Connie Francis, Iconic Voice of ‘Pretty Little Baby’ and 20th-Century Pop, Dies at 87

July 17, 2025 — Fort Lauderdale, FL —

Connie Francis, the chart-topping pop sensation of the 1950s and 1960s known for hits like “Who’s Sorry Now”, “Stupid Cupid”, and “Pretty Little Baby”, has died at the age of 87. Her death was confirmed by her family early Thursday morning. No cause has been publicly disclosed.

With a voice that bridged youthful innocence and emotional vulnerability, Francis became one of the first female pop superstars, paving the way for generations of women in music. She was the top-selling female vocalist of the late ’50s and early ’60s, breaking through in an era when the industry was dominated by male crooners and rockers.

From New Jersey Roots to Global Fame

Born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, Francis showed musical promise early on, appearing on the televised talent show Startime Kids as a child. Her big break came in 1957 when her recording of “Who’s Sorry Now” — a song initially released in the 1920s — unexpectedly soared into the Top 10 after a plug from TV icon Dick Clark on American Bandstand.

From there, her career exploded. Known for her crystal-clear voice, heartfelt delivery, and multilingual recordings, Francis became a global star. She recorded in over a dozen languages, building strong fan bases in Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

Ballads, Breakthroughs, and Personal Struggles

While upbeat tracks like “Stupid Cupid” delighted teen audiences, it was her romantic ballads — including “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own”, “Where the Boys Are”, and “Pretty Little Baby” — that became her signature. Her 1961 film Where the Boys Are, in which she starred and sang the title track, was a pop culture milestone and helped solidify her crossover appeal.

Behind the scenes, Francis’s life was marked by personal trauma and resilience. She survived a brutal assault in 1974, endured a long legal battle with a hotel chain, and faced ongoing struggles with mental health. Despite these setbacks, she staged several comebacks, including successful tours in the 1980s and a memoir, Who’s Sorry Now?, published in 1984.

Legacy of a Trailblazer

Connie Francis leaves behind a lasting musical legacy, not only as a singer but as a trailblazer for women in the recording industry. She was one of the first artists to insist on creative control over her material and appearance — an act considered radical at the time.

Her songs remain staples of golden-era playlists, and her influence is evident in the careers of artists like Barbra Streisand, Cyndi Lauper, and Madonna.

Francis is survived by her extended family and devoted fan base. A private funeral is expected to be held in Florida, with a public memorial under discussion.

“Pretty Little Baby” — A Voice That Endures

In the words of her 1965 hit, “Pretty little baby, you say that maybe you’ll forget me, but I’m not through yet…” — Connie Francis may be gone, but her voice, her courage, and her music will never be forgotten.