The Songs and Career of Connie Francis Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Connie Francis first appeared on television on "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts" in 1952 singing "Daddy's Little Girl". What instrument did she play to accompany herself?

Answer: Accordian

Newark, New Jersey, native Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero played the accordion while singing "Daddy's Little Girl". Later in 1952 she appeared on Dumont Television's "Battle of the Ages" singing "Wheel of Fortune". She was introduced as "13-year-old Connie Francis", using her new stage name for the first time. Her television appearances were followed by disappointing efforts to obtain a recording contract. She was eventually signed to MGM Records.
After relocating from Newark to Belleville, New Jersey, Connie graduated as salutatorian for the class of 1955.

2. From 1955 to 1957 Connie released nine unsuccessful singles for MGM Records and was about to be dropped from the label when she recorded a song from the 1942 Marx Brothers film, "A Night in Casablanca". What was Connie's first Top Ten US hit in 1958?

Answer: Who's Sorry Now

"Who's Sorry Now" was to be her last release by MGM. Connie recorded the song at the urging of her father who insisted the song would become a hit because teens and young adults could both relate to the tune.
Connie was considering accepting a scholarship from New York University to study medicine if "Who's Sorry Now" failed to become a hit. Fortunately Dick Clark featured the song on his television show on New Year's Day, 1958, exposing Connie to a national audience. The song peaked at Number Four in the US and topped the UK chats, making Connie an international star.
"Freddy" was Connie's first failed release on MGM. "Heartaches" and "You Always Hurt the One You Love" were unsuccessful 1958 follow-ups to "Who's Sorry Now".

3. Connie would follow up with the US 1958 Number 15 single, "Stupid Cupid". Which pop singer co-wrote the song with Howard Greenfield?

Answer: Neil Sedaka

Neil Sedaka visited Connie's home pitching songs at the urging of Aldon Music's Don Kirshner. After suggesting several ballads Neil reluctantly pitched the uptempo "Stupid Cupid". Neil felt that the song was not classy enough for Connie to sing but she instantly took to the song and correctly predicted that it would become a hit.

The song was cut in June, 1958, with "Carolina Moon" as the "B" side.

4. Connie Francis finally topped the charts in 1960. She was the first female singer to have back to back Number One US hits. "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" was released in April 1960 and topped the charts for two weeks. Which song followed "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" and became Connie's second Number one hit in a row?

Answer: My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own

"My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" was composed by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller and became the second consecutive Number One hit for Connie Francis. It also remained on the top of the US Billboard charts for two weeks. "My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" topped out at Number Three in the UK. Connie also released a version in German.
In 1972 Susan Raye released a successful Country version of "My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own" and Reba McEntire later recorded a version.
"Mama" topped out at Number eight. "Breakin' in a Brand New Broken Heart" was a 1961 Top Ten. "Lipstick on Your Collar" was a 1959 Number Five single for Connie.

5. Which successful pop singer did Connie develop a relationship with after he was initially paired with Connie to write material for her?

Answer: Bobby Darin

When Connie's father learned that Bobby Darin and Connie planned to elope after one of her shows he threatened Bobby at gunpoint and ran him off. Darin and Connie Francis could not develop a professional relationship regarding material for her to record but did develop a personal relationship.
After Connie's father interceded Connie and Bobby would meet again on two occasions, once during a television show taping and again when Connie was featured on "This is Your Life" (1952). Darin had wed Sandra Dee by the time "This is Your Life" was taped.

6. Connie Francis' recording success resulted in offers to appear in film. In 1960 she was cast in "Where the Boys Are", a Spring Break film. In which city was "Where the Boys Are" set?

Answer: Fort Lauderdale

Connie Francis, Dolores Hart, Yvette Mimieux and Paula Prentiss portrayed four college students who ended up in Fort Lauderdale for Spring Break. The movie also featured Jim Hutton, Frank Gorshin and George Hamilton. The film was a coming-of-age flick that was instrumental in kicking off the Spring Break craze for college students.
Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield wrote the title song. "Where the Boys Are" peaked at Number Five in 1961 in the US and topped the charts in 15 other countries. Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield were asked to submit additional music for the film score but MGM declined to use their other songs in favor of a lush instrumental score.
In 1984 a remake of the film was made with Lisa Hartman singing "Where the Boys Are".

7. In 1961 Connie Francis enjoyed her last US Number One hit. Which song topped the charts for Connie in March of that year?

Answer: Don't Break the Heart That Loves You

"Don't Break the Heart That Loves You" was written by Benny Davis and Ted Murry. Connie sang a two-part harmony track and recited a spoken bridge. The song was Connie's third and last Number One hit in the US.
In 1978 Margo Smith released a country version of "Don't Break the Heart That Loves You".
The Number Ten single, "When the Boy in Your Arms (Is the Boy in Your Heart)", was recorded during the same session in November of 1961. "Follow the Boys" was a 1961 Top Forty single. The uptempo "Vacation" was a 1962 Top Ten for Connie.
Connie also overdubbed Tuesday Weld's vocals in "Rock, Rock, Rock," (1956).

8. After the success of "Where the Boys Are" Connie was cast in three more films. Which film did NOT feature Connie Francis in a lead role?

Answer: For Those Who Think Young

"For Those Who Think Young" featured Nancy Sinatra and James Darren with Pamela Tiffin and Paul Lynde. Tina Louise was also in the film with future "Gilligan's Island" (1964) co-star Bob Denver. The theme to "Follow the Boys" (1963) became a Number 17 Billboard single for Connie.

The film was set in the French and Italian Rivieras. Roger Perry played her husband. "Looking for Love" was released in 1964. It reunited Connie with George Hamilton, Paula Prentiss and Yvette Mimieux. "Looking for Love" also featured Johnny Carson in his only movie cameo role. "When the Boys Meet the Girls" came out the following year. Connie starred opposite Harve Presnell.

The film also included musical appearances by Herman's Hermits, Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs and Liberace.

9. Which 1969 release by Connie Francis barely made the US Billboard Pop charts but became a Top Forty single on the US Country charts?

Answer: The Wedding Cake

Connie originally recorded "The Wedding Cake" in 1958. In 1969 it reached Number 33 on the Country charts. Other releases by Connie that found their way to the Country charts were "There's Still a Few Good Love Songs Left in Me", "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" and "My Happiness".
"Time Alone Will Tell" barely dented the Pop charts in 1967. "Should I Tie a Yellow Ribbon Around the Old Oak Tree" only made it to Number 104 on the US Pop charts. In 1964 "Be Anything (But Be Mine)" was Connie's final US Top Forty Pop hit, peaking at Number 25.

10. In 1968 Connie recorded a television ad in support of which successful presidential candidate?

Answer: Richard Nixon

Connie supported Richard Nixon and lent her celebrity status to his campaign. During the years after Nixon's election Connie suffered a series of unfortunate incidents, underwent surgery and took a hiatus from touring and recording. In 1978 she appeared on "Dick Clark's Live Wednesday". Her autobiography, "Who's Sorry Now?", was released in 1984.
President Ronald Reagan appointed Connie Francis to head a task force on violent crime. She has also been actively involved with the USO and UNICEF.
In 2007 she performed to sold-out crowds at San Francisco's Castro Theatre.
"Connie Francis Way" is a street in Belleville, New Jersey, near the house where Connie was raised.

Source: Author shanteyman

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This quiz will deal with the songs and accomplishments of Connie Francis.

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