IAP 339: Who's Connie Now?

The Italian American Podcast

Vanessa Racci, the beloved jazzy Italian, takes center stage as we paint vivid portraits of Italian American music icons Bobby Darin and Connie Francis. Our heart beats with excitement as Vanessa unveils her latest passion project, "Forbidden Love," a mini musical poised to captivate audiences with its debut at Yorktown Stage in Westchester, New York. She shares her journey and collaboration with the talented Charlie Romo, all while nestled in the historical backdrop of Little Italy, thanks to the encouragement of Dr. Joseph Schelsa. Together, they breathe new life into the compelling and overlooked love story of Darin and Francis, adding depth to their legacies. Our conversation celebrates the indomitable spirit of Connie Francis, exploring her touching embrace of her Italian roots through music, even as she navigated personal trials and the challenging dynamics of fame. Her father’s insistence on her mastering the accordion and the resulting success of "Who's Sorry Now?" serve as testament to her resilience and talent. We reflect on her extraordinary journey and ponder her mysterious exclusion from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Vanessa and I weave personal anecdotes that underscore the lasting impact of these musical greats, as we announce the ambitious plans to elevate their story from a mini musical to a grand Broadway spectacle. Music becomes the powerful thread connecting past and present, as we reminisce about the resonant beauty of Italian songs like "Non pensare a me" and "Al di là." These melodies carry the weight of family memories, driven by the emotive power of the Neapolitan cry and the unique vocal qualities that define Italian music. We further explore the nurturing of future Italian American talents, celebrating figures like Charlie Romo who is staring in this production with Vanessa, and discuss the discipline and talent required to excel as a singer. As we traverse through genres, with nods to jazz and R&B legends like Alicia Keys and Etta James, this episode becomes a rich tapestry of music's enduring influence on our lives and the vibrant legacy of Italian American contributions to the musical landscape. To find out about the performance see the links below! Get tickets at: https://www.yorktownstage.org/forbidden-love-the-love-story-of-bobby-darin-and-connie-francis/ Vaness's Website: https://vanessaracci.com/ Vanessa's socials Youtube: @vanessaracci Instagram: @vanessaracci X: @vanessaracci