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Reuters
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Reuters
Connie Francis, US 'Stupid Cupid' pop singer, dies at 87
July 17 (Reuters) - Connie Francis, the American pop singer who topped the charts in the 1950s and 1960s with genre-spanning songs of youthful love and heartbreak, died on Wednesday night, her manager said. She was 87. Francis had been hospitalized earlier in July with severe pelvic pain, spending some time in intensive care, manager Ron Roberts said. He did not give the place or cause of death. With a powerful, clear voice that could be both peppy and plaintive, Francis sold tens of millions of records in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including the skittering lovesick hit "Stupid Cupid" and the lush, maudlin songs "Who's Sorry Now" and "Where the Boys Are." In 1960, when she was 21, she became the first woman to hold the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the release of "Everybody's Somebody's Fool." She went on to record the song in German – "Die Liebe ist ein seltsames Spiel" – and became a keen polyglot in the studio, releasing covers of her hits in Italian, Spanish and several other languages. Francis was born on Dec. 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, to Italian-American parents who named her Concetta Franconero. A talent scout in the 1950s urged her to change her stage name to something radio DJs might find simpler to pronounce. In her memoir, she describes her father, who scraped a living as a laborer in the shipyards and factories of New York, as the most powerful force throughout her life, helping her learn to play the accordion as a child. "I played the accordion the way I did everything else in life – with a vengeance!" she wrote. "Music became my sole focus in life." It was at his urging, Francis wrote, that she recorded what would become her first hit: "Who's Sorry Now" It was at her father's insistence that she stopped dating the singer Bobby Darin in the 1950s. She described not eloping with Darin as one of her life's greatest regrets. Earlier this year, her 1962 recording "Pretty Little Baby" became a viral sensation on the social media app TikTok, with users lip-syncing to it in videos seen by millions. She told People magazine she had forgotten she ever recorded the song. "To think that a song I recorded 63 years ago is touching the hearts of millions of people is truly awesome," she said. (This story has been refiled to remove the extraneous question mark in the song title 'Who's Sorry Now', in paragraphs 3 and 8)
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Connie Francis, US 'Stupid Cupid' pop singer, dies at 87
Singer Connie Francis with Peter Kraus in Vienna. About 1960. Photo: VOTAVA / IMAGNO / APA-PictureDesk via AFP Connie Francis, the American pop singer who topped the charts in the 1950s and 1960s with genre-spanning songs of youthful love and heartbreak, died on Wednesday night, her manager said. She was 87. Francis had been hospitalised earlier in July with severe pelvic pain, spending some time in intensive care, manager Ron Roberts said. He did not give the place or cause of death. Singer Connie Francis attends the Cousin Brucie Saturday Rock and Roll Party Live from the Silverball Pinball Museum on May 13, 2017 in Delray Beach, Florida. Photo: Mychal Watts / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP With a powerful, clear voice that could be both peppy and plaintive, Francis sold tens of millions of records in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including the skittering lovesick hit 'Stupid Cupid' and the lush, maudlin songs 'Who's Sorry Now?' and 'Where the Boys Are'. In 1960, when she was 21, she became the first woman to hold the No 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the release of 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool'. She went on to record the song in German 'Die Liebe ist ein seltsames Spiel' and became a keen polyglot in the studio, releasing covers of her hits in Italian, Spanish and several other languages. Francis was born on 12 December, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, to Italian-American parents who named her Concetta Franconero. A talent scout in the 1950s urged her to change her stage name to something radio DJs might find simpler to pronounce. In her memoir, she describes her father, who scraped a living as a labourer in the shipyards and factories of New York, as the most powerful force throughout her life, helping her learn to play the accordion as a child. "I played the accordion the way I did everything else in life with a vengeance!" she wrote. "Music became my sole focus in life." It was at his urging, Francis wrote, that she recorded what would become her first hit: 'Who's Sorry Now?' It was at her father's insistence that she stopped dating the singer Bobby Darin in the 1950s. She described not eloping with Darin as one of her life's greatest regrets. Earlier this year, her 1962 recording 'Pretty Little Baby' became a viral sensation on the social media app TikTok, with users lip-syncing to it in videos seen by millions. She told People magazine she had forgotten she ever recorded the song. "To think that a song I recorded 63 years ago is touching the hearts of millions of people is truly awesome," she said. - Reuters
BBC News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
KPop Demon Hunters: How the Netflix film became a global sensation
Since its release in June, KPop Demon Hunters has topped global Netflix charts and dominated global music charts – what's the secret to its extraordinary success? Whether you're a devoted K-pop fan or not, you may have heard of this new global sensation. The animated film KPop Demon Hunters has quickly become a worldwide hit, topping Netflix's global charts with more than 33 million views in just two weeks, reaching the top 10 in 93 countries (it's currently at number two globally). It has its own fan art and audiences around the world are already demanding a sequel. It's not just the film that's making waves. Since its release on 20 June, two fictional bands featured in the story – the righteous girl group Huntr/x and their rebellious counterparts Saja Boys – have dominated the global music charts, even surpassing K-pop powerhouses like BTS and Blackpink. Seven tracks from the film's soundtrack are now featured on the Billboard Hot 100. Their songs have risen to the top of Spotify's US chart, landing in the first and second spots. So, what's behind this extraordinary success and why does it resonate so strongly with global audiences? KPop Demon Hunters follows the story of Huntr/x, an all-female K-pop group (Rumi, Mira and Zoey) who double as secret guardians of the world. Beyond the glamour of the stage, these global superstars protect their fans from supernatural threats, squaring off against their villainous counterparts Saja Boys. This animated film blends action with a story about friendship, trust and staying true to your identity. With its dazzling visuals, slick action sequences, humour and a splash of fantasy, along with a universal message about self-discovery, it's easy to see the appeal. But it's the film's music that has been the key to its success. Maggie Kang, the Korean-Canadian co-director of the film, was apparently inspired by the K-pop idols she admired growing up. K-pop is the film's heartbeat. The group's music becomes a supernatural weapon that wards off dark forces. Each original track amplifies emotional moments. "Unlike other animated films, where songs are often added as a filler or commercial hook, the music here was woven into the narrative in a way that enhanced it rather than distracted," Lashai Ben Salmi, community leader with a focus on Korean culture in Europe, tells the BBC. "It gives the film a surprising level of maturity." Knowing how vital the soundtrack would be, directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans tapped into the expertise of seasoned K-pop producers. K-pop has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry, fuelled by a devoted global fanbase and known for its catchy, meticulously produced music, high-energy choreography and visually stunning music videos. "Because we wanted the music to be really incredible and really speak to the K-pop fans and be legitimately fit into the K-pop space, we felt that it was important to partner with a Korean label," Kang said during a Netflix press interview. The film was made possible with the help of top music producers, including Teddy Park, known for his work with Blackpink, and Grammy-winning Lindgren, who has worked with BTS and TWICE. Amanda Golka, a young content creator based in LA, tells the BBC that she isn't deeply into K-pop but has become obsessed with the film and the songs. "I have been blasting the soundtrack from Spotify every time I'm in the car" she says. "I always find it fascinating through different cultures the universal language that is music." Kim Youngdae, a music critic and ethnomusicologist specialising in K-pop, says that the series appeals even to those who have little interest in K-pop or are simply curious about it. "For the past 20 or 30 years, K-pop has really struggled to figure out how to naturally integrate into what we call the mainstream of pop culture, like in the US or the UK… because of the cultural barriers," he tells the BBC. "But animation is a very effective way to introduce unfamiliar cultures to mainstream platforms." Tradition meets trend Another key reason for the film's popularity is the world's growing familiarity with Korean culture. K-pop, K-film and K-dramas have already become mainstream in Western markets like the US, and this film reflects that cultural shift with remarkable authenticity. It carefully weaves in everyday elements of Korean life, especially around food and dining customs, which are an essential part of Korean culture. It also captures scenes from places like the ancient walls overlooking Seoul, Hanuiwon (traditional Korean medicine clinics), public bathhouses and the iconic Namsan Tower. These choices reflect a conscious effort to portray Korean culture beyond clichés and superficial imagery. It offers Korean viewers a rare sense of representation that feels both accurate and respectful. To achieve this level of authenticity, the production team travelled to South Korea and carried out extensive research into both traditional and modern aspects of Korean culture, from traditional clothing to the landmarks of Seoul. "We went to folk villages, we looked at what the bricks look like and how the streets are designed in Myeongdong. We took pictures because capturing the feeling is so important," Kang said. "We tried to make the movie feel as Korean as possible. And one way to do that was to, in every scene and every design aspect, add in Korean elements." One of the examples of this cultural sensitivity is in the animation itself. Although the characters speak English in the final version, the animators designed their mouth movements to match the shapes of Korean pronunciation. The characters' reactions are authentically Korean, and they also speak or sing some Korean words. "We animated the film with the idea that we wanted to make sure that all of those things sounded Korean, and that the reactions of the characters felt Korean too," Kang said. Moreover, the film vividly captures the unique culture of K-pop, immersing viewers in the world of fandom. It includes authentic details such as fan signing events, colourful light sticks, and Korean placards. The Huntr/x and Saja Boys perform perfectly synchronised dances – known as Kalgunmu in Korean. With its deep understanding of K-pop fan culture, the film invites audiences to connect with the characters as if they were real idols. More like this:• 10 of the best films to watch this July• Why original kids' films are flopping so badly• The dawn of a TV revolution "Because the concept was K-pop, it was able to include a wide range of K-pop bands. It's not about one particular group or one particular era - it's about the whole culture of K-pop," Kim said. "K-pop fans often focus on individual groups, but this film embraces the broader culture of K-pop as a whole." And the film creates a unique blend of traditional Korean culture with contemporary K-pop. The girl group Huntr/x's use of swords and fans recalls Korean shamans called Mudang, while their rivals the Saja Boys represent evil spirits dressed like the Korean Grim Reaper. Korean shamanism appears in symbolic elements like Dangsan trees (deified tree) and Dokkaebi (Korean goblins). Even the weapons draw on traditional Korean designs, while their stage backdrop features traditional Korean paintings. Two mascots: Derpy, a tiger, and Sussy, a magpie, hold special meaning in late Joseon folk tales, symbolising guardianship and good fortune. Beneath its vibrant surface, the film carries a universal message about characters who struggle with self-acceptance but ultimately reclaim their true identities. It's a coming-of-age journey that resonates across cultures. Even those unfamiliar with K-pop or Korean traditions can connect with its themes. "[It's about] self-acceptance" says Golka. "Your friends may not understand right away, but… they do love you and they will figure it out. I think that has really resonated with people." KPop Demon Hunters is available to stream on Netflix. -- For more Culture stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Lana Del Rey's Fan-Loved Album Mounts A Multi-Chart Comeback
Lana Del Rey's Ultraviolence returns to three U.K. charts, while Born to Die remains a mainstay ... More across five, climbing as high as No. 19 on vinyl. BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 31: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Lana Del Rey performs in concert during Primavera Sound Festival on May 31, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Xavi Torrent/Redferns) Born to Die is the album that keeps Lana Del Rey on charts all around the world consistently. Her debut project seems to never completely disappear from rankings in places like the United States and the United Kingdom, where it not only continues to rack up enough streams to appear on a tally or two, but also sells consistently. This week in the U.K., Del Rey claims a pair of successful albums, as Ultraviolence joins Born to Die on multiple tallies, mounting a surprise comeback. Ultraviolence Returns to Multiple Charts Del Rey pushes Ultraviolence onto three charts in the U.K. this frame, and the full-length didn't appear on any of them last week. At the moment, Ultraviolence shows up highest on the Official Physical Albums chart, where it lands at No. 88. The same project returns to the Official Albums Sales tally at No. 97 and barely makes it onto the main ranking of the most popular albums and EPs in the country, coming in at No. 99, in second-to-last place. No. 1 and Hundreds of Weeks on the Charts Ultraviolence has already ruled both the Official Albums chart and the Official Physical Albums ranking in the past, and it peaked at No. 5 on the list of the bestselling collections of any kind throughout the U.K. Del Rey has kept Ultraviolence on the Official Albums Sales tally for 91 weeks, while it has ranked as one of the bestselling physical projects for 121 frames. It's only managed 29 stays on the main albums list so far, but it adds to that sum every once in a while, and it was last seen on the Official Albums chart in January of this year. Born to Die Still Dominates Born to Die is still the big winner when it comes to Del Rey's catalog in the U.K. Even as Ultraviolence returns, its predecessor appears on five rankings, and it lives inside the top 40 on all of them. Born to Die improves its standing on all but the Official Albums Streaming chart, where it drops three spots to No. 34. That breakout set, which dropped in 2012 and turned Del Rey into a household name all around the world, currently sits highest on the Official Vinyl Albums tally, where it jumps from No. 33 to No. 19, as sales of the classic on wax have apparently grown considerably from one week to the next.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Mariah Carey's Christmas Classic Becomes A Bestseller Again — In July
Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' unexpectedly reenters two U.K. charts in July, ... More proving the song's evergreen popularity. Mariah Carey at LA Pride in the Park held at Los Angeles State Historic Park on June 10, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images) Mariah Carey's return to the top of charts around the world with 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' is expected every year. At this point, the tune is one of the most successful songs of all time and an annual favorite among countless millions who buy and stream it endlessly in December. While that composition's seasonal resurgence is anticipated every year, it's unusual to see it take place in the middle of summer, but that's exactly what has happened in the United Kingdom this week. 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' Rebounds Onto the Charts 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' returns to several rankings in the U.K. this frame. Carey's classic reenters the Official Vinyl Singles tally at No. 17 while breaking back in at No. 21 on the Official Physical Singles roster. The fact that a holiday single lives inside the top 40 on two sales charts in the middle of July speaks to Carey's popularity and the undying love that people have for 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' — and their willingness to purchase it on a physical format (especially vinyl) anytime it's available. 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' Has Hit No. 1 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' has spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Official Physical Singles chart throughout its lifetime. The track reached the top position early in 2020 as the 2019 holiday season was coming to an end. It then returned to the summit last December. The same cut has yet to rule the Official Vinyl Singles tally, but it's come very close. 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' peaked at No. 2 in December 2024, when it returned to that list for the first time in well over a year. Mariah Carey's Odd Journey on the Charts in 2025 The song has spent much of 2025 falling off both the Official Physical Singles and Official Vinyl Singles charts, only to return after a short break. The tune has already spent nearly 20 weeks on the physical ranking, and it's nearing double-digit frames on the vinyl-only list in this year alone. The cut could continue this on-again, off-again relationship with the sales tallies, or it may soon disappear — but it's all but guaranteed to mount yet another comeback when Christmastime rolls around again, as the public just can't seem to get enough of what has turned out to be the biggest hit in Carey's celebrated catalog.
