Who’s Sorry Now?
Why Concetta Franconero changed her name.
Concetta Franconero, recognized as Connie Francis, was born in 1938 to Ida and George Franconero, Sr. Her formative years were spent in Brooklyn, Crown Heights, Brooklyn area (Utica Avenue/St. Marks Avenue)before her family moved to New Jersey. Her ancestral heritage hails from the Province of Reggio Calabria in Italy to New Jersey.
From age four, Connie displayed her musical talents, singing and playing the accordion in various talent contests and pageants. During her appearance on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, she received pivotal advice from Godfrey himself. He suggested she change her stage name to Connie Francis and abandon the accordion, guidance she heeded. Reflecting on her encounter with Godfrey, Connie once recalled, “I was twelve years old when I first auditioned for him. He used to have many kids on the show, especially during Christmas. I did the show, and he asked, ‘How do you pronounce your name again, little girl?’ I said, ‘FRANK-oh-NEAR-oh.’ He said, ‘That’s a toughie. Why don’t we give you a good ole, easy-to-say Irish name like…let’s see…what about Francis…Connie Francis?’ I said, ‘Please, Mr. Godfrey. My father will have a fit! Can you call me Connie Franconero for tonight and tomorrow, and I’ll be Connie Francis after that?’ He chuckled and said, ‘You got it, kid!’
Connie Francis faced numerous hardships in her life, including a traumatic experience of rape, the loss of her singing voice following nasal surgery, periods of institutionalization, failed marriages, and the tragic murder of her only sibling. However, her life turned positive in 2010 when she was appointed the National Spokesperson for Mental Health America’s Trauma campaign. Her initiative, known as “S.T.A.R.” (Stress, Trauma, Awareness, and Recovery), aims to raise awareness and support individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Additionally, she is deeply committed to assisting returning American veterans of war.
Connie Francis is commonly acclaimed as the “Queen of Heartbreak” because of her emotionally evocative songs that profoundly connect with listeners. Her music maintains its enduring appeal, transcending generations. Her classic hits such as “Where the Boys Are” and “Lipstick on Your Collar” have solidified their status as timeless classics.
Connie Francis’s impact on the music industry is an undeniable testament to her artistry. Her distinctive style and vocal range have served as a wellspring of inspiration for countless artists, and her compositions have been skillfully interpreted by renowned performers throughout the years.
Despite the trials she faced, Connie Francis remains one of the most commercially successful female singers in history, with estimated worldwide sales surpassing two hundred million.
