finetune artist: Connie Francis

b. Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, 12 December 1938, Newark, New Jersey, USA. A popular singer of tearful ballads and jaunty up-tempo numbers, Francis was one of the most successful female artists of the 50s and 60s. She began playing the accordion at the age of four, and was singing and playing professionally when she was 11. After winning an Arthur Godfrey Talent Show, she changed her name, at Godfrey's suggestion. Signed for MGM Records in 1955, her first record was a German import, "Freddy", which was also recorded by Eartha Kitt and Stan Kenton. "Majesty Of Love", her 10th release, a duet with Marvin Rainwater, was her first US chart entry. In 1957 she was persuaded by her father, against her will, to record one of his favourites, the 1923 song "Who's Sorry Now", by Harry Ruby, Bert Kalmar and Ted Snyder. It went to number 4 in the US charts and number 1 in the UK, and was the first of a string of hits through to 1962. These included reworkings of more oldies, such as "My Happiness", "Among My Souvenirs" and "Together".

Listen to Connie Francis at Finetune.

(2005) Gold
(2005) Connie Francis In Hollywood
(1999) 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of Connie Francis
(1997) The Italian Collection Vol.1
(1997) The Italian Collection Vol.2
(1997) At Her Best
(1995) De Coleccion
(1994) Christmas Cheer
(1987) The Very Best Of Connie Francis Vol.2
(1986) Very Best of Connie Francis

Who's Sorry Now
Where the Boys Are
Lipstick On Your Collar
Stupid Cupid
Everybody's Somebody's Fool