Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in Newark's Italian Down Neck or Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey neighbourhood, she is considered the most prolific and popular female rock 'n' roll hit-maker of the early rock era -- the late 1950s to the early 1960s. After an appearance on Startime, Francis was advised to change her name from Franconero to something more easily pronounceable, as well as to quit the accordion and focus on singing.
Francis' first single "Freddy" (1955) met with little success. Her next nine singles were also failures, and she began considering a career in medicine; however, "Who's Sorry Now" (a cover version of a 1923 song) launched her into super-stardom worldwide. Francis recorded the song at what was to have been her final recording session for MGM, as the label was about to drop her since her previous singles had generated little activity. She has said (paraphrased from The Billboard Book of Number One Singles by Fred Bronson) that she recorded it at the suggestion of her father, who convinced her it stood a chance of becoming a hit because it was a song adults already knew and that teenagers would dance to if it were released with a more contemporary arrangement.
The gamble paid off. In April 1958, "Who's Sorry Now" reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart (number four in the USA); in 2000, it was named one of the Songs of the Century. On January 1, 1958, she debuted it on Dick Clark's American Bandstand television show; by mid-year over a million copies were sold. This was followed by many other hits over the next decade, as Connie Francis became one of the most popular vocalists in the world.
Francis specialized in downbeat ballads delivered in her trademark "sobbing" style -- such as "My Happiness," "I'm Sorry I Made You Cry," "Among My Souvenirs," "Together," "Breakin' In a Brand New Broken Heart," and the Italian song "Mama," many of which were remakes of old standards. However, she also had success with a handful of more upbeat, rock-and-roll-oriented compositions, such as "Stupid Cupid," "Lipstick On Your Collar," and "Vacation." Among her other notable performances were "In the Summer of His Years" (a tribute to slain U.S. President John F. Kennedy) and Bert Kaempfert's "Strangers In The Night" (although the latter song is more identified with Frank Sinatra). Both "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" and "My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" went to No.1 on the Billboard music charts in 1960. In 1962 she had another No.1 hit with "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You."
Francis recorded in nine languages during her career, including English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, and even Japanese, and remade many of her hits in foreign languages, including "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" and her signature song, "Where the Boys Are." In fact, her biggest hit album in the U.S. was 1960's Italian Favorites, and she followed it with several more albums of Italian songs over the years, as well as collections of Spanish-language and Jewish songs, among others.
"Where The Boys Are," one of many Neil Sedaka/Howard Greenfield compositions Francis recorded during her career (others included "Stupid Cupid" and "Everybody's Somebody's Fool"), gained wide exposure through its inclusion in the 1960 motion picture with the same title. Francis had a role in the film and sang the title song. During the first half of the 1960s she starred in three additional films -- Follow the Boys (1963) (the title song of which became a No. 17 Billboard single for Francis), Looking for Love (1964) and When the Boys Meet the Girls (1965).
In 1960 Francis became the youngest headliner to sing in Las Vegas, where she played 28 days a year for nine years. In 1961 she was successful in starring in her own television special on ABC television sponsored by Brylcreem titled Kicking Sound Around, singing and acting along-side Tab Hunter, Eddie Foy Jr. and Art Carney. She appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on July 1, 1962 with French singing star Johnny Hallyday in a show that was taped at the famous Moulin Rouge nightclub in Paris, France. On July 3, 1963 she played a Command performance before Queen Elizabeth II at the Alhambra Theatre in Glasgow, Scotland. By 1967, she had 35 U.S. Top 40 hits, and three number ones.
Connie Francis has always been a great fan of country music and recorded several albums of country standards during her pop career. In 1969 she had a modest country hit with "The Wedding Cake" and made the country charts again in 1982 with "There's Still a Few Good Love Songs Left in Me." Several country singers found chart success remaking Francis' pop hits for the country market, including Marie Osmond ("Who's Sorry Now" in 1975), Susan Raye ("My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" in 1972), Margo Smith ("Don't Break The Heart That Loves You" in 1978), and Debby Boone.
During the height of the Vietnam War in 1967, Connie Francis performed for U.S. troops.
Francis ended her recording career in 1969. She returned in 1973 with "The Answer," a song written just for her, and soon began performing again. Her son Joey was born in 1974. Tragedies followed soon after. In 1974 she was sexually assaulted in a hotel following a performance in Westbury, New York. Nasal surgery to correct a sensitivity to air conditioning deprived her of her ability to sing professionally for four years. Her brother was murdered in 1981.
Francis' autobiography, Who's Sorry Now? was published in 1984. Francis was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental disease which includes severe depressions and manic highs. She uses the drug Lithium to balance out the emotional highs and lows caused by the disease. Connie Francis resumed her career in 1989 after discovering the drug and has continued singing and recording since then. Francis still holds a world-wide appeal shown through continued music sales and sold-out appearances.
Her latest CD The American Tour contains performances from recent shows. In late December 2004, Francis headlined in Las Vegas for the first time since 1989.
In March of 2007, Francis performed to a sold-out crowd -- composed of gay urbanites and conservative suburbanites -- in San Francisco. The "little diva" belted out versions of her "woebegone ballads . . . in full force," according to the San Franciso Chronicle's music critic.
Connie's fan club: www.conniefrancis.com
Ave Maria
Connie Francis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Ave, Maria, Ave, Maria
those who suffer call out to you
your arms embrace them all
for you have suffered, too
like any other
Ave, Maria, Ave, Maria
They are children, lost in their fears
You, who once lost a child
You wash them with your tears
You purify them
You beautify them.
Ave, Maria, Ave, Maria
All who doubt you, stray in the night
Maria
So take them by the hand
and lead them to the light.
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Amen.
The lyrics of Connie Francis's song "Ave Maria" express a deep reverence for the Virgin Mary and all that she represents to those who seek solace and guidance in times of suffering and doubt. The repetition of the phrase "Ave Maria" serves as a kind of mantra, a reminder of the infinite compassion and understanding that Mary embodies. The first verse acknowledges the many who reach out to her for comfort, assured of her understanding and love because she, too, has experienced the kind of pain and sorrow that they feel. The reference to Mary as "the Holy Mother" underscores her special relationship to Jesus, who suffered and died for humanity.
The second verse imagines those in need as "children lost in their fears," a poignant image that conjures up vulnerability and fragility. Mary, who also lost a child in the most brutal of circumstances, can empathize with and console those who suffer the loss of loved ones. Her tears, which she shed for her own child, now serve to purify and beautify those who turn to her for help. The final verse acknowledges that there are still those who doubt or stray, who cannot find their way in the darkness. But Mary, who embodies the light of hope and faith, is always ready to lead them back to the path of redemption with her steady hand.
Line by Line Meaning
Ave Maria, Ave Maria
Repeating the name 'Ave Maria' as a sign of reverence and devotion.
Ave, Maria, Ave, Maria
Addressing the Holy Mother and calling out to her.
those who suffer call out to you
People who are suffering seek comfort and solace from Holy Mother.
your arms embrace them all
The Holy Mother extends her loving arms to embrace and console those who suffer.
for you have suffered, too
The Holy Mother understands the pain and suffering of others because she too has suffered in the past.
like any other
The Holy Mother is approachable and empathetic to everyone's problems.
They are children, lost in their fears
People who are lost and scared are like children in need of guidance and protection.
You, who once lost a child
The Holy Mother understands the pain of losing a child as she herself has experienced it.
You wash them with your tears
The Holy Mother weeps for the pain of her children and comforts them with her tears.
You purify them
The Holy Mother cleanses and purifies her children of their sins and doubts.
You beautify them.
The Holy Mother makes her children beautiful, both inside and out.
All who doubt you, stray in the night
People who doubt the Holy Mother and her power wander in darkness and confusion.
So take them by the hand
The Holy Mother offers guidance and support to those who are lost and in need of help.
and lead them to the light.
The Holy Mother leads her children towards the path of righteousness and enlightenment.
Amen.
Concluding prayer in affirmation of the devotion to Holy Mother.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DP, ALEX MASI, KYLE MICHAELS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arlete Mercês
Uma das mais lindas interpretações que conheço
Prece inigualável! a Gradiosa cantora Connie Francis nos deu de Presente! ❤👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏
Zhnbre
Grandíssima Connie Francis! ! 👏👏👏
Carolyn Mickel
Her voice is so pure ! She will always be among my favorites. Thanks for posting
vince stru
There was no better in her time. What a beautiful voice she had. Brings me back to my childhood.
Peter Taylor
The Voice of an Angel singing the very best version of truly a beautiful song
Isabelle Beck
Such a underrated singer. How can a beautiful voice from heaven be so underrated? Connie Francis is the best singer in the whole world and still and will forever be a legend.
Charles
Underrated by who ? Hate the way this word is used to desc4ibe huge stars of their time !
stella jakelic
wrong, one of the most popular singer ever
Ricardo Solorzano
Amen, never ever will be a voice so pure, so angelic, so flawless, I feel like I'm in heaven
Michael cee
i cannot disagree. she is impeccable