‘Pretty Little Baby’ singer Connie Francis dies at 87

TIMES Report
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Connie Francis, the beloved pop singer who rose to fame in the 1950s and ‘60s with hits like ‘Pretty Little Baby’ and ‘Stupid Cupid’, has passed away at the age of 87, her publicist confirmed yesterday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Ron Roberts, president of Concetta Records — Francis’s label and royalty manager — announced the news on Facebook, writing, “It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night.” He added that fans would be among the first to hear the news, with more details to come.

Earlier this year, Francis had shared health updates with her fans. In March, she revealed she was using a wheelchair due to pain in her hip and undergoing therapy. On July 2, she posted that she was hospitalized for tests related to “extreme pain” and had been in the ICU before being moved to a private room. Her final message on July 4 wished fans a happy Independence Day, noting she was feeling much better after a restful night.

Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero in New Jersey to an Italian American family, Francis began performing in childhood, often singing and playing accordion in talent shows. Her career took off in the late ‘50s with hits like ‘Who’s Sorry Now’ and ‘Where the Boys Are’, showcasing her powerful yet tender voice.

Remarkably, her 1962 single ‘Pretty Little Baby’ found new life this year after going viral on TikTok. In May, she expressed surprise and gratitude in a Facebook post: “The first I learned of it was when Ron called to advise me that I had ‘a viral hit.’ Clearly out of touch with present-day music statistics terminology, my initial response was to ask: ‘What’s that?'”

Francis’s legacy as a trailblazing pop icon continues to resonate with generations of fans, old and new.

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