Connie Francis
What is her true Essence?


Essence….

What exactly does that mean? Well, the dictionary says (see below). So, this means that humans have a “thing” about them that makes up their “essence.”  Something uniquely, different about them, which makes them extinct?  What is exactly this “Essence” her fans find in Connie Francis?

Some of it, I can’t express with any words that do not sound completely corny or insane. So, I will simply define it as an “emotion or an experience that defies explanation, that must be felt to understand” (that is my meaning anyway, not found in any dictionary)

People, who have never met Connie, have similar, yet unique impressions of her. Others, who have briefly met her, have their own experience to speak from, which is unique. And then there are those who know her for years, but only kind of know her, then there are the people who really KNOW her, as she is off the stage, in her pajama’s and in front to the television, doing her favorite exercise, watching TV!

It is a matter of with whom you speak and the thoughts they have as to what you get on any given day.

I can only speak for myself, but I must admit, that I have biased opinions for this woman, which stem from my personal experiences, of which she was indirectly or directly in there some way. So, I won’t bore you with my perception.

I do however wish to share the opinions of others who expressed their opinions with us.
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Main Entry:

es·sence 
          Listen to the pronunciation of essence

 
Pronunciation:

\ˈe-sən(t)s\

 
Function:

noun

Etymology: Middle English essencia, from Latin essentia, from esse to be — more at is
 
Date: 14th century

1 a: the permanent as contrasted with the accidental element of being b: the individual, real, or ultimate nature of a thing especially as opposed to its existence <a painting that captures the essence of the land> c: the properties or attributes by means of which something can be placed in its proper class or identified as being what it is2: something that exists : entity3 a (1): a volatile substance or constituent (as of perfume) (2): a constituent or derivative possessing the special qualities (as of a plant or drug) in concentrated form ; also : a preparation of such an essence or a synthetic substitute b: odor, perfume4: one that possesses or exhibits a quality in abundance as if in concentrated form <she was the essence of punctuality>5: the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person <the essence of the issue>

in essence

: in or by its very nature : essentially, basically <was in essence an honest person>

of the essence

: of the utmost importance <time is of the essence>

Merriam -Webster.com (source)

I have a question for you. IF someone asked you this question, what would be your answer?

 Q: What is the true "Essence" of Connie Francis, to you?

A: humility, grace, sincerity, honesty. - Joe F, Illinois, USA

A: truly gifted , talent beautiful woman....just like Garland, shines with more talent in a hang nail, then some have in their whole body. - Joey J, N.J. USA

A: mine is a one-word answer: "EMOTION"  plain and simple... good or bad...  Connie feels things like no other human being... and I truly believe this is reflected in her work, her art.  Know what I mean... it has gripped ALL OF US in one way or another... - B. B. Canada and N.D. USA

A: Talent! Synonyms: 1. capability, gift, genius. - Charlie, Louisiana, USA

A: Emotion, Strength, Kindness, Beautiful Voice, Nice. - Linda T. Florida, USA

A: LOVE with a pure heart !!!!!!!! - Donna F. Ohio, USA

A: Connie has the voice of an angel, sent to us, with emotional & sadness in her voice, so versatile in what she can sing, Connie has made my life, so worthwhile, there is no one who can take her place. - Heather C in England

A: Connie is my key to happiness! - Raphael, Germany

A: to me Connie is a Classy, Humorous, woman with great dignity and beauty.  - Pat J in Canada

A: Elegance, thoughtfulness and of course, The Voice. - Chris in England

A: Essence of Connie = Humility, Humble, Purity, Love, Talent, Beauty, Emotion. - Don D N.Y. USA

A: Always when I'm sad and I think I must cry about something and I am worry :  Connie help me with her voice, her personality and the meaning of her songs to make me feel better. But on the other hand if I be happy, I like funny Songs from Connie. It's very difficult to explain this. Connie help me with her voice always and this is why I can't stop loving her. - Manni in Germany

A: Her amazing talent, inner strength and beauty, loving and generous heart. - Bonny D, Georgia, USA

A: Her voice touches my heart. Her beauty brightens my day. Her warmth, compassion and strength inspires me. - Ken K, NY, USA

A: She has humor, she is warm, her eyes are beautiful and she has the greatest voice ever. - Alie, Holland

A:  Beauty...Charm...Humor...Elegance...The ability to "take one away"...and of course that WONDERFUL voice!! Such PERFECTION!! - Sue, NY, USA

A: A. Survivor, Elegant, Honest, Emotion, Truthful, Humorous, Great Voice. - Linda R. Canada


A: Good topic. What is the essence of Connie Francis to me? Well, let's see. The answer could be as simple as saying the words "strength", "courage", "talent", "heart", and a thousand other such descriptive words. But, as all of us know, life is more complicated than that. Summing up anything with one word is, in my opinion, one dimensional. And Connie is certainly NOT one dimensional.

The essence of Connie Francis to me is something far deeper, and much more real and human than any one word could describe. When I see film of Connie as a young girl, I am always struck by her vibrant exuberance for life and the music she performed. I am reminded of how it was to be young and feel that same exuberance for life. I see a glow radiating from her, and of course, so did everyone else, and that is partly why she became our "sweetheart of Song". I have a personal belief that words are never enough. That is, words alone are insufficient to convey the true emotions we feel at any given time.

We struggle to communicate our feelings. To find words. Sometimes we can't. We just feel.

We all know of the traumas Connie endured in her life, and because she is famous those traumas became magnified in the public eye.

To me, the essence of Connie Francis is to be found in the choices she made thereafter. She could have chosen to become bitter, angry and hateful. But she did not. She could have chosen to never get on stage again and share smiles and happiness with ANY group of people ever again. But she did return.

She could've sunk into a drug and alcohol addicted lifestyle eventually ending in an untimely and tragic death.

But she chose life. She still radiates that glow even today, and she is still our "Sweetheart of Song".

The choices she made show us the true essence of Connie Francis. And if I attempt to describe it with the limitations of words, then I would have to say that essence is the complete beauty of a human being.

We all see during our lives the ugly side of the human race, but Connie shows us what true human beauty can be. And that is why, I believe, she has legions of fans around the world. Because while everyone might not be able to find the words to describe it, they certainly can feel it. - Larry, Nevada, USA
 



AWESOME, Larry...it is as if you read what I wrote about this topic, which led me to ask this question. I am doing a new page about the “Essence of Connie Francis,” and this pretty much sums it up. I think my best word to describe the true Essence of Connie Francis  would have to be "Endurance".

Today at 70 years old, she is a little weaker vocally, but she’s 70 years old, and been through hell, and had NO VOICE, [which was her identity] for several years. So, I think I speak for the masses of CF fans that just don’t care about that stuff, because when she walks on the stage, she gets a standing ovation! When she sings her hits, people stand and yell; like teenagers at the hop. When she is on that stage, her glow is visible; by the look in her eyes one can see that this display of emotion she is receiving is filling her heart, with the admiration and appreciation she feels from those people who sit in the seats and gratefully FEEL her true essence.

Thanks everyone for your answers.

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Connie sings: "Once Before I Go" Concetta Corp©  Remix by: Joe Falbo

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     Connie sings: "Once Before I Go"