Connie Francis, an Italian American icon, deserves a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

r the Rock Hall to #LetHerIn. Italian American legend Connie Francis, known for her timeless ballads that once dominated the airwaves and now garner billions of views on TikTok, is a glaring omission from the esteemed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA) has launched a campaign to advocate for Francis’s induction, bringing attention to the disparity in representation of early female pop vocalists and girl groups in the Hall of Fame. ISDA National President Basil Russo emphasizes the significance of Francis’s cultural impact and pioneering success as one of the first female pop superstars. Comparing her exclusion to the induction of Madonna in 2008, Russo argues that Francis’s omission is unjustifiable based on her monumental achievements. With over 200 million records sold worldwide, Francis holds the title of being the first woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 and was the top-selling female artist of the 1960s. Her music continues to resonate with audiences, as evidenced by the staggering 27 billion TikTok views of her songs and 53 chart hits on the Billboard Hot 100. ISDA is urging the public to reach out to the Rock Hall and advocate for the recognition that Connie Francis rightfully deserves.

Connie Francis, born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, to Italian immigrant parents, defied societal norms to pursue a career in music at a young age. Fluent in Italian and known for captivating audiences since the age of 4, Francis rose to fame in 1958 with the hit song “Who’s Sorry Now?” From there, she continued to break barriers, becoming the first woman to reach the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool.” Her trailblazing career saw her headlining major tours across the globe, recording in multiple languages, starring in Hollywood musicals, and even performing for royalty. By the 1960s, Francis had not only achieved international stardom but also became a symbol of Italian American pride.

In her passing at the age of 87 in Pompano Beach, Florida, Francis left behind a legacy that continues to captivate audiences across generations. Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), a member of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations, along with COPOMIAO, are leading the charge for Francis’s rightful place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As advocates for Italian American culture, these organizations are committed to ensuring that Francis’s contributions to the music industry are duly recognized and celebrated. Join the cause and support the campaign to #LetHerIn by adding your voice to the movement for Connie Francis’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.