Connie Francis, who dominated the pop charts in the late 1950s and early ’60s with sobbing ballads like 'Who’s Sorry Now' and 'Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You' as well as up-tempo soft-rock tunes like 'Stupid Cupid' and 'Lipstick on Your Collar' has died. She was 87.
From 1958 until 1963 she was the third highest selling performer after Presley and The Beatles, with more than 25 hits. Her 1959 album 'Rock 'n' Roll Million Sellers' LP included the Elvis tracks 'Heartbreak Hotel' and 'Don't Be Cruel' while her Christmas album included both 'White Christmas' and 'I'll Be Home for Christmas'. In 1968 recorded a charming version of 'I'll Remember You'. Elvis owned several LPs and 45's in his personal record collection.
On meeting Elvis Francis said: "The first time I saw Elvis in person was shortly after his mother died. He was in the audience front row center at the Sahara in Las Vegas. Knowing that, I was just dying to meet him after the show.
I sang 'Mama' and he started to cry and left the showroom. That was it that night. The next day he sent me two dozen yellow roses with a note apologizing for leaving the show, but his mother had just died and that was the reason. He could not listen to 'Mama'.
Oh, one other thing about Elvis. He was always such a gentleman. I have to say that. With me and with everyone else I've known."
(Source: USA Today / NPR / NY Times / Variety / Elvis Information Network)