Remembering Pop Icon Connie Francis: A Journey Through Music and Life
Connie Francis, the 1950s and ’60s sweetheart of pop music known for her hit Pretty Little Baby, passed away at the age of 87. The news of her death was shared by her close friend and publicist, Ron Roberts, on Thursday.
A Musical Star in the Pre-Beatles Era
Francis was a star of a bygone era, a time before the Beatles dominated the music charts. From 1957 to 1964, she was a constant presence on the charts, appealing to both young and old with her versatile style. She had a string of top-20 hits starting with Who’s Sorry Now?, and including chart-topping songs like Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You and The Heart Has a Mind of Its Own. Beyond music, she also had a successful stint in Hollywood, starring in films like Where the Boys Are and Follow the Boys.
Although her song Pretty Little Baby wasn’t a hit when she recorded it over 60 years ago, it found a new audience in 2025 when it became a trending sound on TikTok. Millions of users, including celebrities and influencers, lip-synced to the track, contributing to its rise on Spotify’s Viral 50 global and U.S. lists.
The Makings of a Pop Star
Born as Concetta Rosemarie Franconero on Dec. 12, 1937, in Newark, N.J., Francis’ musical journey began at the tender age of three when her father gifted her a child-size accordion. By the next year, she was already performing at public events, and by the age of nine, she began appearing on TV shows like Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts and The Perry Como Show.
At 17, Francis signed a contract with MGM Records. While her early recordings didn’t garner much attention, her rendition of Who’s Sorry Now?, an old ballad, became a turning point in her career. The song initially didn’t fare well until TV host Dick Clark featured it on his show, American Bandstand, in 1958. This was followed by a string of teen hits like Stupid Cupid, Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool and Lipstick on Your Collar. Francis also gained international fame as she recorded versions of her songs in multiple languages.
A Life Marked by Triumph and Tragedy
While Francis’ professional life was filled with glitz and glamour, her personal life was defined by a series of challenges. A failed romance with fellow teen idol Bobby Darin and a traumatic incident in 1974, where she was assaulted in her hotel room, marked her personal journey. She opened up about these experiences in her autobiography, Who’s Sorry Now?
Despite the adversities, Francis continued to shine in her music career, performing sold-out concerts all over the country. She was married four times, and often reflected on her tumultuous personal life, stating that only her third husband, Joseph Garzilli, was worth the trouble.
In remembering Connie Francis, we celebrate a woman who not only shaped the music of her time but also remained resilient in the face of personal trials. Her music and her spirit continue to inspire and entertain generations of fans.
