Connie Francis, the iconic pop singer of the 1950s and 1960s, has passed away at the age of 87 in Florida

Connie Francis, the iconic pop singer of the 1950s and 1960s, has passed away at the age of 87 in Florida. Known for hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Pretty Little Baby,” Francis was a trailblazer in the music industry, becoming the first woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” in 1960.

Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, she began her musical career at a young age, signing with MGM Records at 17. Her early success was marked by a series of Top 20 hits, including “Stupid Cupid” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” Francis’s appeal transcended language barriers, recording songs in multiple languages such as Italian, Spanish, German, Hebrew, and Japanese, which contributed to her international popularity.

In addition to her musical achievements, Francis made her mark in the film industry, starring in the 1960 movie “Where the Boys Are.” The film, set and filmed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, significantly contributed to the area’s rise as a popular spring break destination.

Despite facing personal hardships, including a traumatic assault in 1974 and the 1981 murder of her brother, Francis remained a resilient figure in the music world. She chronicled many of these challenges in her 1984 autobiography, “Who’s Sorry Now?” Her enduring legacy was further solidified when her 1962 song “Pretty Little Baby” went viral on TikTok in 2025, introducing her music to a new generation of listeners.

Francis’s death marks the end of an era for one of America’s most distinctive voices. Her contributions to music and film have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and her songs continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.