The beloved “Pretty Little Baby” singer, who captivated a new generation on social media, left behind a remarkable $25 million fortune when she passed away at the age of 87 on July 16.
Connie Francis died following a short illness, with her death confirmed by longtime friend Ron Roberts. The legendary entertainer, born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, built her impressive wealth through decades of groundbreaking achievements in music and entertainment, which made her a household name worldwide.
She is estimated to have sold more than 200 million records worldwide and became a trailblazer for female artists everywhere. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Francis accumulated her $25 million estate through her revolutionary music career, acting roles, and strategic business decisions that kept her financially secure throughout her life.
The Newark, New Jersey native launched her career in the 1950s when she appeared on NBC’s variety show “Startime Kids.” Her initial contract with MGM Records produced disappointing results, leading the label to drop her. However, persistence paid off when her performance of “Who’s Sorry Now?” on “American Bandstand” in 1958 catapulted her to international stardom. The breakthrough single reached number one in the UK and number four in the United States.
Working alongside legendary songwriters Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, Francis continued dominating the charts with hits like “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick on Your Collar,” and “My Happiness.” Her multilingual abilities allowed her to record in Italian, Spanish, and other languages, making her commercially successful across Europe and generating millions in international revenue.
Her 1959 album, “Connie Francis Sings Italian Favorites,” became her most commercially successful record, followed by seven additional albums featuring ethnic favorites in various languages.
Chart-Breaking Success Built Her Fortune
Francis made history in 1960 when she became the first woman to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool.” This groundbreaking achievement opened doors to unprecedented earning opportunities and established her as a global superstar. She was the first woman in history to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 when “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” topped the chart in 1960. She was also the first woman to have 3 No. 1 hits on the chart, just three of her 53 career hits.
Her successful recording career led to an expansion into acting during the 1960s, with appearances in films such as “Where the Boys Are,” “Follow the Boys,” and “When the Boys Meet the Girls.” These diverse entertainment ventures significantly contributed to her overall net worth and helped establish her as a multimedia entertainer.
Legal Settlement Added To Her Wealth
A tragic incident in 1974 resulted in an unexpected financial windfall that contributed to Francis’s net worth. After being assaulted at a Howard Johnson’s Lodge in New York, she successfully sued the motel chain for inadequate security. Celebrity Net Worth reported that she won a judgment of $2.5 million from this lawsuit, contributing a significant addition to her accumulated wealth.
This settlement came during a difficult period when Francis experienced depression and addiction issues following the traumatic event. However, she channeled her experiences into advocacy work, becoming a spokesperson for victims’ rights and mental health awareness.
In the months leading up to her passing, Francis experienced an unexpected surge in popularity when her 1962 song “Pretty Little Baby” went viral on TikTok and Instagram. By early June, the track had accumulated over 10 billion views and reached number one on both TikTok’s Viral 50 and Top 50 charts.
Reflecting on this surprising comeback, Francis had written in a statement: “I am thrilled and overwhelmed at the success of ‘Pretty Little Baby.’ I recorded that song 63 years ago and to know that an entire new generation now knows who I am, and my music is thrilling for me. Thank you so much everybody, thank you TikTok.”
The viral success of “Pretty Little Baby” introduced Francis to millions of young fans who discovered her music through social media platforms. The song, which first appeared on her 1962 album “Connie Francis Sings Second Hand Love,” became a sleeper hit more than six decades after its original release.
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