Legendary vocalist Connie Francis, known for her hits such as "Pretty Little Baby," passes away at the age of 87.
In the world of music, few names resonate as much as Connie Francis, the Italian-American singer and actress who left an indelible mark on the industry. Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, Francis's life was a tapestry of remarkable successes and personal trials.
## Early Life and Career
Francis began her musical journey at the tender age of 4, learning to play the accordion. By age 10, she was already gracing television screens, making appearances on "Startime Kids." At this point, she was advised to simplify her stage name, a suggestion that would eventually lead to the name we all know today[3].
In 1955, she signed with MGM Records at the age of 17, but her early recordings attracted little attention. It wasn't until 1958 that Francis found her breakthrough with "Who's Sorry Now?"[2][4].
## Personal Life and Marriages
Francis was married four times, each marriage ending in divorce. Her marital life was tumultuous, but she adopted a son, Joseph Jr., in 1974[2].
Among her romantic relationships was a high-profile one with fellow teen idol Bobby Darin. However, their relationship ended due to a confrontation with Francis's father[1].
## Tragedies and Challenges
Francis faced numerous personal tragedies throughout her life. In 1974, she was brutally assaulted in a hotel room in Westbury, New York. This traumatic event led to her developing PTSD[1].
In the same year, her brother, George Franconero Jr., was murdered[1]. These events exacerbated her personal struggles, leading to emotional turmoil and a suicide attempt involving swallowing dozens of sleeping tablets[1].
Francis also underwent voice surgery, which affected her career, and was diagnosed as manic-depressive, leading to a stay in a psychiatric hospital[1].
Despite these challenges, Francis became an outspoken advocate for victims' rights and mental health, sharing her story in books such as her autobiography, "Who's Sorry Now?"[1].
## Legacy and Later Life
Francis reached the pinnacle of her career in the late 1950s and early 1960s, becoming the first solo female artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 with "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" in 1960[1][3].
She starred in several films, including "Where the Boys Are" and "Follow the Boys," and had hits such as "Pretty Little Baby," "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You," and "The Heart Has a Mind of Its Own."
In 2025, her song "Pretty Little Baby" experienced a viral resurgence on TikTok, over 60 years after its release, introducing her music to a new generation[1][3].
Francis officially ended her music career in 2018[1]. She passed away on July 16, 2025, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazing artist and advocate for mental health and victims' rights[2][4].
Sources: [1] https://www.biography.com/musician/connie-francis [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/16/arts/music/connie-francis-dead.html [3] https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/connie-francis-dead-at-87-1228444/ [4] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-57818187
News of Connie Francis, the iconic singer and actress, resurfaced on entertainment platforms when her song "Pretty Little Baby" went viral on TikTok, 60 years after its release. In an era dominated by celebrities, Francis's music and personal struggles brought attention to issues such as mental health and victims' rights.
