(photo by John Elbirn)
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That evening Richard Abel, a young talented pianist, opened for her. Connie came on wearing a full lengthed black dress with a jacket that had some sequins on it. Her voice resounded through the auditorium and she was in very good voice. Connie moved about the stage quite a bit, other times she sat on a stool for part of one song and on the piano for part of another song. The rest of the time she was moving around the stage and the audience responded very well to her. Connie did an encore of "Brother Can You Spare A Dime" which she changed the words to honor the victims of 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina.
Mike Church escorted us to the reception after the show and I chatted a bit with Terry before we met Connie. We were the last two people to get Connie's autograph. We chatted a bit when she was signing my pictures, Connie is such a gracious lady.
What a thrill this was to have Connie in such good voice and spirit for my first time to see her live. Memories burned forever in my heart and mind.
Christian Meyer writes:
Seems the Toronto concert was great.
Here's a link to a nice article.
Review from Philly
by Joseph-David Miller, April 27, 2005
I have had many pleasures of seeing Connie live, from 1983 to now, and also remember seeing her sing on tv when I was a kid. and I want to say Connie is one singer that sounds like her records live or even better, not even Barbra can pull that off, only Garland herself. and I have to voice my opinion on her concert in philly at the Kimmel center , because I was there, before the show, and after.. and during.
Yes she only sang a bit for rehearsal, and said she was horse, but that is our Connie, always saying she is horse, she has been doing this since the 60's, but when she gets out on stage, she gives you POWER... like Garland, magic. people shouldn't to rehearsals expecting to see the whole concert, it is only a rehearsal.
I don't agree that she should retire, I think she should go on singing as long as she wants, and we as her fans should give her the love and support she needs to go on, this will build up and keep her confedence to sing , and sing strong,
I felt Connie was both in fine voice and fine shape, happy and herself, I have been around Connie thru good and bad, and always cheered her on, she is a wonerful person, and has a great sence of humor.... I think some people take it too serious when she forgets words, I think that maybe it's her way of saying, guys, I am tired of singing this song, let me try singing this instead.
If I had to review this concert, I would say, Connie sounded the best I have heard her in the 3 years, like her voice is stronger and more sure, I am very proud of her, and I will continue cheering her on, and loving her for the talent and beauty and warmth God has blessed her with. Thank you so much for letting me take this time to voice my opinion.
Connie in Philadelphia
by Cora Francis, April 27, 2005
Connie's concert in Philadelphia was a great success. I had a phone call from a dear friend of mine right after the show and he told me that Connie was fabulous. Far from being horrified the audience loved her and gave her standing ovations. Connie herself was overjoyed at her reception. Yes, she did forget the words to Malaguana but joked about it, these things happen. Her "stingingly mournful" (the Philadelphia Inquirers description) rendition of Mama brought some of the audience to tears. After the show Connie went to a restaurant, she was applauded when she arrived and when she left. The radio stations in Phili have described it as one of the best concerts to hit the city in years. A failure? I don't think so.
Connie in Philadelphia
on April 23, 2005
Review by Terry Murtaugh:
The beautiful Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia was the venue for Connie's latest concert. Philly DJ Jerry Blavat was the host for A "Geater Gold" concert with Kenny Vance & the Planotones, Little Anthony & the Imperials and the star attraction: Connie Francis--making her first Philadelphia appearance in 25 years. The opening acts did a great job of warming up the crowd before intermission.so they were more than ready for the enthusiastic introduction of Connie by Jerry Blavat who noted that Connie was observing the 50th anniversary of her professional career, since she started recording for MGM in 1955.
With the sell-out crowd standing and cheering Connie entered from stage right-rather than coming thru the crowd which I had experience from most of her concerts. She looked terrific in a rose colored gown/pant suit combination. She started her set with "Malaguena" but then went into "Rock-a-bye Your Baby" followed by "All I See Is You" with her voice at full strength by the second song. She quickly went into the Bandstand intro from Dick Clark that changed her life.which was warmly received in the city where American Bandstand was born! The crowd was lucky enough to enjoy the longest Greatest Hits version of her show that I had ever heard which was expanded to include My Happiness (the first Connie Francis record I bought in 1958), Many Tears Ago, and Together. The crowd was ready for this perfect build up to the Hits peak: hearing Connie sing "Where the Boys Are" in person. She received a well deserved thunderous ovation during that "signature" Connie song.
After a short break, Connie resumed the concert with her Italian hour-with the singing of Mama, moving many to tears, including my wife who lost her beloved mother less than two years ago. In a typical "down to earth" Connie moment, she started to sing Hava Negilah, went right to the second verse and just laughingly stopped the song, pointing out that she had only sung that one 12,000 times!
Then came the tribute to Frank Sinatra, and a rousing rendition of Old Time Rock and Roll which got another huge reception. Connie's usual good humor was apparent as her fans enjoyed her comments about her four marriages and her ongoing battle with her weight. Everyone was hushed as she talked about the highlight of her career: singing for the troops in Vietnam in 1969. She then closed the show by singing God Bless America, with Jerry Blavat, Kenny Vance & the Planotones and Little Anthony & the Imperials joining her on the stage to sing along-plus everyone in the Kimmel Center on their feet singing as well.
Connie: THANKS for another great show and a terrific memory! See ya next time.
Additional from Pat Niglio: Connie was scheduled to have sung "Chitarra Romana," "Malaguena," and "Brother Can You Spare A Dime?" but the show was too long and she cut them.
Connie in the Bahamas
on April 2, 2005
By Mike Church (Connie's business manager):
What a wonderful trip it was. We flew into Nassau on April 1st, did the show on April 2nd, and just layed on the beach and played until the 5th. Connie did a fabulous job, and got a standing ovation (as usual). The next day Connie and some of our group jammed into a limo and took off to Paradise Island, where Connie treated us to lunch at a nice restaurant on the beach called The Dunes. It was beautiful out, so we sent the car away and walked about a mile to the Atlantis resort (Yes, Connie did that all in her heels), where Connie treated us all to the Aquarium tour. It was good to see her having such a good time. I wish all of our gigs could be like the one in the Bahamas. Usually, we just rush in, do set up, rehearsal, the show, and then pack our bags for the flight the next morning.
I am getting ready for our next show at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia this Saturday. I am looking forward to it. Though I have never been there, I am told the venue is beautiful.
On a little off the topic side note, I spoke to Dick Clark's wife, Kari. Don't listen to any of those silly tabloids..Dick is doing fine..better every day.
Live at the Sahara in Las Vegas
on December 30 and 31, 2004, and January 1, 2005
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| Connie with Phyllis McGuire after the show (photo by John Elbirn) |
Editor's Note: Both Pat Niglio and Sandra said I missed the Show of the Century Thursday night, and this night was sold out. I attended Friday's night (New Year's Eve) and it was also a knockout performance although there were fewer people than the sold out concerts of the night before and night after. (I think many people had their own parties New Year's Eve).
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| Connie singing, "Do You Love Me Like You Kiss Me" (photo by William Dane) |
Review by Michael Dardenelle:
Wednesday before I left, I received a call from one of Connie's representatives, who extended a warm invitation for Carlos and me to attend the rehearsal, then to meet Connie backstage after the show and to the party in her honor, to follow.
After Kenny Kerr's opening, at about 8:40, Connie came out from back stage (not ordinary for her, as she generally comes down the aisle then ascends the stage from there) wearing a form fitting bright red dress. Her hair was not as boufant as it has been, and is all one color rather than the streaks we have seen in the past. She usually had opened with "Let Me Try Again" but this time, it was "Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart," a very welcomed surprise.
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| Connie with a full orchestration |
The show lasted maybe an hour and 15, not much longer, her voice sounded strong. During the performance, the ambassador of the City of Las Vegas presented her with a key to they city. It's about time!
Other than those few things, not much to say about the songs we all know and love but what a thrill to see her again.
When Mike Wright asked us to provide a letter to Connie, it was before I knew I was going. In my letter, I briefly explained that because of my hearing loss and tinnitus, that I don't like to listen to new music, learn new words and songs, etc, but would rather listen to music I already know backwards and forwards, and of course, most of that I listen to is Connie.
We were escorted to the green room where Connie was drinking some Diet Coke, and when the time was right, and a space cleared for me, I introduced myself to her, and it went like this:
Mike: Connie, my name is Michael Dardenelle, and I just wanted to tell you...
Connie: (interrupting) Wait a second, did you send me a letter, something about your losing your hearing?
M: Yes, I did
C: You don't know how much that touched me, and how beautiful it was. I will treasure it.
M: Well, thank you, Connie, and I just wanted to say how much your music has meant to me for so many years. When I needed the strength, you were there, when I had my happy times, you were there. I can't thank you enough for what you have meant to me all these years.
C: Well, thank you, I appreciate that very much.
M: When I was in school, I sent you a silver cross necklace with a rhinestone in it, that cost me all of $3, but I wanted you to have it and I would like to think that the necklace was the one you were wearing on your Motion Picture Hits album. (Please say it was)
Connie didn't deny or confirm but she smiled. I want to think that the smile meant she remembered it but we'll never know.
M: Would you mind signing this? (The CD cover from Christmas in my Heart, appropriate for the time of year)
C: Not at all (and she signed, To Michael, Love, Connie Francis).
M: I would like you to meet my partner, Carlos.
(They exchanged pleasantries and handshakes)
M: May I have Carlos take a picture of us?
C: Sure!
Click.
Connie and I wished each other a happy new year, and Carlos and I left. On the way out of the green room, I said to him and others in earshot, "Now I can die happy."
Nutshell: I have loved the music of Connie Francis for more years than I can remember, have been thrilled to see her concerts many times, never thinking I would ever meet the woman who (yes it's true...) I used to have a crush on. Last night was a night to remember forever. What a beautiful lady, what a talent, what a charming person.
I'll be on my cloud for a while.
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| Billboards in California miles from Las Vegas advertising Connie Francis. (photo by Peter Saenz) |
I was with a few friends at the rehearsal before the Thursday show. We gave Connie a warm welcome, she waved and happy to see us all. I met briefly with Connie's backup singer, JoAnn Harris Hauser. JoAnn enjoys working with Connie and loves her as a person. "Connie is real, very real. She is honest and will tell you what she thinks." Pat Niglio did a lot of last minute arrangements for the show, he also included Connie's new CD, "The American Tour." I had some prints of letters emailed to me from other fans and I gave to Pat who did hand them directly to Connie (who knows, perhaps the kind words from fans gave Connie an extra boost).
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| Kenny Kerr on stage for opening act at Las Vegas concert |
I also had the opportunity to meet with Connie after the show and, of course, I told her how much I admire her and really enjoyed her singing. I also mention her red gown is very Gina Lollobrigida (a style Gina would wear at Cannes Film Festival).
PS: I asked Connie about the other version of Where the Boys Are but she couldn't remember and the original score is lost. Kenny Kerr (female impersonator based in Las Vegas, seen here with audience) opened Connie's show, toned down his comedy act but he was still very good and sings well too. I met him earlier on Thursday and asked what is the most difficult part of his routine. Kenny said to perform with enthusiasm like he is doing it for the first time, even though he performs six days a week, 50 weeks a year for the past 27 years. And his monologues are all original (not taken from other comedians).
Thanks to all that contributed to this event.
Review by Peter Saenz
A special thank you to the gentleman who tried to help me get some things signed by Connie. (He wore a black outfit with silver gems going down the front of his shirt).
Connie wore a gorgeous red dress (which I think she looks best in on stage) and had her brown hair was up in a beautiful style. I'll post pics when I get them developed.
I LOVE the music she typically sings for her shows, but I do wish, just once, she'd sing some of the songs that are my personal favorites, like "Don't Ever Leave Me", "Zingara", "I Was Such A Fool", "He Thinks I Still Care" and "Wishing It Was You".
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| Of all the early 1960s fan magazines, could this be the only true article? |
I've been a Connie Francis fan for about 45 years, so I may be prejudiced, but Connie was, still is, and will always be THE BEST!
Connie came out for a few minutes Thursday afternoon for rehearsal, but the Joey Farina orchestra was so good (under the direction of the wonderful Doug Walters and with Bobby Grasso still on the drums) that Connie didn't need to do a full rehearsal: she came on stage, waved to the lucky few of us who were in the theater, rehearsed for just a few minutes, then left.
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| Connie recalls those early years, "We were all 'secret sisters,' telling each other who we want to be with..." |
Thursday night, her part of the show, following an absolutely hysterical opening by Kenny Kerr, of "Boylesque", began around 9:00pm. Connie was absolutely flawless in everything she did that evening, it was the most perfect show I'd seen since March 1991 (I've been lucky & privileged to see Connie in concert at least a hundred times since the first one in 1981).
Her voice was strong and confident. You could see she was well and happy, and that all came out in her performance. She was amazing! and the few changes in her show were a welcome surprise. "Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart" was an excellent opening number, she did a great job on all her oldies and on her tribute to Sinatra. Later, her heartfelt "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime" was gut wrenching and magnificent; and when she encored with "God Bless America," everyone in the sold-out room stood and sang with her, then thanked her by way of thunderous applause. In between, she also received several well-deserved standing ovations.
After the show, she met with many fans (old and new) in the green room. One thing I've always said, and loved about Connie, is that she is so gracious to her adoring fans and friends. She posed for photos and signed autographs for well over an hour.
Her show Friday, New Year's Eve, was also perfect. There aren't enough words to describe how fantastically, wonderful and awesome she was.
On Saturday, she was suffering from a sore, dry throat, but did her best. Her performance wasn't as good as the previous two nights', but even when the show isn't great, Connie is!
I had the best New Year's Eve in my life, with Connie, her entourage, and so many dear friends from the fan club; who also helped me to celebrate my 29th birthday (for the 32nd time) on Sunday.
My personal thanks to Connie and all else for a marvelous, unforgettable week in 'Vegas. I hope that in this new year we all will be as happy and surrounded by good friends, love and peace as we were last weekend.
Connie in Buffalo, NY
on October 27, 2004
by Cora Francis:
George R. Henaut wrote in his review of Connie's performance in Toronto last May, "We were enthralled as one always is in the midst of greatness." We as Connie fans all know that feeling.
However on the evening of Monday 27th October in Buffalo those lucky enough to have tickets witnessed something magical, we saw and heard the ultimate performer draining every ounce of emotion from her audience.
Looking beautiful in a cerise gown Connie opened with Zing Went the Strings of My Heart. I had not heard her sing this in years. It was a bouncy opener and she seemed to enjoy singing this swinging number once again. This was followed by familiar songs, All I See is You, the Hits Medley, The Italian Hour, as Connie calls it, which included a particular favourite of mine, You Don't Have to Say You Love Me. Then came, in my opinion, the most moving segment of the evening when Connie sat on a stool left centre stage and sang Mama. The song alone tugs at the heartstrings. I was with my dear friend John, as I have been for very many of Connie's performances and without saying a word to each other, we both knew we were witnessing something very special. The atmospheric yellow light tinged with green was directed on the upper part of Connie as she sat to begin the song, and for those few moments it was as if nothing else was happening in the world outside those theatre doors. One could hear a pin drop. There was an air of expectancy and she did not disappoint. It seemed the audience as one, realised that they were privileged to be there, to hear the greatest performer in the world sing the song she has made her own. How could she follow that? Well she did with Rockabye, another particular favourite, performed in her inimitable style, followed by Brother Can You Spare a Dime, a powerhouse performance.
Connie finished with If I Never Sing Another Song and brought the house down. The audience demanded an encore and she obliged with the emotive God Bless America. If I had the right to be, I was so proud of her.
With Art Imitating Life, Queen Connie Reigns
[newspaper review of Buffalo concert]
By Anthony Violanti, News Staff Reporter
October 29, 2004
Connie Francis
Former teen queen at Shea's Performing Arts Center
Give her a stage, a greatest-hits set list and, most of all, an audience, and Francis can rise to the occasion and sell a song. That was apparent Wednesday night in Shea's Performing Arts Center in a benefit for the Variety Club Telethon.
Seeing Francis perform is like having dinner with the family matriarch. She shows pictures and videos of the old days, jokes around, reminisces, and even sheds a tear for the dearly departed.
Francis, wearing a pink outfit highlighted with rhinestones, did all that and more at Shea's. The early part of the concert focused on the late '50s and early '60s, when Francis was the most popular female singer in the world.
A screen came down from above the stage, there were clips of Francis singing on "American Bandstand," performing with the love of her life, the late Bobby Darin, and playing scenes in her movies.
Stardom came with her first big hit, "Who's Sorry Now," in 1958. On the movie screen at Shea's was young Connie, belting out the torch song with the bubbly exuberance of youth. Onstage, was a physically heavier performer and the voice was a bit weaker. But the song style and stage persona was as dynamic as ever.
Life experience, which for Francis means surviving four marriages, rape, manic depression and an addiction to prescription pills, gave her current interpretation of "Who's Sorry Now" a much more powerful meaning.
Francis, backed onstage with a 20-piece orchestra and an additional female singer, let the fans know what they meant to her.
"You are my inspiration," she said. "Through good times and bad times, you have always been there for me. I will never forget you."
One guy in the audience yelled out, "I love you, Connie."
"Where were you when I married those other stiffs," she replied, in a stock answer often heard during her shows.
Francis, one of the best-selling artists of all time, covered most of the big hits. The list includes "My Happiness," "Everybody's Somebody's Fool," "Stupid Cupid" and "Lipstick on Your Collar."
"Those were sweet and innocent days," Francis said.
She paced the show and hit her stride midway with two of her most poignant songs. After showing clips from her first movie, "Where the Boys Are," Francis went into that number and earned a standing ovation. It was the strongest her voice sounded all night, and she turned up the energy level for the song.
Francis then sang a couple of Italian songs, leading into another of her classics, "Mama." She began the song sitting on a stool in front of the orchestra and ended it by walking to center stage and belting out the lyrics. It remains one of Francis' most powerful numbers, and earned a huge ovation.
Francis possesses a kind of fragile aura. She has endured so much in her life, and the audience is aware of all the hardships. They go to see her sing, but there is also sense of bonding with a survivor when Francis appears. They want her to make it through the night and remember the good times despite all the bad ones.
Onstage, Francis is a polished professional, chatting, joking and discussing her private life as she would do with old friends. In a way, that's what those fans are to Connie Francis, and even if the voice isn't what is used to be, her spirit overcomes it.
A Truly Perfect Evening in Wyoming
Cheyenne Civic Center, Wyoming
by Paulette Ostroske, October 1, 2004
I attended Connie's concert in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She looked stunning! The performing arts center was filled with excitement. Her voice was powerful and clear and she emanated class, charisma, beauty and personality. The audience loved her! They cheered with enthusiasm as Connie sang her greatest hits. She ended her concert with an emotional rendition of "God Bless America." After the show, Connie greeted her fans and signed autographs with her usual courtesy and warmth. The powers-to-be and audience all clamored for a "must" return. A truly perfect evening!
Connie's Magdeburg TV show
by Christian Meyer, November 8, 2004
What's funny: People in the audience just DID NOT CARE. They loved her, and just the fact that she stood there was enough. They would have applauded for 10 minutes, stand up for her from their feet, even without her singing anything. I'm sure of that. Man, I did not know HOW much she has been loved in Germany. She must really have been the QUEEN there back then.
I still wish that Connie would come back and do some other stuff. Make more publicity for her "CF in New York" CD and draw the public's attention to THIS kind of music. Still there is one BIG problem I see : Connie cannot really sing these things live anymore. I really am afraid, but the large public would simply not RECOGNIZE her voice. It has changed so much and they know her 60's voice.
That's another thing I want to chime in : as someone said on here before about the Malaco-sessions. For me they are completely definitely NOT interesting. I do not care about these recordings. I have the original ones and the Malaco ones are nothing against it, completely lacking of that particular charme that I fell in love with. And it really shows the difference in voice. Since you have the same song in let's say 1960 and then in 1988 (?) 1992 (?) you really hear the difference. Not so for the other recordings like Are you lonesome tonight or Torn between two lovers. These are more interesting because for the voice she has now, with all her problems and limited range etc. she really does them fine and you still can get all the feeling she puts in them. She still can rock with Old Time Rock and roll, that's a great one. But Connie, please do not try to copy yourself. You can't, nobody can come close to that voice you had in the 60s.
I still love her.
Wouldn't It Be Cool If... ( Magdeburg TV show)
by Christine Geyer, November 8, 2004
Just what I thought. I would be delighted if she'd decide to do some new songs. But no re-recordings of the old ones. When I bought the "The great Connie Francis" CD I merely did so because (besides a dozen of the popular ones) it had some two or three songs on that I had not yet in my collection. Somehow I oversaw the writing "Recorded in 1989 at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios" So when I started playing it, it hit me totally by surprise to hear that even the stuff like WSN, LOYC etc. were new recordings or the old hits. And - at least in my opinion - it doesn't fit anymore. Of course she can sing them and she did very good. But even though the sound quality is good, the musical quality is not. The playbacks were produced cheap and the songs don't fit her at an age of 50. Which is in no way meant to be snide. What I mean is just that now on those re-recordings with 50 she sometimes does an imitation of her imitation of the "girlish voice" that she even didn't have back then in the 50's/early 60's. Why? I think they could've used the pricy time in the studio far better by recording new material, that underlines her personality at the time, vocally and regarding the content. When I want to hear Lipstick on your collar I will ALWAYS turn on the old version. But for example "So nah", recorded in 1992, is amazing and I love to hear it because it just fits her now. She sings it with her present technique and voice and that makes it authentic. (And also someone worked a little harder on the playback). I'd SO love to hear more of that!!
And may I say, visually it's just the same. I just hope you understand how I mean this because nothing of this is meant bad at all. I adore this woman. But when I saw her in the VHS of the London Palladium concert I was horrified to see her put in this shrill blue glittering frock next to the even shriller sox hop background singers that where hopping around her. So, honestly, when she was announced at the TV show in Madgeburg a few months ago I was concerned about how they'd make her look this time. I piped down. But then she came out and... she looked soooo absolutely beautiful!!!! I almost couldn't believe my eyes how beautiful and charismatic she looked. Just adorable!! Because she wasn't forcibly dressed like a teenie in the 50's but like the grown up woman that she is today. She looks so much better that way. My, she is still such a beautiful woman today. And I think this is what applies as well for the difference in re-recordings and new ones.
Connie in Magdeburg, Germany
on June 5, 2004
Comments:
from Cora Francis:
from Pat Niglio:
from Christian Kock:
Review by Jan Willem de Gee
Connie in Magdeburg, part one
Hello all fellow Connie fans out there,
I just got back from Magdeburg, Germany, where I expierenced a special saturday June 5th. I arrived on friday June 4th at about 13.00 hrs by train on the Hauptbahnhof.
It was raining, but yet I wanted to see something of the city before going to my hotel. I visited the cathedral and other interesting things. Magdeburg didn't disappoint me.
When I walked towards the old city I saw the front of the Hotel Maritim, where Connie was residing during her stay in Germany. Connie was in the Bordelandhalle that day for rehearsels. I arrived by taxi at my hotel (the Ramada Treff-Hansa), where I left a note at the reception desk for Christian Meijer. Not long after I was in my room, Christian already called me on the phone. He had arrived too, together with his friend Ralph. Both Christian and Ralph are very nice fellows and we had a great time together. Christian helped me a lot in preparing my trip to Magdeburg. Ralph is from leuven, so I could talk Dutch to him. So the whole weekend we switched from German to english and then again to Dutch. That night we went for a drink and Italian food in the old city of Magdeburg. Of course we discussed a lot about what we could except the next day and talked a lot about our own Connie histories and about our personal preferences regarding her music.
Before I was going I had heard from the music company that Connie was supposed to give a 2 hrs reception on saturday. The company gave me Wilfried Weiler's phone-number so that I could contact him. Also Mike Church had sent me a mail in order to assist me. We called Wilfried on the phono and asked him if it was correct that Connie would come to the American Sports Bar, next to the Maritim Hotel, and yes, that was true. Wilfried said, Connie will be a little later, because they were delayed somewhat. We went inside and there were already a few people in the arear where things would happen. I saw a lady coming down the stairs and thought, well she looks familiar to me. When she came back with the compilation CD of Connie first two italian albums (it was played there), I recognized her... Cora Francis from Britain. We greeted each other warmly. Then someone else said to Christian, Ralph and me and me: are you here for Connie Francis? We said : Yes, and were invited upstairs.
I was going to introduce myself to some people from Germany. I didn't recognize them at first, but they appeared to be two fanclub friends from the sixties and seventies: Gunter Hein and Klaus Walter! What a surprise, what a "Wiedersehen"! I got right smack dab in the middle of things even before Connie had come in, and everybody seemed to be very pleased that I was there too. An other fan from germany, Jurgen, presented me with a piece of a cake (I think it was cheesecake) that Connie had baked for us. I must say that Connie had baked a very tasteful cake.
And then Connie walked in. Everybody applauded and she looked good, although a little tired. She greeted everyone of us and shook hands with me. She was seated and asked if "Connie Francis in New York" could be played. Somebody took the Italian CD out and CF in NY was played on Connie's request. Connie was patiently signing CD's, photo's and other things for everybody. Many pictures were taken. I was the third (after Gunter and Klaus) who talked to Connie. She asked me if I was at the Toronto concert and I said no, and that it was the first time I actually meet her. I gave her some candid pictures that were taken in her home in 1970 (after returning from Rumania). She said she didn't have them and was pleased with them. Connie and I both sent a postcard from magdeburg to my wife and children at home in the Netherland and to my parents. I think she is a very lovely lady. In the course of the reception I had several more contacts with Connie. When she was signing the picture slee of her 45 RPM of "Lipstick on your collar" for somebody, told her: "Connie that was the first song I ever heard of you and then I fell in love with you"and she replied "oh you did, really?". When by the end of the session I asked her to have one more a picture of her and me together, she said to the crowded photographers in front of us: "This is going to be a very special one". Cora later told me that one could see that Connie was pleased that I was there.
In the meantime Pat Niglio had showed up and when he recognized me he embraced me passionatly, with Connie watching us with a look like "what's going on here"???
I hadn't seen Pat in about 35 (or even more?) years. Pat also showed me the design for a new Connie CD, hopefully to be released this year with various live performances of her... Connie was wearing a black and grey suit I think (people really, you should ask such things a lady, I am no good at it) and anyway kind of a cowboy hat (black).
Short before the reception was over, the "bunch" of people around Connie, like Pat and Wilfried were going on a special picture with Connie and I was invited to join this special group (!!!). Pat and Wilfried were shouting: Jan you should sit beside us! So I did, and a few pictures were taken. By the way, this was the first time I ever met Wilfried and he consequently called me by my full name "Jan Willem" and I appreciated that. I also want to add that Cora Francis and Eric Beesley are very nice people. I think they are real British people and they are very friendly and we got along well together. So after that Connie went back to the hotel, but on her way there were still many people who wanted autopgraphs and she pleased everybody, never letting anybody down.
In the afternoon Christian, Ralph and I went to the rehearsal of the "Sommerfest der Volksmusik" show. Connie was the star guest of the show. They demanded her to sing her four German number one hits (Schoner fremder Mann, Paradiso, Barcarole in der Nacht and Die Liebe ist ein seltsames Spiel). Wilfried told me Connie had rather sung something like Malaguena, but the producer of the show really wanted the HITS. So finally at about 17.40 hrs. Connie was there, singing her medley of the first three and the complete version of "Die Liebe..." with a new instrumental backing. She was wearing a stunning red dress and looked beautiful in it. She was supported by the Ballet of the German televison during the medley. As this was a kind of a "wedding show" (during the live show of the evening a German couple really got wed), at the end of the rehearsel, when all the stars of the show were on stage again, with Connie in the middle, the girl (the bride to be) who had to throw away the bridal bouquet, threw it right on Connie and Connie yelled: "No, no" and then in German "Nein, nein, nein!!! (No, no, no!!!). This was a very hilarious moment.
Well folks, that it all for part one. I have to go now, since I want to go and have a drink with my wife, or else she'll divorce me (just kidding...). You hear from me more tomorrow (Monday June 7th). But I really want to thank Cat and my wife for really advising me to go there. (Cat simple said "Jan, GO!). And my wife said, maybe this is your last chance. Now I regret I didn't take her. But I could imagine everything would be like it has been. And I also want to thank Christian again, for the help he gave me in obtaining the tickets for the shows.
So folks, once again: tomorrow I'll give you some details about the live TV show of the evening.
Best, Jan
From: J.W. de Gee
Connie in Magdeburg, Part Two.
After the rehearsal of the show "Das Sommerfest der Volksmusik" during the afternoon, Christian, Ralph and I drove back to town (in Christians car) to eat and drink something. Moreover I needed new batteries for my photocamera. When we were in the shopping centre I also called my wife and my parents to report to them about the meeting with Connie and the rehearsal of the show. Moreover my parents are devoted fans of these kind of German shows. We drove back by car to the Bordelandhalle to be in time for the live show, that began at 20.15 hrs. Right at the beginning the showmaster, Florian Silbereisen, a young fellow (to my opnion born long after Connie had her great successes in Germany) already announced that she would be in the show. During the rehearsal in the afternoon I had a seat in the front row on the floor, next to Cora and Eric. In this way I sometimes could explain to them what all these German people were talking about. During the live show I was sitting somewhere else on a balcony, where I had bird eye view over the studio and could watch everything well from above.
The show was scheduled to last 100 minutes, but they got far over time. Finally the whole show lasted for about two-and-a-half hours. So we had to wait patiently for Connie to perform.
Finally it was Connie's turn. She was announced as the entertainer of the century, being as big as Madonna and not surpassed by anybody else. Meanwhile on the TV screen you could see scenes from the 1961 Peter Kraus shows, with the young Connie in it.
Connie looked great in her red dress and got thunderous applause. She was accompanied down the stairs by the male dancers. Then she had to do her songs. First there were the three nr. one hits from her "Jive, Connie Jive" compilation: Schoner fremder Mann, Paradiso and Barcarole in der Nacht. While she was doing this, the dancers were moving around her. Connie was singing 'play-back" as we call it in Europe (lip sync) and this is done almost always in German shows (pratically all the other German singers in this show did it and I don't really like it. Moreover it doesn't seem that Connie is really good at it, since I think she is hardly used to it). Pat Niglio (or was it Wilfried Weiler? - I don't remember exactly) later on told me that they had altered her voice somehow (made it lower) in Paradiso and Barcarole. Due to a misunderstanding they didn't do it with Schoner fremder Mann.
Then the dancers left the stage and Connie stood there alone. Connie did her first German nr. one hit "Die Liebe ist ein seltsames Spiel"', with, as I was told, an altered instumental backing. I really haven't noticed all these musical alterations, since I found myself singing out loud along with Connie. After she had finished she received a standing ovation, that seemed to last for minutes. It really was moving and emotional. I think she really enjoyed this attention. You could see she was feeling happy on stage. While performing she moved her hands a lot, but didn't move her feet really while singing. All day I had gotten the impression that she had some problems with walking.( Could that be a consequence of her breaking her leg and foot several times?).
In the afternoon they had rehearsed a question the showmaster would ask Connie after her performance (a question in German: Connie are you going to remarry?" And Connie would say NO, I am too busy, etc. etc. etc.). But during the live show, Florian asked her something very different :"Connie, can I ask you a question?" '- he asked her this in German. So Connie not being prepared for this - she didn't understand - said "NO" (thinking he was asking her about remarrying). So the public was puzzled why she said NO. An elderly German lady of the production team of the show had sitten in a special chair in front of the stage, seeing and hearing her idol Connie Francis after so many years. This was a surprise for this lady, whose greatest wish had been to have Connie in the show. This wasn't rehearsed during the afternoon (or else it wouldn't have been a surprise anymore). After the misunderstanding, Connie graciously greeted this German lady, Connie came down to her and presented her with flowers and a copy of her CD (in New York). Connie kissed her on both cheeks and I think the lady was happy.
Connie received a big bouquet of yellow roses from Florian.
Connie now went away, to (a few minutes) later on come back on stage with all the other stars of the show. She was in the middle of this string of (merely German) stars, while a group of 100 Hungarian gypsy violin players performed. Connie was enthousiastically handclapping along with the music of this big orchestra. You could see was really having fun. So this was the end of the show.
I came down from the balcony where I had been sitting and being back on the floor I saw Connie surrounded by masses of people, signing autographs for them.
She was as patient as she had been during the fan meeting in the American Sports Bar, never refusing anybody her signature. After a while she said she wanted to sit down and she did, on a stone bench that wasn't really comfortable. There were security people watching over her, but everybody could easily reach her. But it was very crowded and there were dozens of photographers (I am sorry to say that I didn't have any photos left in my camera, so I couldn't take more pictures. But Ralph did). So at one point Connie suddenly said "I am out of here". But a few steps further away she was seated again and was signing autographs again for all the people who asked one. But now she was seated on a more or less "normal" theatre seat, that was more comfortable.
Well folks this is my story. After having been a fan for almost 45 years now, I finally get the feeling my "fan-ship" is complete now, after having met Connie in person. This was the missing link.
I want to thank my wife and Cat for their advise to really go to Magdeburg. I want to thank Christian for his help and for his company and that of his friend Ralph during the weekend.
I also want to thank Connie, Pat, Wilfried, Gunter, Klaus, Cora, Eric and all the others that I met for making this an unforgettable weekend for me!
Jan
The Incomparable Connie Francis in Toronto
on May 29, 2004
by George R. Henaut (Author of With Love, With Connie)
On May 29th 2004 a dream came true! I finally experienced my first live Connie Francis concert. It was an incredible evening!
Toronto's Foxy 88.5 FM radio station which defines itself as "Radio with Class" served as promotional host for the Connie Francis Concert at the Toronto Centre of the Arts. Everything about the concert was first class. The Centre itself is an outstanding concert hall with exceptional acoustics. No one in the audience was further than 85 feet from Connie and her magnificent 20 piece orchestra. My wife, Pauline, and I had front row seats and were able to meet and greet Connie following the concert. Seated beside us was a lady who was enjoying her tenth Connie Francis concert. We were surrounded by fans who identified with Connie's career and her personal tragedies, "the survivor" as Dick Clark labeled her on A&E's Biography. But it was the legendary entertainer that we came to experience and we were not disappointed.
For fans who have a copy of the 1995 CD or video, "The Return Concert: Connie Francis Live at Trump's Castle" or fans who have been at a recent concert, you will have experienced much of the programme we enjoyed at the Toronto Concert; including the audio-visual presentation, the songs, and the dialogue. The programme included her familiar hits: Who's Sorry Now, Stupid Cupid/Lipstick On Your Collar/ Everybody's Somebody's Fool, Among My Souvenirs, Don't Break the Heart That Loves You, Vacation, Many Tears Ago, Where the Boys Are and Mama. She included several tributes: Buddy Holly, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Rock and Roll, and Country Music. Toronto has a large Italian population and the audience loved the Italian medley. Everyone was touched by Let Me Try Again and her final song Maybe This Time. She received several standing ovations! MC Gary Gamble presented Connie with a spectacular bouquet. Her encore was a tribute to Sept 9/11: Brother Can You Spare a Dime?
Long before attending the concert, Pauline and I had enjoyed on numerous occasions the comprehensive web sites created by Mike Wright and John Donatelli, Jr. Mike Wright's site opens with: "She has the knack of wrenching the emotions with her powerhouse voice. Connie's music, transcending any and all boundaries, is capable of taming the beast, soothing the wounded heart and lifting the fallen spirit." John brands Connie as "Incomparable"! We now more fully appreciate the branding and the powerhouse description.
Gary Gamble, the aimiable host of Foxy's Morning Show was the MC for the evening. He began by feigning annoyance at a smudge on his collar, exclaiming; "Lipstick On My Collar", but "Who's Sorry Now". Connie walked on stage and into our hearts looking lovely in a three-piece ankle-length dress of dark charcoal lace and elegant jeweled sandals. Her low neckline was enhanced by a sparkling necklace with her upswept hairstyle revealing matching earrings.
The audience was hushed throughout the entire performance; listening to every word of dialogue, cherishing every familiar note sung by the foremost female singer/entertainer of the golden age of Rock and Roll; a singer who has earned the title as the world's biggest-selling female singer of all time. She has recorded in 13 languages, been on the top of the charts simultaneously in 15 countries. From the moment the orchestra played the first notes of one of her hits, the hall was charged with anticipation, excitement, and profoundly appreciative applause! We relived our past as she sang of hers. We appreciated her ability to laugh at herself , to go beyond her tragedies, to reach out to us! We were enthralled as one always is in the midst of greatness. Here was a singer who did not require smoke, fireworks, a synchronized light and sound show, floating chairs, precision dancing, to showcase her talent. All she required was a powerful voice, a magnetic presence and a gifted conductor with an orchestra as she captivated us to journey together down our shared memory lane.
We watched her every movement. The black grand piano with its vase of exquisite red roses became part of her as she touched the piano affectionately, leaned on it, and later climbed three steps to sit on it. Connie's mood changed as the music tempo changed. Much of the time, she was reflective, singing from the depths of her being, but she could just as easily smile, snap her fingers, sway her body to the upbeat rhythm of Stupid Cupid or Vacation.
Following the concert those who had purchased a meet and greet package were able to enjoy a wine and cheese reception with Connie. The ladies all received a single red long stemmed rose; the rose will undoubtedly be treasured among their souvenirs. Connie graciously signed pictures, CD's, books, etc. This is the type of evening that dreams are made of! Who's Sorry Now? Definitely not the 1800 who attended the Connie Francis Show at the Toronto Centre of the Arts.
With Love, With Connie
Homepage: http://www.romanticnovel.homestead.com/index.html
Connie in Las Vegas
on January 23 and 24, 2004
EARLY DRAFT
from Janis:
Connie did great Saturday night. She sold the place out and she never missed a single word of her songs nor her monologue. She wore a black lace gown and her blond-highlighted hair was piled high in a pretty bouffant. She still has that star quality, glamour thing going for her. Connie sang a medley of her hits with two big screens displaying photos from her career on either side of the stage. The audience greatly appreciated her efforts and stood up and sang along with her for the last number, "God Bless America." It was a touching moment.
from Marcia:
Connie gave two concerts and were very well received by the sold out crowds. At the receptions held after the shows, she sat and signed autographs and posed for pictures for over 2 hours. Connie is a warm, kind and gracious lady who truly appreciates her fans.
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