Connie Francis, the beloved pop sensation of the 1950s and ’60s famous for hits like “Pretty Little Baby,” has passed away at the age of 87.
The sad news was confirmed on Thursday by her friend and publicist Ron Roberts, who did not immediately provide further details.
Francis was a prominent figure of the era before the Beatles’ rise, consistently on the charts from 1957 to 1964. With a broad appeal to both young audiences and adults, she scored over a dozen top-20 hits, starting with “Who’s Sorry Now?” and including chart-toppers like “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You” and “The Heart Has a Mind of Its Own.” Apart from her musical success, she also ventured into acting, starring in movies such as “Where the Boys Are” and “Follow the Boys.”
Recording the song “Pretty Little Baby” over six decades ago, it gained newfound popularity in May 2025, becoming a viral sensation on TikTok with numerous influencers and celebrities partaking in the lip-sync trend. This resurgence propelled the track onto Spotify’s Viral 50 global and U.S. playlists.
Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, she exhibited musical talent from a young age, starting to perform publicly at just three years old with an accordion gifted by her father. By nine, she was appearing on television shows like “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” and “The Perry Como Show,” with Godfrey advising her to truncate her surname.
Signing with MGM Records at 17 after gaining attention from TV appearances, Francis initially struggled to break through until her rendition of “Who’s Sorry Now?” caught the attention of audiences, especially after it was featured on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand.” She continued to produce hits like “Stupid Cupid,” “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar,” which saw global success with multilingual versions.
Despite her musical triumphs, Francis faced personal challenges, including a tumultuous relationship with Bobby Darin and a tragic assault in her hotel room in 1974. The incident led to a legal battle with the hotel, resulting in a settlement. Furthermore, she endured heartbreaking losses, including the murder of her brother George in 1981 and struggles with mental health that led to a suicide attempt.
Married four times, Francis reflected on her tumultuous personal life, stating that only her third husband, Joseph Garzilli, brought her lasting happiness.
The music industry mourns the loss of a talented icon whose legacy will endure through her timeless melodies.