitment to Estefan's organization, she was not able to accept Parton's offer. (Courtesy of Connie Francis). There was just no way when it was made public. After a few hours, Francis began writing in her diary while the songwriters played the last of their ballads. Connie Francis was born on December 12 th 1937 to Ida and George Franconero. She and Garzilli adopted one son. She was terrorized for nearly three hours at knife-point, raped and robbed. Fox News: How did you manage to save Dons life?Francis:He came to me petrified. Early in her career, she became romantically involved with singer and actor Bobby Darin. These albums marked Francis's transition from the youth-oriented rock 'n' roll music to adult contemporary music, which George Franconero, Sr. had realized to be necessary if his daughter wanted to pursue a successful longterm career in music. Fox News: Which was the most difficult chapter for you to write and why?Connie Francis: My brothers murder. But when on January 1, 1958, Dick Clark, best remembered for hosting American Bandstand, played the song on his program; its popularity began to rise. 1972), Joseph Garzilli (m. 1973 div. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For years after she was assaulted, Francis didn't perform. They now secured forged identity card for Connie, with which she began to sing at different clubs and lounges. The Washington Post previously reported that in 1974, police found Francis in a Long Island hotel room naked, gagged and tied to an overturned chair. (qv's & corrections by A. Nonymous). I She starred in four motion pictures, Where the Boys Are (1960), Follow The Boys (1963), Looking For Love (1964) and When The Boys Meet The Girls (1965). In 1963, she published her first book, For Every Young Heart. In 1953, her family moved to Belleville, New Jersey, where she enrolled at Belleville High School, graduating from there in 1955. After Stupid Cupid, Connie Francis continued to churn out hits, recording My Happiness, her childhood favorite, on November 6, 1958. Brooklyn born Concetta Rosalie Ann Ingolia is of Italian/Sicilian and Irish descent, the daughter of Eleanor McGinley and Teddy Stevens (born Peter Ingolia). Francis began performing regularly again. He had the greatest sense of humor in the world, Connie told Closer in March 2022. All rights reserved. Her last five albums were Was ich bin (1978, German), Im Me Again (1981), Where the Hits Are (1989), 'Jive Connie Connie Francis Party Powe' (1992, German) and The Return Concert Live At Trump's Castle (1996). [50] Francis married TV producer Bob Parkinson in 1985, divorcing later that year. Singer and actress Connie Francis was born Concetta Franconero, on December 12, 1938 (some sources say 1937), in Newark, New Jersey. By the spring of 1958, Whos Sorry Now rose to number 4 on Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on UK Singles Chart. She is also known for her literary pursuits and published her first autobiography, Whos Sorry Now? in 1984. For the first few years of her life she lived in a Brooklyn neighbourhood on Utica Avenue/St. She returned to the stage in the early 1990s and released an autobiography Who's Sorry Now, in 1984. I chose the wrong men for the wrong reasons. The pair had dated for a year before tying the knot. The crime led to a nervous breakdown, a crumbling marriage and it nearly ended her career. I felt so bad for her. And on February 15 of that same year, Francis performed it on the first episode of The Saturday Night Beechnut Show, also hosted by Clark. Connie Francis is currently 85 according to her birthdate December 12, 1937 Sun Sign Sagittarius Born Place Newark, New Jersey, United States Nationality Education Connie Francis studied at Newark Arts High School from 1951 to 1952. [regarding her version of "God Bless America"] In an interview published So I tackled those two subjects first. Connie Francis, the 1960s pop icon, turned 85 on Monday, December 12, 2022. 319. It was during this period that she changed her stage name to Connie Francis on the advice of Godfrey, who found it difficult to pronounce Franconero. George also quickly put an end to Connie's romance, at age 19, with fellow teen singer Bobby Darin. .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}Elvis Presleys Family Tree, Freddie Mercurys Exquisite Clutter Up for Sale, Rihanna's Favorite Hair Brand is On 20% Off RN, Inside Marie Antoinette and Chevaliers Friendship, Tupac Shakur, His Mother, and His Song Dear Mama, Joan Baez Sings with Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones, 8 Facts About Son of a Sinner Singer Jelly Roll, Selena Gomez Shares"Transformative" Lip Tint, 16 Musicians and Singers Named Knights or Dames. 1986), Dick Kanellis (m. 1964 div. She mentioned gratefully that her 85th birthday party must have been "the largest gathering of lifelong friends.". She was performing in neighborhood festivals and children's talent shows. pills, like Benzedrine, that you can only buy in Mexico now. In 1956, she recorded two songs, I Never Had A Sweetheart' and 'Little Blue Wren', for Tuesday Weld in the film Rock, Rock, Rock. In the US, Connie Francis had a third number-one hit in 1962: "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You", and her success led MGM to give her complete freedom to choose whichever songs she wanted to record.[11]. Francis enjoys the love and support of countless friends, evident in a photo she posted of her and Frankie D'Amelio in 2019. [7][32], Despite that, she took up live performing again, even gracing the American Bandstand 30th Anniversary Special Episode, and appearing in the town where she had been raped. As an antidote she began to make public performances, trying to pick up her life. There were two people I idolized: One was Frank and the other was Judy Garland. In November 1959, she released another of her hit single, 'Among My Souvenirs'. . Estefan announced that she would produce and play the lead. [4], In 1960, Francis was recognized as the most successful female artist in Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Australia, and in every other country where records were purchased. I didn't abuse it. 5 on Billboard Hot 100, the later peaked at No. Greenfield urged Sedaka to sing a song they had written that morning with the Shepherd Sisters in mind. got her big break on the music scene with her cover of Whos Sorry Now? The top-selling song led to a career full of incredible successes in the midst of heartache. [on her MGM record contract] I never paid for anything. Connie Francis recording music in 1978 in London. The success of "Stupid Cupid" restored momentum to Francis' chart career, and she reached the U.S. top 40 an additional eight times during the remainder of the 1950s. 1964), Izzy Marion (m. 1971 div. [17] The last became her signature tune and was also the theme song of Francis's first motion picture of the same name. And I'm sorry I wasted ten years with those people [i.e. paid for every photograph and I kept the photos. Fox News: Do you think your brothers death could have been prevented?Francis: No. To celebrate, she hosted a magnificent party at her house, inviting everyone she cares about. Connie Francis won television's Startime Talent Scouts at age 12 and signed with MGM Records. When her father learned that Darin had suggested the two elope after one of her shows, he ran Darin out of the building at gunpoint. In 1965, Connie Francis participated in that year's edition of the annual San Remo Festival, where her team partner Gigliola Cinquetti and she presented "Ho bisogno di vederti", which finished on number 5 of the final ranking. After recovering, she started campaigning for mental well-being, and she was an avid supporter of the American troops. See also Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro Getting Started Contributor Zone Contribute to This Page Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Francis brought a suit alleging that Universal Music Group (UMG) took advantage of her condition and stopped paying royalties. Her second autobiography, Among My Souvenirs, was published in 2017. Connie Francis (center) with her mother, father and brother George. In spite of the success, she was informed by MGM that her contract would not be renewed after her tenth solo recording. There are ninety-five million females in the country, and I'll bet ninety-five percent of them sing. 937 talking about this. Her fourth marriage was to TV producer Bob Parkinson; with whom she remained married for eight months, (1986-1986). otherwise. She started working with songwriters Neil Sedaka and Howie Greenfield, and recorded a string of hits, including "Stupid Cupid," "Lipstick on Your Collar," "Everybody's Somebody's Fool," "My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" and "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You.". Billboard Hot 100 / This DES stereo video. I was actually afraid to meet him. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Now", since it was originally written in the 1930s. Her . [49], Early in her career, Francis was introduced to Bobby Darin, then an up-and-coming singer and songwriter. On 18 June 1958, Francis recorded Stupid Cupid on at Metropolitan Studio. Finally Connie signed a contract with MGM Records for ten singles and one duet. Bob worked as a TV producer with two. Stupid Cupid - Connie Francis 1958 {Stereo} Smurfstools Oldies Music Time Machine 12.5K subscribers Subscribe 870K views 2 years ago 1958..#14 U.S. She was very remorseful. Her first husband was Dick Kannellis, a press agent and entertainment director for the Aladdin Hotel. Connie was not allowed to date in high school and did not attend her prom. In May that same year,[12] George Franconero Sr. and Francis's manager George Scheck raised money for a recording session of four songs which they hoped to sell to a major record company under Francis's own name. Marks Avenue until her family packed up and moved to New Jersey. It went on to reach number 14 on the Billboard chart and was her second number 1 in the UK.[17]. Francis has been married four times. [19] Veteran lyricist Ralph Maria Siegel penned a set of German lyrics, named "Die Liebe ist ein seltsames Spiel", which, after some friction between Francis and her MGM executives, was recorded and released. What would it take to impress you?Francis: A lot! [28] During the years after the incident, Francis went into depression, taking as many as 50 Darvon pills a day and rarely leaving her home in Essex Fells, New Jersey. Connie Francis recording music in 1978 in London. [7] Around the same time, Francis took a job as a singer on demonstration records, which brought unreleased songs to the attention of established singers and/or their management who might choose to record them for a professional commercial record. One year later, the songstress married her fourth husband, Bob Parkinson in 1985. Francis was not fluent in all of these languages and she had to learn her foreign language songs phonetically. Francis was a hit, both as a singer and actress, but she never really enjoyed being on camera. #New#Connie FrancisConnie Francis Very Best Songs Playlist - Connie Francis Greatest Hits Full AlbumConnie Francis Very Best Songs Playlist - Connie Francis . Career Connie's career in music started when she was very young. Connie Francis, US pop singer, waring red-and-white striped trousers and a red t-shirt with her arms outstretched either side of her, in a studio. Connie Francis became early rock 'n' roll's first female global star through her talent, her tenacity, and her ability to sing in more than a dozen languages. Bob worked as a TV producer with two IMDb credits from the early 80s in Richard Pryor Here and Now andI Challenge You. Fox News: You were one of the few women who left Frank Sinatra waiting.Francis: I got weak in the knees when I met Sinatra. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. However, her dominating father disapproved of the match and almost drove away Darin at a gun point. Fox News: Was there anything about Judy Garland that surprised you?Francis: Yes, it was the time when she was going through her divorce from Sid Luft. The New Jersey native was married four times throughout her career but revealed that her greatest love was her late boyfriend, Bobby Darin. She commented on not performing anymore: "I no longer do concerts because I just can't sing as well as I used to. The project of recording a German version, though, remained unfinished. The Many Tears Ago singer and the Splish Splash crooners relationship was not approved by Connies father. Her second marriage was to Izzy Marrion, a hair-salon owner. Singer, composer, actress, entertainer and publisher Connie Francis was educated at Arts High School and was a music student of her father. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Connie Francis won television's Startime Talent Scouts at age 12 and signed with MGM Records.
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