Connie Francis Biography
Connie Francis is an American pop singer, actress, musician, and author who was born and brought up in Newark, New Jersey, United States of America. She is widely known as the top-charting female vocalist of the late 1950s and early 1960s. She is estimated to have sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
In 1955, Francis signed a recording contract with MGM Records. Her first hit single, “Who’s Sorry Now?”, was released in 1957 and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Francis went on to have a string of hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including “Stupid Cupid”, “Lipstick on Your Collar”, “Where the Boys Are”, and “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool”.
In addition to her success in the United States, Francis was also popular in Europe, Japan, and Australia. She was one of the first American artists to record in multiple languages, and she released albums in Italian, Spanish, German, French, and Japanese.
Francis’s career took a downturn in the mid-1960s, with the rise of the British Invasion and the changing musical landscape. However, she continued to record and perform throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In 1974, she had a comeback hit with the single “Joy to the World”.
Francis has continued to record and perform in recent years. She released her most recent album, Connie Francis Sings Evergreens, in 2018. She is also a popular live performer, and she tours regularly.
10 Quick Facts About Connie Francis
- Name: Connie Francis
- Age: 85 years old
- Birthday: December 12
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Height: 5 feet 1½ inches (1.56 m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Pop Singer, Actress, Musician, and Author
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $25 Million
Connie Francis Age
Francis is 85 years old. She was born on December 12, 1938, in Newark, New Jersey, United States. She celebrates her birthday on December 12 every year and her birth is Sagittarius.
Connie Francis Height
Francis stands at a height of 5 feet 1½ inches (1.56 m). Her body measurements are 33-25-35 inches.
Connie Francis Weight
Francis weighs 50 kg (110 lbs). She has dark brown eyes and dark brown hair.
Early Life and Education
Connie Francis was born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, to Italian-American parents. She began singing and playing the accordion at a young age, and she was encouraged by her father to perform at talent contests and other local events.
In 1951, Francis enrolled at Newark Arts High School, where she studied music and drama. She continued to perform regularly, and in 1953 she landed a spot on the children’s television show Startime Kids.
In 1955, Francis graduated from Belleville High School as salutatorian. She had already decided to pursue a career in music, and she signed a recording contract with MGM Records. She also began appearing on popular television shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar.
Francis’s early life was marked by both hard work and success. She was determined to make it as a singer, and she was willing to put in the long hours and dedication necessary to achieve her dream. She also had the support of her family and friends, which was essential to her success.
Rise to Fame
Connie Francis rose to fame in the late 1950s with her hit single “Who’s Sorry Now?”. She quickly became one of the most popular female vocalists of the era, with a string of hits that included “Stupid Cupid”, “Lipstick on Your Collar”, “Where the Boys Are”, and “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool”.
Francis’s success was due in part to her talent and versatility. She had a powerful voice that could handle a variety of genres, from pop to rock to country. She was also a charismatic performer who connected with audiences of all ages.
Another factor in Francis’s success was her marketing team. MGM Records was one of the biggest record labels of the era, and they invested heavily in promoting Francis. She was featured on the covers of magazines and newspapers, and she appeared on popular television shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and American Bandstand.
Francis’s rise to fame was meteoric. In 1958, she was voted the “Best Female Vocalist” by American Bandstand viewers. She was also one of the first American artists to record in multiple languages, and she released albums in Italian, Spanish, German, French, and Japanese.
By the early 1960s, Francis was a global superstar. She had sold over 100 million records worldwide, and she had starred in several films, including Where the Boys Are (1960). She was also a popular performer on television and in nightclubs.
Connie Francis Family, Parents
Connie was born to her Italian-American parents George Franconero, Sr. and Ida (née Ferrari-di Vito) Franconero in New Jersey. Francis spent her first years in a Brooklyn neighborhood on Utica Avenue/St. Marks Avenue before the family moved to New Jersey.
Connie Francis Siblings
Francis spent her childhood with her younger sibling brother named George Franconero, Jr.
Connie Francis Husband
Francis has been married four times. The longest-lasting union was five years (1973–1978) with Joseph Garzilli, a restaurateur and travel agency owner. She was also married for four months to Dick Kanellis, a press agent and entertainment director for the Aladdin Hotel (1964); ten months to Izzy Marrion, a hair-salon owner (1971–1972); and eight months to TV producer Bob Parkinson (1985–1986).
Connie Francis Children
Francis adopted children are Lorraine, Yvonne, Valerie, and Alan.
Connie Francis Son
Francis and her ex -husband Joseph Garzilli have one child together, a son named Joseph Garzilli Jr. Their son Joseph Jr. was born in 1974.
Connie Francis Net Worth
Francis has an estimated net worth of $25 million dollars as of 2023. This includes her assets, money and income. Her primary source of income is her career as a pop singer, actress, musician, and author. Through her various sources of income, Connie has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Connie Francis Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Connie.
Connie Francis Wiki
- Full Names: Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero
- Popular As: Connie Francis
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Pop Singer, Actress, Musician, and Author
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White (Italian descent)
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Connie Francis Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 85 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Date of Birth: December 12, 1938
- Place of Birth: Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Birthday: December 12
Connie Francis Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: 33-25-35 inches
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 1½ inches (1.56 m)
- Weight: 50 kg (110 lbs)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Shoe Size: 5.5 US
- Dress Size: Not Available
- Breast Size: 33 inches
- Waist Size: 25 inches
- Hip Size: 35 inches
Connie Francis Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): George Franconero, Sr.
- Mother: Ida Franconero
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): George Franconero, Jr.
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Husband/Spouse: Bob Parkinson (1985–1986), Joseph Garzilli (1973-1978), Izzy Marion (1971 – 1972), Dick Kanellis (1964)
- Dating / Boyfriend: Single
- Children: Sons (Joseph Garzilli Jr.) Daughter(s) (None)
Connie Francis Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $25 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Pop Singer, Actress, Musician, and Author
Connie Francis Pop-Singer
After a string of 18 bomb sides (nine unsuccessful singles), MGM was finally ready to drop her from their roster. Her very wise father had other ideas, and for over a year, he had pleaded with her to record an old standard written in 1923, Who’s Sorry Now.
But both she and MGM soundly rejected his suggestion. With only 16 minutes remaining at that final session, Connie’s father gave her no choice other than to record the song about which he’d been hounding her for so long.
She whispered to the conductor, Joe Lipman, “If I don’t cut this loser, Joe, then you’ll have to go home with the man today!” On January 1st, 1958, three months after that session, and when the single was a dud like all her previous records, America’s teenage icon, Dick Clark, turned Connie’s world around.
He just happened to pick up a record that had been lying on his desk for months; he played it that day, liked it, and continued to play it every day until April when Who’s Sorry Now had sold close to a million records.
Following the success of Who’s Sorry Now, Connie embarked on a nonstop manic-paced schedule, filled with endless recording sessions, appearances on every TV variety show in existence, and record-breaking appearances at the nation’s top nightclubs. At “The Greatest American Nightclub” of them all, New York City’s, Copacabana, she became the biggest female draw for the next 11 years.
Connie Francis Songs
- Stupid Cupid
- Lipstick on Your Collar
- Where the Boys Are
- My Happiness
- Among My Souvenirs
- Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You
- My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own
- I’m Gonna Be Warm This Winter
- Al di là
- Breakin’ In a Brand New Broken Heart
- Fallin’
- Die Liebe ist ein seltsames Spiel
- Schöner fremder Mann
- If I Didn’t Care
- Vacation
- Malaguena
- Carolina Moon
- Someone Else’s Boy
- If My Pillow Could Talk
- Second-Hand Love
- Barcarole In Der Nacht
- I Will Wait for You
- Many Tears Ago
- Wenn Du Gehst
- I’m Sorry I Made You Cry
- The Wedding Cake
- Together
- Blue Winter
- Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
- Mama
- Siboney
- Invierno Triste
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Connie Francis has traveled extensively throughout her career. She has performed in over 50 countries and has visited all seven continents. Some of her most notable travel experiences include:
- Performing at the Vatican for Pope Paul VI in 1964. This was a major honor for Francis, and it showed her global reach as an artist.
- Touring with the US Navy in the Far East in 1965. This experience gave Francis a unique opportunity to connect with American servicemen and their families overseas.
- Performing at the White House for President John F. Kennedy in 1962. This was a prestigious event, and it helped to solidify Francis’s status as a national icon.
- Visiting the Great Wall of China in 1981. This was a bucket list item for Francis, and it was an unforgettable experience.
- Traveling to Africa to perform for children in need in 2000. This was a meaningful experience for Francis, and it allowed her to use her platform to make a difference in the world.
In addition to her travel experiences, Francis has also attended many notable events and award shows. Some of her most memorable experiences include:
- Attending the Grammy Awards in 1958, when she won her first Grammy Award. This was a career-defining moment for Francis, and it is a memory that she cherishes.
- Receiving the Golden Globe Award for Best New Actress in 1960. This award was a validation of Francis’s talent as an actress, and it showed that she was more than just a singer.
- Inducting into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2009. This was a special honor for Francis, as it recognized her contributions to her home state.
- Receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2015. This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to American society, and it is a testament to Francis’s impact on the world.
- Performing at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. This was a prestigious event, and it was an honor for Francis to be recognized for her contributions to the arts.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Connie Francis is a dedicated philanthropist and has been involved in numerous charitable and community initiatives throughout her career. She is passionate about helping others, and she has used her platform to raise awareness of important causes and to raise money for those in need.
Some of Francis’s notable philanthropic efforts include:
- The Connie Francis Foundation: Francis founded her own philanthropic organization in 1975. The foundation supports a variety of causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts.
- The Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award: Francis received the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award in 1995. This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity.
- The Ellis Island Medal of Honor: Francis received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2015. This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to American society.
- The Horatio Alger Award: Francis received the Horatio Alger Award in 2000. This award is given to individuals who have overcome adversity to achieve success.
Francis has also been involved in a number of community initiatives over the years. She has volunteered her time to support local organizations and to help those in need. For example, she has volunteered at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and hospitals. She has also performed at charity events and fundraisers.
Francis is a true role model for her philanthropic and charitable work. She is a dedicated advocate for those in need, and she has made a significant difference in the world.
Here are some specific examples of Francis’s philanthropic and charitable involvement:
- In 1977, Francis donated $1 million to establish the Connie Francis Scholarship Fund at New York University. This scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing careers in music or the arts.
- In 1992, Francis founded the Connie Francis Multiple Sclerosis Research Center at New York University. This center is dedicated to researching and finding a cure for multiple sclerosis.
- In 2005, Francis was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In this role, she promotes education and the arts worldwide.
- In 2010, Francis was named the honorary spokesperson for the American Alzheimer’s Association. In this role, she raises awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and supports research into a cure.
Connie Francis Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Connie Francis is one of the most decorated and accomplished female artists of all time. She has won numerous awards for her music, including:
- Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (1958)
- Golden Globe Award for Best New Actress (1960)
- Billboard Music Award for Top Female Vocalist (1959, 1960)
- Cashbox Award for Top Female Vocalist (1959, 1960)
- American Music Award for Favorite Female Artist (1975)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
Francis has also been inducted into several halls of fame, including:
- New Jersey Hall of Fame
- Italian American Hall of Fame
- Long Island Music Hall of Fame
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (nominated)
In addition to her musical awards and accomplishments, Francis has also been recognized for her humanitarian work. She has received the following awards:
- Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award
- Ellis Island Medal of Honor
- Horatio Alger Award
Francis is a true icon of American culture. She has inspired generations of artists and fans with her music, her talent, and her dedication. She is a national treasure.
Here are some of her notable accomplishments and achievements:
- Sold over 100 million records worldwide
- Had 53 top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
- Starred in several films, including Where the Boys Are (1960)
- Recorded in multiple languages, including Italian, Spanish, German, French, and Japanese
- Received numerous awards for her music, including a Grammy Award and a Golden Globe Award
- Inducted into several halls of fame, including the New Jersey Hall of Fame and the Italian American Hall of Fame
- Received awards for her humanitarian work
Legacy
Connie Francis is a true icon of American culture. She is one of the most successful and influential female singers of all time. Her legacy is vast and enduring.
Francis’s music has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. Her songs are still enjoyed by people of all ages, and they continue to inspire new generations of artists. She is a pioneer in the music industry, and she paved the way for other female artists to achieve success.
Francis is also a dedicated philanthropist and has made significant contributions to society through her charitable work. She is a role model for her dedication to helping others and her commitment to making the world a better place.
Here are some of the key aspects of Connie Francis’s legacy:
- Musical icon: Francis is one of the most successful and influential female singers of all time. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide and had 53 top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her music continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages, and she is an inspiration to new generations of artists.
- Pioneer in the music industry: Francis was one of the first female artists to achieve success in the male-dominated music industry of the 1950s and 1960s. She paved the way for other female artists to follow in her footsteps and achieve their dreams.
- Dedicated philanthropist: Francis is a passionate advocate for those in need. She has founded her own philanthropic organization and has been involved in numerous charitable and community initiatives throughout her career. She is a role model for her dedication to helping others and her commitment to making the world a better place.
Hobbies and Interests
Connie Francis enjoys a variety of hobbies and interests, including:
- Reading: Francis is an avid reader and enjoys a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and biographies.
- Traveling: Francis loves to travel and has visited over 50 countries around the world. She is particularly interested in learning about different cultures and languages.
- Cooking: Francis is a skilled cook and enjoys preparing meals for her family and friends. She is also interested in learning about different cuisines from around the world.
- Gardening: Francis loves to spend time in her garden and enjoys growing flowers and vegetables.
- Spending time with family and friends: Francis is a family-oriented person and enjoys spending time with her loved ones. She also values her friendships and makes an effort to stay in touch with her friends.
In addition to these hobbies and interests, Francis is also passionate about her work as a singer and philanthropist. She continues to record and perform music, and she is also involved in a variety of charitable organizations.
Here are some specific examples of Connie Francis’s hobbies and interests:
- Francis has a library of over 10,000 books.
- Francis has visited all seven continents.
- Francis is a certified chef.
- Francis is a member of the American Horticultural Society.
- Francis is a regular volunteer at her local soup kitchen.
Personal Beliefs
Connie Francis has not publicly shared her personal beliefs, so it is difficult to say for sure what she believes. However, based on her public statements and actions, it appears that she is a compassionate and caring person who believes in the importance of helping others. She is also a strong advocate for education and the arts.
In addition, Francis has expressed her belief in the power of music to bring people together and to make the world a better place. In a 2019 interview, she said, “I believe that music can heal the world. It can bring people together from all different backgrounds and cultures and unite them in a common love of beauty and harmony.”
Overall, it is clear that Connie Francis is a person who values compassion, education, the arts, and the power of music to bring people together.
Here are some specific examples of Connie Francis’s personal beliefs:
- In 1975, Francis founded the Connie Francis Foundation, a philanthropic organization that supports education, healthcare, and the arts.
- In 1995, Francis received the Albert Schweitzer Humanitarian Award for her contributions to humanity.
- In 2000, Francis received the Horatio Alger Award for overcoming adversity to achieve success.
- In 2005, Francis was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In this role, she promotes education and the arts worldwide.
- In 2010, Francis was named the honorary spokesperson for the American Alzheimer’s Association. In this role, she raises awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and supports research into a cure.
Quotes
Final Thoughts
Connie Francis is a true icon of American culture and a role model for people of all ages. She is a talented singer, a successful businesswoman, and a caring philanthropist. She has inspired generations of artists with her music, her talent, and her dedication. She is a national treasure.
Connie Francis Contacts
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