The two quickly developed a romance, and they stuck with each other until Ferretti's death, and the couple shared a cozy home. 100 Greatest Hits Anthology Connie Francis | Last.fm In late December 2004, Francis headlined in Las Vegas for the first time since 1989. . She was married to first husband Dick Kanellis for just three months (1964-65) and to Joseph Garzilli from 1973 to 1978. Connie Francis recorded "Where the Boys Are" as the theme song for the motion picture Where the Boys Are a 1961 MGM release filmed in 1960 in which Francis made her movie acting debut as one of four coeds on spring break in Fort Lauderdale.. Fox News: Its been said youre still open to finding love. But there were 16 minutes left. since MGM Records had renewed her contract. By then, her popularity has reached its peak in USA and Europe. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. In April 1958, "Who's Sorry Now?" By the spring of 1958, Whos Sorry Now rose to number 4 on Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on UK Singles Chart. 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. Connie Francis opens up about her horrific 1974 rape, brother's murder [17] For the next four years, Francis was voted the "Best Female Vocalist" by American Bandstand viewers. (1938-) Who Was Connie Francis? [46] In January 1971, she married Izzy Marion, a hair-salon owner, divorcing 10 months later. [40], In 2010, she also appeared at the Las Vegas Hilton with Dionne Warwick, a show billed as "Eric Floyd's Grand Divas of Stage". I would never want to disappoint the fans who have been so good to me throughout my life.". [7] She subsequently sued the motel chain for failing to provide adequate security and reportedly won a $2.5 million judgment,[27] at the time one of the largest such judgments in history, leading to a reform in hotel security. written by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby. In 1963, she published her first book, For Every Young Heart. The businessman died in 1973 after battling cancer. On the B-side was You Were Only Foolin' (While I Was Fallin' in Love). Actress: Hawaiian Eye. But here, they didn't take me seriously until Connie Francis, byname of Concetta Maria Franconero, (born December 12, 1938, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.), American singer whose recordings in the 1950s and '60s encompassed country, rock and roll, and traditional vocal pop. In December 2009 the film project was dropped. By then, she had established herself as a child entertainer. The Secret Jewish History Of Connie Francis - The Forward While the former reached the US Top Ten and peaked at No. She later wrote her autobiography, , in 1984 where she opened up about all of the devastation she has faced in her life. After the expiry of her contract with MGM Records, Connie Francis lived for some time in semiretirement, returning to the studio in 1973, recording (Should I) Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree?. [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. It was a square song, it was written during the 1920s, and the kids on "American Bandstand" would laugh me right out of the show. 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. Impressed by her singing, Godfrey also suggested that she give up the accordion and concentrate on singing, a suggestion, she happily followed. She spent some time in a mental hospital for severe depression. The mobster was from New Jersey so I knew who to call. Finally in 1978, she returned to the recording studio to cut her first album in the post MGM era, Whos Happy Now?. She also said the support of her fans helped her stay hopeful. The incident happened while she appeared at the Westbury Music Fair in New York, on November 8, 1974. [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. 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? Later the single also sold well. The Many Tears Ago singer and the Splish Splash crooners relationship was not approved by Connies father. What Shows Have Been Renewed or Canceled? She made a name for herself with films including "Where the Boys Are" and "When the Boys Meet the Girls. whatever arranger, and then the bottom line was, if I didn't like any All content, including text, and images contained on. [49], Early in her career, Francis was introduced to Bobby Darin, then an up-and-coming singer and songwriter. And I'm sorry I wasted ten years with those people [i.e. Connie Francis first came to limelight with Whos Sorry Now?, cover version of the well-known 1923 song. She commented on not performing anymore: "I no longer do concerts because I just can't sing as well as I used to. There are ninety-five million females in the country, and I'll bet ninety-five percent of them sing. The New Jersey native was married four times throughout her career but revealed that her greatest love was her late boyfriend, Connie met Bobby early on in her career and quickly formed a special connection. The top 20 most streamed Connie Francis songs on Spotify. Their romance came to an end soon after and Bobby went on to marry, Bobby had everything: charisma, talent, he was brilliant. 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. 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. Connie Francis won television's Startime Talent Scouts at age 12 and signed with MGM Records. Unfortunately, her father ensured they couldn't be together. She returned to the stage in the early 1990s and released an autobiography Who's Sorry Now, in 1984. They [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. Add photos, demo reels Add to list More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Known for Opposite Corners 5.9 Writer 1997 Credits IMDbPro Writer Previous 1 Opposite Corners Writer 1997 Personal details Spouse Connie Francis September 16, 1973 - October 1, 1978 (divorced, 1 child) Did you know releasing stuff. According to a broadcast on the A&E Biography channel, singer. I Connie Francis | Biography, Songs, & Facts | Britannica She had guards around her house. Francis has said that she recorded it at the insistence of her father, who was convinced it stood a chance of becoming a hit because it was a song adults already knew and that teenagers would dance to if it had a contemporary arrangement. Francis' new-found success was short-lived, though, as she was diagnosed with manic depression, which again brought her career to a halt, and she was committed to multiple psychiatric hospitals. I owe a lot to Don Rickles because he made me see humor in things that ordinarily I wouldnt have seen humor in. Nevertheless, Francis continued to record singles aimed at the youth-oriented market. If I had put as much thought in selecting husbands as I did with Vegas openings, I would have been fine. She has also been the spokeswoman for Mental Health America's trauma campaign, as well as an involved worker for the USO and UNICEF. ", b/w "Paint the Rain" on GSF Records. They also raised money for recording a four-song demo tape, which they hoped to sell to some well-known recording company. Being born on 12 December 1938, Connie Francis is 84 years old as of today's date 1st May 2023. Her marriage to the hair salon owner was short-lived, ending after 10 months. Early in her career, she became romantically involved with singer and actor Bobby Darin. My father said, If I have to nail you to that microphone, youre gonna do Whos Sorry Now. So I did it. Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero (born December 12, 1937), better known as Connie Francis, is an American pop singer, former actress, and top-charting female vocalist of the late 1950s and early. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. To celebrate, she hosted a magnificent party at her house, inviting everyone she cares about. Magazine, Connie tells. Other albums released in 1959 were Christmas in My Heart, Connies Greatest Hits, Rock n Roll Million Sellers, Country and Western Golden Hits and Connie Francis Sings Fun Songs for Children. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! He taught her to play instruments from three years old and ensured that he supported her through her career. In late 1969, her contract with MGM Records ran out. Her father convinced her Connie Francis (center) with her mother, father and brother George. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. Her first husband was Dick Kannellis, a press agent and entertainment director for the Aladdin Hotel. Its a moment Ill never forget. [11], In 1955, Startime Kids went off the air. Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero (born December 12, 1937),[2] 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. [59], A "Connie Francis Way" street sign is displayed at the corner of Greylock Parkway and Forest Street in Belleville, New Jersey, near the house in which she grew up.[60]. Under the latter name, she also appeared on NBC's variety show Startime Kids between 1953 and 1955. However, life goes on for the singer, and she is enjoying her last days out of the spotlight. Francis watched the show and wrote in her diary: I heard Dick Clark mention something about a new girl singer. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Connie Francis opens up about her horrific 1974 rape, Princess Charlotte beams ahead of 8th birthday in new photo taken by mom Kate Middleton, Gisele Bndchen makes first Met Gala appearance after Tom Brady divorce, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson celebrate 35 years of marriage with sweet Instagram post: 'Love is everything', Roman Polanski, 1977 rape victim Samantha Geimer smile for social media snap, Woody Harrelson discusses 'SNL' backlash: 'I dont look at that s---', Brad Fischetti discusses losing former LFO bandmate Brian 'Brizz' Gillis. 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. I was actually afraid to meet him. Angered, Francis wrote she hoped the Hudson River would fill the Lincoln Tunnel, killing both her and her father; she later wrote that not marrying Darin was the biggest mistake of her life.[7]. Connie Francis - Spouse, Songs & Death - Biography (Courtesy of Connie Francis). And from there we had a wonderful friendship. [53], Francis supported Richard Nixon's 1968 bid for the presidency when she recorded a campaign song for him.[54]. [regarding her version of "God Bless America"] In an interview published All three albums and the singles culled from them were released on United Artists Records. Beginning: Level Listeningand Speaking III. Her third marriage was comparatively long lasting. He had the greatest. She spent 18 years with him before he passed away at the start of 2022. Together, they made a double sided hit with Stupid Cupid peaking at number 14 on Billboard Hot 100. She was terrorized for nearly three hours at knife-point, raped and robbed. [29], In 1977, Francis underwent nasal surgery and completely lost her voice. Connie Francis Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements Connie Francis, the 1960s pop icon, turned 85 on Monday, December 12, 2022. the Estefans]. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. After Stupid Cupid, Connie Francis continued to churn out hits, recording My Happiness, her childhood favorite, on November 6, 1958. After the three-week talent hunt was over, she remained with Startime, performing once a week for four years. 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. It soon entered the album charts where it remained for 81 weeks, peaking at number 4. [41], In December 2017, Francis released her most recent autobiography, Among My Souvenirs.[42]. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Fox News: Which was the most difficult chapter for you to write and why?Connie Francis: My brothers murder. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Hawaii Adventures! 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. One year later, the songstress married her fourth husband, Bob Parkinson in 1985. 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. The Many Tears Ago singer and the Splish Splash crooners relationship was not approved by Connies father. I think it takes a lot to make a relationship successful, I think more than Im willing to give right now. (Courtesy of Connie Francis). But Dick Clark liked it It was a cosmic moment for me. and "Torn Between Two Lovers". See 'Magnum P.I.' [7], Growing up in an Italian-Jewish neighborhood, Francis became fluent in Yiddish, which led her later to record songs in Yiddish and Hebrew.[7][8]. 'Freddy was released in June 1955 as Connies debut single; but it failed to make any mark and was a commercial failure and so were her next eight singles. 319. of it, I didn't have to release it. Connie Francis and Boyfriend Bobby Darin's Relationship Details Throughout it all, Francis kept her sense of humor, which helped her tremendously. Connie Francis isnt sorry now about sharing her story. 9. Although they met only twice after the incident Francis still considers Darin the greatest love of her life. 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. Dick was a public relations agent of several hotels in Las Vegas. 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There was no way he could have been saved. [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. [6], Francis was born to an Italian-American family in the Ironbound neighborhood of Newark, New Jersey, the first child of George and Ida (ne Ferrari-di Vito) Franconero, spending her first years in the Crown Heights, Brooklyn area (Utica Avenue/St. PDF PRACTICE ENGLISH IN SAN MARCOS TAKE AN IN -PERSON CLASS Work on a In the same month, she traveled to London, where she recorded her fourth studio album, 'Connie Francis Sings Italian Favorite'. I could record where I wanted, however many (2017). . Her height is 1.62m tall, and her weight is 54 kg. Connie Francis' Father Saw the Love of Her Life as a 'Threat - AmoMama https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/connie-francis-9130.php. After recovering, she started campaigning for mental well-being, and she was an avid supporter of the American troops. While appearing at the Westbury Music Fair in New York, on November 8, 1974, Francis was raped at the Jericho Turnpike Howard Johnson's Lodge in Jericho, New York, and nearly suffocated under the weight of a heavy mattress the culprit had thrown upon her. She talked about how she was putting her children through another day in hell. Following this success, Francis recorded seven more albums of "favorites" between 1960 and 1964, including Jewish, German, and Irish, among others. Francis was all set to quit music and study pre-med at NYU on scholarship when her father convinced her to record a decades-old tune, "Who's Sorry Now." Singing Legend Connie Francis Turned 85 in 2022 She Still Uses Francis, who turns 80 on December 12, was born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero to solidly Italian-American parents in Newark.