My #2 female singer.

The breadth of her talent is staggering to me.

Here are 4 amazing tracks that demonstrate:

"All The Love In The World"

This tune grabbed me the first time I heard it; it's never let go. It's the way I feel right now.






"Stupid Cupid"

Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield got the break they needed; it was also a perfect example of how a vocalist can elevate a song ("the thing that bothers me is that I like it fine!") This is a masterpiece of expression.





"Lipstick On Your Collar"

"Lipstick" is an historic record: 1/2 of the first record in music history by a female artist, where each side was certified a million seller. "Lipstick" is my favorite Connie Francis recording. A huge portion of the record is the extended guitar break, a complete counter-melody. My all-time favorite guitar break on any recording. (Eric Clapton was also impressed.) Not by a rock guitar god, but by George Barnes, a New York studio musician (jazz player). I've seen only one live version of "Lipstick" that includes the guitar break. (By a Korean band, and it was beautifully played!) It's not that easy to play.





"Swanee"

To me, this is the definitive version of the George Gershwin standard. The band leader (arranger) is Richard Wess, the man who arranged "Mack The Knife" for Bobby Darin. To say that this is a busy arrangement is an understatement of epic proportions! In spite of it all, Connie perseveres, rendering a brilliant vocal! Finally, exasperated, she speaks. She is rewarded (drowned out) by a machine gun drum coda! This one makes me smile or laugh every time I hear it! BTW, this was recorded about a year after "Lipstick"! Think about it.




Finally, each of us, (you and me) owe Connie Francis a debt of gratitude for our safety, if we travel and stay in a motel / hotel!