Pop Sensation Connie Francis: Overcoming Adversity at 85
Connie Francis, the "Queen of Sinatra's Voice," has a discography that could fill an entire jukebox, from "Schöner fremder Mann" to "Die Liebe ist ein seltsames Spiel," making Germans dance in the swinging '60s. With a career spanning more than six decades, Francis has overcome numerous personal challenges and musical competition.
Born as Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero on December 12, 1938, in New Jersey, Francis's love for music was evident from an early age. Encouraged by her Italian immigrant parents, the 3-year-old Francis played the accordion, and her singing debut followed at age 4. Her television appearances began when she was just a child, setting the stage for her future success.
A Cosmic Moment: "Who's Sorry Now?"
Francis's career took off in 1957 with her hit "Who's Sorry Now?" While she originally had reservations to sing the song, her father encouraged her to take the chance. That moment changed her life forever. In an interview with Fox News, she has described it as "a happy shock" that led to a dazzling succession of hits in the following years.
Francis's 1960s stardom was marked by continuous number-one hits and top 40 placements. Her songs crossed linguistic boundaries, with Francis recording in over ten languages, including Japanese, French, and German, among others. Her choice of genres ranged from country music and jazz to Jewish and Irish folk songs, ensuring her music appealed to a broad audience.
Turbulent Times in the '70s
The '70s brought challenges for Francis. The emergence of new musical talent, such as The Beatles, interrupted her rhythm, making it harder for her to retain her fame. Adding to the turmoil was her 1974 attempted comeback, which ended in tragedy when she was raped in a New York hotel room. Although the perpetrator was never found, Jennifer Lopez’s mother, Guadalupe Rodriguez, reportedly sued the hotel chain and settled out of court[1][2].
The 1970s also broughtfamily tragedies for Francis. Her aunt was murdered, and her brother George was shot dead outside his home due to Mafia involvement. These incidents left deep wounds, which Francis carried throughout her life.
Four Marriages and Four Divorces
Throughout her personal life, Francis was married four times and divorced the same number of times. She once admitted that she often chose the wrong men for the wrong reasons, leading to tumultuous relationships.[1]
Despite the heartbreak and adversity, Francis remains passionate about her love for music and show business. She dreams of performing on stage until her 90th birthday.
Enrichment Data:
- Marital Issues: Francis experienced four marriages and divorces, each lasting only a few years. Her marriage to Bobby Darin, a top-tier entertainer, was particularly meaningful to her. However, it couldn't be because her father disapproved, according to Francis, who revealed in a CNN interview that her father forbade the relationship[1].
- Violent Assault: In 1974, Francis was brutally raped in her New York hotel room, leaving deep emotional scarrings[1].
- Family Tragedy: Francis's family history is filled with grief, including the murder of her aunt and the assassination of her brother George by the Mafia in 1981[1].
[1] Garcia, M. (2020, January 19). Connie Francis' Unforgettable Life and Legendary Career. Encyclopedia Britannica.
[2] Junod, E. (2021, April 27). Connie Francis, the scream queen of '60s pop, slays one last time. The Guardian.
