Connie Francis has been pleasantly surprised by the sudden resurgence of her 1962 song ‘Pretty Little Baby’ on TikTok. The 87-year-old pop pioneer, who had almost forgotten about the song herself, now finds it to be the most popular tune on the social media platform. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, she expressed her amazement and delight at how a song she recorded 63 years ago has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world.
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Born in 1960, Connie Francis made history by becoming the first woman to achieve a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and now she is making waves on TikTok. Despite her extensive catalogue of hits such as “Stupid Cupid” and “Who’s Sorry Now,” “Pretty Little Baby” was never released as a single until now. The song has garnered over 10 billion views on TikTok, claiming the top spots on both the Viral 50 and Top 50 charts.
In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Francis admitted, “To tell you the truth, I didn’t even remember the song! I had to listen to it to remember. To think that a song I recorded 63 years ago is touching the hearts of millions of people is truly awesome. It is an amazing feeling.” The unexpected popularity of the track on TikTok has garnered attention from celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and North West, who have all shared their own interpretations of the song.
While Francis herself is not an active TikTok user, she has expressed openness to collaborating with creators on the platform. She believes that the song’s innocent and pure nature resonates with audiences, especially in today’s chaotic world. Despite retiring from the music industry in 2018, Francis is humbled by the continued success of her music and the impact it has on a new generation of listeners.
Reflecting on her early career, Francis recounted the pivotal moment when she recorded “Who’s Sorry Now” in just one take. The song, originally written in 1923, was a turning point for her, catapulting her to stardom. With 15 Top 10 hits in the following years and a global reach that included recording in multiple languages, Francis solidified her status as a music icon.
Since retiring, Francis has made South Florida her home, where she enjoys spending time with friends and playing Scrabble. Despite a hip injury that has temporarily confined her to a wheelchair, she looks forward to healing and attending the Broadway musical “Just in Time,” based on the life of her former partner, Bobby Darin. The unexpected resurgence of “Pretty Little Baby” on TikTok has brought an unexpected but fulfilling conclusion to Francis’ storied career.
The TikTok revival of Connie Francis’ music serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of her songs and the lasting impact she has had on the music industry. As a pioneering female artist in the ’60s, Francis broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of musicians. Her humility and gratitude towards her fans, both old and new, highlight the enduring legacy of a true music legend.
In conclusion, the resurgence of “Pretty Little Baby” on TikTok has brought Connie Francis back into the spotlight, reminding fans of her extraordinary talent and contribution to the music world. With her indelible mark on the industry, Francis continues to inspire and captivate audiences, proving that great music transcends time and generations.