WASHINGTON: Connie Francis, the American pop singer who rose to fame in the late 1950s with hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Stupid Cupid,” has died at the age of 87, The New York Times reported.
Her publicist Ron Roberts confirmed her passing in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
Francis was admired for her expressive voice and versatility, performing in multiple genres and languages throughout her career.
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Her number one songs included “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own” and “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You.”
She was especially known for her heartfelt delivery in ballads like “My Happiness” and “Where the Boys Are,” which resonated deeply with young listeners.
Songwriter Neil Sedaka praised her for the clarity and emotion of her voice, describing her ballads as “soaring” in their impact.
Earlier this year, her 1961 track “Pretty Little Baby” gained new popularity after going viral on TikTok and topping Spotify’s Viral 50 charts.
Born Concetta Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, she began performing as a child under her father’s guidance, who introduced her to music at the age of three.
She transitioned from child star to club performer by her teens, eventually adopting the name Connie Francis and recording demo tapes that launched her into stardom.