Francis, Connie (1938–)

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Francis, Connie (1938–)

American pop singer. Born Concetta Marie Franconero, Dec 12, 1938, in Newark, New Jersey; thrice married (thrice divorced).

Shortly before 12th birthday, won 1st place on Arthur Godfrey's tv talent show; appeared on George Scheck's weekly "Star Time" tv show; signed with MGM Records (1955); recorded an uptempo version of "Who's Sorry Now?" (1957) which sold over 1 million copies; over next 5 years, had 25 records in top 100, including "Stupid Cupid" (1958), "My Happiness" (1959), "Lipstick on Your Collar" (1959), "Mama" (1960), and "Vacation" (1962), which she co-wrote; also made 4 films, including Where The Boys Are, and starred on her own tv special; became the 1st female singer to have 2 consecutive singles on the charts, "My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" and "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" (1960); after a performance at Westbury (Long Island) Music Fair, was held at knife point in her hotel room for two-and-a-half hours while being beaten and raped (Nov 7, 1974); thoroughly traumatized by the ordeal, was plagued with emotional problems, which led to 4 years in and out of mental institutions; resumed career (1989).

See also autobiography Who's Sorry Now? (St. Martin, 1984); and Women in World History.

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