While known for hit songs like “Who’s Sorry Now?”, “Where the Boys Are”, and “My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own”, Connie Francis spent nearly 70 years in the music industry. With the majority of her life on the stage and in the studio, Francis did more than perform – she paved the road for countless female singers who came after her. Thanks to “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool”, the legendary singer became the first female to snag the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Sadly, on July 16, the famous singer passed away at 87.
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The news broke on Facebook thanks to her longtime friend and president of Concetta Records, Rob Roberts. He wrote, “It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night. I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news. More details will follow later.”
Connie Francis Takes Over TikTok Thanks To “Pretty Little Baby”
As the news circulated on the internet, fans took a moment to remember Francis, writing, “Oh, this makes me so sad. I am so sorry for your loss. We are fans, but she was your lifelong friend. My deepest condolences to you.” One person added, “So sad. She was one in million, beautiful in and out wonderful and so talented. Singing with the angels. Your music is a gift to the world that will live on forever.”
Over the last few weeks, Francis updated fans about her ongoing health issues. On July 2nd, she revealed she was taken to a hospital for extreme pain. But on July 4th, she posted yet again, explaining, “Today I am feeling much better after a good night, and wanted to take this opportunity of wishing you all a happy Fourth of July. Thank you all for your continued kind thoughts and prayers.”
Although not releasing new music for some time, Francis watched her stardom rise once again as her 1962 song “Pretty Little Baby” gained the attention of TikTok. Over 60 years after releasing the song, she shared her excitement at becoming a viral sensation. “The first I learned of it was when [a friend] called to advise me that I had ‘a viral hit.’ Clearly out of touch with present day music statistics terminology, my initial response was to ask: ‘What’s that?’ Thank you everyone!”
While passing away at 87, her legacy, voice, and dashing personality will always be remembered by fans and the music industry.
(Photo by Kenneth Denyer/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
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