Connie Francis was a trailblazing pop star haunted by tragedy

Connie Francis, the best-selling female vocalist of the 1950s and 60s known for hits like 'Who's Sorry Now' and 'Stupid Cupid,' has died at 87. Her life was marked by significant professional success as a trailblazer for solo female singers, but also by personal tragedies including a brutal rape in 1974, the murder of her brother in 1981, and subsequent struggles with mental health and involuntary hospitalizations.

1. 1 1923: 'Who's Sorry Now' written.
2. 2 1950s-60s: Connie Francis becomes best-selling female vocalist.
3. 3 1958: 'Who's Sorry Now' becomes breakthrough hit.
4. 4 1960: Made big-screen debut in 'Where the Boys Are'; Brenda Lee broke through.
5. 5 1962: Girl group era began.
6. 6 Mid-60s: Hits dried up.
7. 7 1965: Last two UK hits 'My Child' and 'Jealous Heart'.
8. 8 1974: Raped at knifepoint in motel room in New York state; won $2.5m (later $1.475m) in compensation.
9. 9 1977: '20 All Time Greats' became No 1 album in Britain.
10. 10 1981: Brother shot dead.
11. 11 1980s: Spent much of the decade in and out of psychiatric institutions.
12. 12 Became spokesperson for Mental Health America.
13. 13 2025: 'Pretty Little Baby' becomes TikTok hit.
14. 14 Recently: Connie Francis dies at 87.

• Passing of a music icon
• Reflection on her legacy and impact on music and mental health advocacy