Connie Francis

Connie Francis became early rock 'n' roll's first female global star through her talent, her tenacity and her ability to sing in more than a dozen languages. Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in New Jersey in 1937, Francis changed her name at the suggestion of a TV host. After 16 labels turned her down, she was signed by MGM, who were on the verge of dropping her when Francis’ irresistible cover version of the 1923 song "Who's Sorry Now" debuted on American Bandstand in 1958. The next year, MGM simultaneously released Connie Francis Sings Italian Favorites, her most successful album, alongside themed Francis albums devoted to Christmas, country, rock ‘n’ roll covers and her greatest hits. Francis' several subsequent "favourites" albums led to a spate of international TV specials as she transitioned into a world-renowned adult-contemporary act. During the early ‘60s, Francis' appeal waned as British rock's waxed. In her later years, she navigated illness and personal tragedy yet still regularly re-emerged to perform, including on a shared Las Vegas bill with Dionne Warwick in 2010.