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
I Walk the Line
Connie Francis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine.
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds.
Because you're mine, I walk the line.
I find it very, very easy to be true.
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you.
Because you're mine, I walk the line.
As sure as night is dark and day is light.
I keep you on my mind both day and night.
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine, I walk the line.
You've got a way to keep me on your side.
You give me cause for love that I can't hide.
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide.
Because you're mine, I walk the line.
The lyrics of Connie Francis's song "I Walk the Line" originally written and performed by Johnny Cash, talks about the unconditional love and devotion one has for their partner. The song is an ode to faithfulness and commitment. The singer keeps a watchful eye on their heart, ensuring they do not stray from their partner. The phrase "I walk the line" represents the commitment to staying true to their loved one.
The singer finds it easy to be faithful, and even in solitude, their commitment to their partner does not waver. The lyrics suggest that the singer is dedicated to their partner, despite the possibility of being seen as a fool. The singer believes that the happiness they have experienced in their relationship confirms that walking the line was the right choice. The song reiterates the idea that love requires constant effort, and it is worth the investment.
The final stanza of the song suggests that the partner has a way of keeping the singer on their side. The love that the partner gives provides a reason for the singer to continue walking the line. To turn the tide suggests that regardless of the circumstances, the singer is willing to make the relationship work. The song's lyrics are a testimony to the power of love and the dedication it requires to keep it alive.
Line by Line Meaning
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine.
I am cautious about my feelings and emotions, and try to keep them in check and under control.
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I am always alert and aware of my surroundings, and try to be observant of any potential risks or dangers.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds.
I make every effort to maintain strong and meaningful relationships with the people who matter to me, and strive to keep those connections strong and intact.
Because you're mine, I walk the line.
My love for you is so strong that it motivates me to be faithful, true, and committed to you in every aspect of my life.
I find it very, very easy to be true.
It's effortless for me to remain honest, faithful, and devoted to you, because my love for you is so pure and genuine.
I find myself alone when each day is through.
At the end of each day, I often feel a sense of loneliness and longing for you, and can't wait to be back in your arms again.
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you.
I know that my love for you may seem foolish or unwise to some, but I can't help how I feel, and I am willing to risk everything for you.
As sure as night is dark and day is light.
I am as confident in my love for you as I am in the certainty of basic natural phenomena, such as the alternation of day and night.
I keep you on my mind both day and night.
You are constantly on my thoughts, and I can't seem to shake the feeling of wanting to be with you and by your side.
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
The happiness and joy that you bring into my life is clear evidence that our love is true and meant to be.
You've got a way to keep me on your side.
You possess a certain charm or quality that makes it easy for me to remain loyal and devoted to you, no matter what.
You give me cause for love that I can't hide.
Your actions and words inspire such deep and powerful feelings of love within me that I cannot contain or hide them.
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide.
I am willing to go to great lengths to demonstrate my love for you, and would do anything to keep you by my side and our love alive and strong.
Because you're mine, I walk the line.
My love for you is so strong that it motivates me to be faithful, true, and committed to you in every aspect of my life.
Contributed by Madelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
bonute13
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine, I walk the line
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit that I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Because you're mine, I walk the line
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Oh, because you're mine, I walk the line
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Because you're mine, I walk the line
Thomas Fenton
Why isn't she in the Rock and Roll hall of fame?
Maria Rita
Gosteiiiii.👏👏👏👏
Carl Rennhack
Very good cover!
Gladys Betancourt
MARAVILLOSA CONNIE FRANCIS
QueenVirgo997
Im obsessed with her ♥️♥️
Joao Silva
Connie magnifica!
jim kreider
Connie did a lot of country and she was great at it putting her own style to it. This whole album is one of her best
AM 1997
I love Connie!
David Walsh
A great version by Connie at her best she was unbeatable.
Holly Kurmis
Just found this album at a thrift store for $1 CAD. Love it!