Connie Francis Forum Part 9

Last update: 12/8/16

Contents (entry date)

BNR celebrating Connie’s birthday, Dec 2013 (2013)
New song by Connie Francis, “A soldier died today” (2013)
Connie inducted into the NJ Hall of Fame (2013)
Neil Sedaka and Connnie Francis Tribute show Oct 29th (2013)
Legendary Lady of Las Vegas (date)
Way Back Attack - Connie Francis (date)
postponement of my Baltimore Net Radio interview with Diane Thomas (date)
Connie Francis LP Sale (date)
Connie nominated for America’s Pop Music Hall of Fame (date)
Target TV commercial featuring Connie singing (date)
Connie Francis Presided as Grand Marshal at Feast of San Gennaro 2012 (date)
From Diane of Baltimore Net Radio on “A Visit With Connie”:(2012) (date)
Why Connie and others belong in the RRHOF (2012)
Connie interview on June 6th, 2012 (2012)
Broadway show, and New Autobiography (2012) (2012)
Movie Star Makeover on Connie’s first movie (2012)
New CD release on Feb 14: Never on Sunday/Songs to a Swinging Band (2012)
Dick Clark: 1929 - 2012 (2012)
Dec 12, 2010 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (2010)
Short radio interview with Connie regarding the Castro show (2010)
Among Connie Francis’ Souvenirs (2010)
Special edition on OMG magazine (2010)
DVD of Oct 2009 Connie Francis Weekend at Belleville High School (2010)
Where the Boys Are, 50th Anniversary (2010)
Connie Francis On Where the Boys Are... 50 Years Later (2010)
Connie Francis returns to Newark, NJ to re-record ‘Where the Boys Are’ on its golden anniversary (2010)
Connie Francis interview on BlakeRadio Network (2010)
Connie Francis: La Bella Concetta (2009)
Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis (2009)
The only Connie Francis 24 hours non-stop free radio broadcasting (date)
Episode Guide to Connie Francis on Ed Sullivan Show (date)
Among Our Souvenirs - Memories of Connie Francis (date)
Movie about Connie Francis (date)

BNR celebrating Connie’s birthday, Dec 2013
by Guy Consterdine

It was very interesting to hear what Connie said about her new autobiography when she spoke live on Baltimore Net Radio in her birthday celebration programme yesterday. The book was about 900 pages long a year ago; she has now expanded it to about 1700 pages! As a result, it will be published as three volumes, both in print and as e-books. We don’t have an exact date for publication, but I am optimistic we will see the autobiography a few months from now

Ron Roberts also spoke on the programme. I was interested to hear that among other things, the physical CD single relating to Vietnam is pressed and is waiting distribution. It’s already been available as a download from Connie’s website, of course. There will be a booklet with the CD which includes a lot of photographs Connie herself took while in Vietnam, most of which have not been seen before.

I enjoyed hearing Marcia and Gabe on the programme too, and learning a bit about Gabe’s Hungarian connections, and making a small contribution myself. Connie was going on to a show with friends in the evening, and she had been showered with congratulatory birthday wishes on the phone, almost non-stop, so she knows she’s loved!

Happy Birthday, New Jersey Natives Frank Sinatra and Connie Francis! (open link to You Don’t Know Jersey site)

Everlasting Radio presents, “A Tribute to Connie Francis” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLA9MRoH6q4 features clips of Connie singing Christmas songs.

New song by Connie Francis, “A soldier died today” (2013)

You can hear a preview of this new release by Connie.

Link to iTunes to download the songs/album. Actual CD will be available soon including the booklet.

Connie inducted into the NJ Hall of Fame (2013)

The Star-Ledger, New Jersey Rock & Pop Hall: Connie Francis

Neil Sedaka and Connnie Francis Tribute show Oct 29, 2013

Link to the tribute show with Neil Sedaka and Jenna Esposito at the Friars club in NYC, Connie appeared via a wonderful video message.

Legendary Lady of Las Vegas

Connie Francis: Legendary Lady of Las Vegas

Way Back Attack - Connie Francis

Nice bio at http://www.waybackattack.com/francisconnie.html

Following message was posted by Ron Roberts on Facebook:

“Regrettably, events beyond our control have caused the postponement of my Baltimore Net Radio interview with Diane Thomas, scheduled for tomorrow, September 5 in the regular Visit with Connie Francis slot. Details of the rearranged show will be posted when available. BNR will, instead, be re-broadcasting our interview first aired on May 23.”

There was to be a new season for weekly radio shows beginning September 5th, Ron Roberts will be joining Diane to give you the inside scoop on Concetta Records. Ron Roberts is noted for compiling the most extensive listings of Connie’s music including details on composers and musicians for each song.

Promo video for the “Visit With Connie” broadcasts at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6T5IQyC1eU
A very interesting, and fun to watch and listen to. A brilliant compilation of very short clips of Connie, music, Diane and Keith.

Connie Francis LP Sale
by Terry Robertson

I have a large collection. Too large to list and no time to list it. All my LP albums have been carefully preserved in special, expensive scratch/dust/lint free sleeves. I am not giving these away. I know what they are worth. I am a top Amazon and Ebay Reviewer and the TOP reviewer on both sites on Connie’s work. I have researched the recordings and prices. Send me your “want lists” with what you feel is a fair price, I won’t rip you off with unreasonable prices.

Click here for more details.

Connie nominated for America’s Pop Music Hall of Fame

Connie is among 40 nominated for America’s Pop Music Hall of Fame. The top 20 vote getters will be narrowed down to 10 and then entered into the Hall of Fame. Given Connie’s being perpetually overlooked by the Rock Hall, her fans can vote for her on-line.

You can vote for five nominees and you have up until December 31st.

America’s Pop Music Hall of Fame, http://americaspopmusichalloffame.org

You can send your nominations for induction to the American Music Hall of Fame to americanmusichalloffame@gmail.com

The Hall of Fame will announce the 20 inductees -- the first class of inductions -- into the new Hall of Fame in May. Formal induction ceremonies will be July 2. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, an artist must have placed a song on the national charts between 1946 and 1975.

Target TV commercial featuring Connie singing (2012)

“Falling for Fall” a commercial by Target with music of Connie’s hit song, “Fallin’ ”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFlSTcwBAl0

Making of the Target commercial. “Visual Effects of Target’s Fall 2012 Commercial”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYqkb2yBAGs

Connie Francis Presided as Grand Marshal at Feast of San Gennaro 2012:

Promotional video by frednetradio at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmV0076DkMc

Connie Francis presided as Grand Marshal at the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy (New York) along with NYS Comptroller Thomas DeNapoli and TV personality Toni Senecal in September 2012

San Gennaro website at http://www.sangennaro.org/free.htm

From Diane of Baltimore Net Radio on “A Visit With Connie” (2012)

Since Connie is working hard on completing her book, Diane has decided holding off on submitting questions to her for future Q&A episodes until the book is released; HOWEVER, she said that she would like us fans to submit more questions since their is extra time to do so. The more, the better! She can do more than one show featuring the Q&A, so let’s all put on our “thinking caps” and make these shows successful. Connie really loves answering questions from us Fans, so let’s let her know we’re listening! Send your question for Connie to Diane at diane@baltimorenetradio.com

Why Connie and others belong in the RRHOF (2012)

On May 18, 2012 on the 9:00pm portion KYA RADIO 1260, San Francisco featured Connie Francis and Bobby Rydell and why they belong in the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame. This is part of a "grassroots" movement to get Connie, Bobby, Paul Anka and Neil Sedaka into the RRHOF.

KYA RADIO 1260 website at http://bossjock1.fatcow.com/kyaradio1/

Connie interview on June 6th, 2012

Debra Tornaben of WXEL-TV interviews Connie Francis, this 26 minunte video on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJibvk9cxLI Debra!!! #114 (Connie Francis)

Connie discusses her career, growing up in Little Italy, how singing “Mama” on Perry Como show was a major boost for her, her affair with Bobby Darin, how her father encouraged her singing in foreign languages, loss of Dick Clark, and at end it mentions her autobiography to be released in the fall (image of book cover shown here).

Broadway show, and New Autobiography (2012)

A major Broadway show based on Connie’s life is in the works, written by Stephen Kronish who has written for “24” and “The Kennedys.”

A new autobiography by Connie titled, Among My Souvenirs, is due for release sometime this year.

Movie Star Makeover on Connie’s first movie (2012)

Take a look at this, an excellent review of Where The Boys Are illustrating what everyone knows but never before published as Connie is the most beautiful and sexy of all the girls in this movie. See the review “What Silver Screen goddesses can teach today’s women about elegance, beauty, attitude, and style”

New CD release on Feb 14: Never on Sunday/Songs to a Swinging Band (2012)

Thanks to Pat James, Richard Molway, and John Reed for compiling this info.

Never on Sunday & Songs to a Swinging Band by Connie Francis (2012)
Available for Pre-order from Amazon.com. This item will be released on February 14, 2012. This set includes the 2 albums remastered, and between them 'Hollywood', 'Dreamboat' and 'When the boy in your arms'. As the CD is a UK release these three songs were probably added because they are lesser known here, confined to EP and LP only.

This is a nice two album set, Ron Roberts does not disappoint in his liner notes presented in 12 page booklet form. Ron was Connie's 'guru' in the UK for many years, responsible for the 'Who's Happy Now' set, amongst other things, and for some of the rarer songs that have come out on CD. He also produced various comprehensive discographies. He lends new insight into the recording of Never On Sunday plus many other interesting tidbits regarding her career decisions; recording dates and locales; etc. It is beautifully packaged as well.

Additionally, if you go to www.sepiareocrds.com you will find this release on their homepage with full detail on the compilation, artwork, and a snippet from the aforementioned liner notes by Ron Roberts.

Dick Clark: 1929 - 2012

Connie Francis said of Clark, “I considered Dick to be my dearest friend in this business, a friendship that has endured since 1958. He was there for every crisis of my life and there were many. Without Dick Clark there would have been no career because I was ready to abandon it. Dick was the most principled man I ever met in this business and treated everyone the same way, even if you were the little guy.”

Connie on Piers Morgan show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2eNz7FgqX8
Blog of Piers Morgan with Connie Francis

Interview with Mark Simone of Radio 77 WABC about Dick Clark:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZVOtg_6emM

Connie said,
Rock-n-Roll was not acceptable and he made it acceptable, and there would be no “Connie Francis” without Dick Clark.

Dec 12, 2010 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino:

Connie received the first Lifetime Achievement Award and this celebration included Ann Anello, Pat Cooper, Dion, Tony Ferretti, Peter Lemongello, Sal Richards, Kaye Stevens, Frank Vincent, and Neil Sedaka. Master of Ceremonies: Errol Dante.

Click picture on right to see larger image of flyer.


Also presented was a "Record" prepared by Eric Beesley with help from several fans which he presented to Connie at this celebration. She really appreciated it.

Photos of event at Cat Adam's CF page:

http://www.conniefrancisrocks.com/cflaa.htm
http://www.conniefrancisrocks.com/cflaa2.htm
http://www.conniefrancisrocks.com/cflaa3.htm

Short radio interview with Connie regarding the Castro show (before 2010 cancellation): Retro Celebration In The Castro! Alice @ 97.3 San Francisco

Among Connie Francis' Souvenirs
San Francisco Examiner, October 10, 2010

A mention in this article, "Her second autobiography, Among My Souvenirs," now in the final proofing phase." http://www.sfexaminer.com/lifestyle/Among-Connie-Francis-souvenirs-104637014.html

Special edition on OMG magazine

Connie is featured on a special collectors edition on OMG magazine, view online at http://omgmag.com/web/?page_id=18, it was being given away for free at a gathering for Connie's staff at May 2010 Las Vegas concert. I spoke briefly with one of OMG staff, he said go online to request an issue. http://omgmag.com

Or call OMG at 800-664-0550

DVD of Oct 2009 Connie Francis Weekend at Belleville High School

In October 2009 Connie Francis, a 1955 Belleville graduate, was also inducted onto the Wall of Recognition. Not only is more Connie Francis memorabilia available for purchase, a 3-part DVD set of the entire weekend of her recognition is for sale.

A $100 investment will get you the entire set that captures priceless Belleville moments, including the Auditorium dedication in Connie’s honor on that Friday at BHS, her street-naming ceremony at Number Five School the next day, as well as the Belleville Library reception and Sunday Gala at Naninas. Also 50 sets signed by Connie will be sold for a $250 contribution.

Special discount prices will be reserved for student and other educational constituencies.

Orders are now being taken at 973-751-2588 and online at http://www.bellef.org.

Video is a bit high price but it is for a good cause and will help children.

Download a PDF of full press release here

Where the Boys Are, 50th Anniversary:
Connie Francis will join Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler and other dignitaries to celebrate the classic spring break beach party on May 28 and 29, 2010

Ft Lauderdale city website at http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/news/2010/boys.htm

Seiler said the weekend will feature live music, a classic car show, Spring Break reunions, themed events such as hula parties and beach blanket bingo, and a screening on the beach of the original movie. A publicist for Francis said she will attend many of the festivities.

Connie Francis On Where the Boys Are... 50 Years Later
By Michael J. Mooney in Broward, Celebrities, The Arts

Rarely has a single cinematic work shaped the identity of a city like Where the Boys Are has Fort Lauderdale. “It wasn’t even a movie, it was a national phenomenon,” says Francis, “They didn’t know whether to kill me or give me the key to the city.”

For more info, click here.

Connie Francis returns to Newark, NJ to re-record ‘Where the Boys Are’ on its golden anniversary

Story on the biggest newspaper in NJ, The Star-Ledger (includes video interview).
http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2010/05/connie_francis_returns_to_newa.html

Connie Francis interview on BlakeRadio Network

One hour interview with Connie, wait a little minute and the interview start.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/blakeradio/2010/04/27/topically-yours-1

Topically Yours, 4/27/2010 2:00 PM - 1 hr
Deardra Shuler talks with the beloved national and international multi-gold record winner and star Connie Francis about her life, career and upcoming Eric Floyd’s Grand Divas of Stage Las Vegas show with Dionne Warwick. Presently writing a second book, Ms. Francis continues to be known as Germany’s #1 vocalist.. And, her music is loved throughout the world.

Connie Francis: La Bella Concetta
The Daeida Magazine Holiday Feature & Centerfold

Editor’s Note: This magazine is a spectacular production and a must for all Connie Francis fan’s collection.

CONNIE FRANCIS: La Bella Concetta
“This is the best article and interview anyone’s ever written about me,” Connie Francis stated about her upcoming cover story interview in Daeida Magazine’s special holiday edition premiering on national news stands and available for viewing/ordering online at www.daeida.com on Saturday, December 5th 2009. In this in-depth interview and exclusive photo shoot, Connie reflects on her amazing journey offstage and on as the best-selling female vocalist of all time. With humor and honesty at all times, she speaks about her upcoming book, the heartaches and headlines, and how she got through it all. With stories about Frank Sinatra, Ed Sullivan and Gloria Estefan, this is Connie Francis in her own words. 10 Pages in total with exclusive full page images plus a gorgeous exclusive centerfold.

Archive of December 2009 issue with Connie Francis

Press Release (PDF)

Daeida Magazine at http://www.daeida.com

Jenna Esposito Sings Connie Francis

New singer Jenna Esposito, a 2008 and 2009 MAC award nominee for female vocalist, performed shows at The Duplex, Danny’s Skylight Room, the Laurie Beechman Theatre, and the Metropolitan Room. Jenna is also the host of Metrojam--the Metropolitan Room’s open mic, which takes place on the first Friday of every month. “Cabaret’s Sweetheart” will be singing the songs of “America’s Sweetheart” in Jenna’s brand new show celebrating the songs of Connie Francis.

May 9, 2010 news by Jenna Esposito
The Cabaret Chronicles: Connie Francis, NY Pops, MAC Awards, Allan Harris, and More!

The Cabaret Chronicles by Jenna Esposito
(below article are links to other articles by Jenna)

Also see http://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Connie_Francis/

Jenna appears at Metropolitan Room in New York. For more see, http://www.metropolitanroom.com/calendar/view/714/148

More of Jenna, see http://www.conniefrancisrocks.com/je.htm and http://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Jenna_Esposito/

A Connie fan wrote, “I just listened to the songs, very good and very Connie.” Which Jenna replied, “‘Very Connie’ is just about the best compliment I could get, Joe! I really worked hard to be true to my own sound but echo some of her qualities, so I’m glad that seems to be coming through!

Do yourself a favor and buy the CD at Jenna’s site, http://www.jennaesposito.com/connie/cdstore.html

The only Connie Francis 24 hours non-stop free radio broadcasting
at http://cfradiomirror.multiply.com

Episode Guide to Connie Francis on Ed Sullivan Show:
compiled by Lucas Tuinstra

Click here for a list of when and what performances by Connie Francis on Ed Sullivan Show. Connie appeared 25 times on this show and sang about 65 songs.

Among Our Souvenirs - Memories of Connie Francis

Five decades have passed since Connie Francis saw her breakthrough as a recording artist with her smash hit “Who’s sorry now.” Fifty years... a time to celebrate. A time to celebrate this special, wonderful lady who has touched the hearts of millions of music lovers all over the world. And who could pay the respects to Ms. Connie Francis better than her fans? So here’s a small collection of memories. Memories remembered and written by some of Connie's most loyal fans. As you will see from the locations of the authors, Connie Francis has captured the hearts of people from all over the world. Gerrit Jan Appel compiled this book from memories written by fans on the yahoogroups mailing list.
Casewrap hardcover edition (129 pages): $19.86
Hardcover edition with cover jacket (129 pages): $24.82
Trade Paperback edition (129 pages): $14.89
Download (80 pages): $4.96
Pocket book paperback edition (154 pages): $9.93
Image of book cover

Movie about Connie Francis

Editor’s Note: Latest news is this movie project has been cancelled.

Gloria Estefan was working on a film about Connie Francis. Gloria planned to portray Connie and screenplay is complete, filming was to begin in 2009. For more info, click here.

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