Here is the text of Candace Rich’s Fifties Web Site about Connie Francis. Her web site is at http://www.fiftiesweb.com.

Connie Francis became the leading female vocalist of her day, amassing records sales to equal and surpass those of many of her male contemporaries. Early Rock and Roll is strikingly devoid of women artists. A rare few, such as Zola Taylor of the Platters, were successful, but only as part of predominently male groups. Connie Francis paved the way for all the other female solo artists to come. Who’s Sorry Now, her hit for 1958 demonstrated her unique style that’s part Country and part Rock. She endeared herself to the people where I grew up when in 1961 she recorded Where The Boys Are, from the movie by the same name - a movie about spring break in Ft. Lauderdale, my hometown.

Editors note: I asked Candace what in particular did Connie do that made her so successful as a female vocalist, here is her answer:

There were many successful female vocalists. Patti Page, for example. But not Rock female vocalists. Patsy Cline broke the ground in Country. But, Rock was considered dangerous, rebellious. Patti Page sang nice, ladylike songs. Safe stuff. Rock was new and you need to remember that there were very strict rules by which “ladies” must behave. I don’t mean to imply in any way that Ms. Francis is not a lady, but that Rock wasn’t perceived of as a ladylike thing to do. Strictly “guy” stuff. Or a woman could add a soprano to a male group. Connie was the first female to go it alone and succeed.