Search - Connie Francis :: Sings Jewish Favorites

The finest singer of Yiddish is Italian

Allan G. | flushing, ny United States | 06/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been listening to Connie Francis since I was [...] when my Dad brought home Connie Francis' Jewish Favorites. The year was 1965 and we got our first console Zenith stereo. This started a Connie-fest at my house every Sunday when my grandparents, parents and brothers would listen to this phenomenal record that has always rated high amongst Jews and others alike. Connie found her audience with the her Jewish and Italian recordings. Recently, having lost my grandma and Dad I can attest that putting on Miss Francis' album is comparable to opening my family scrapbook. Today, my other half and Mom often listen to this album with our eyes filled with tears reacting to the accent, poignancy of Connie's expression and her intense sincerity. Connie, we also love your Italian albums and indeed you do not need to understand the language to appreciate a wonderful voice filled with that tear-like quality often compared with Miss Judy Garland. Today, 50 years of recordings and Miss Francis shines as bright today as ever. God Bless You and whether it is Mama or Mein Yiddishe Momme you have been blessed by God. Connie, we wish you the best and look forward when you return to the New York area soon. Keep singing, smiling and indeed how many stars have careers over half-a century long."

Yiddish, Hebrew, or English, she sounds good!

Bruce R. Gilson | Wheaton, MD United States | 04/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although the writer of the liner notes may not be aware of the difference between Yiddish and Hebrew, Connie Francis sings in both languages as well as English on this album (originally a 1961 LP). And she does a good job in all three languages. She does "Tzena, Tzena" in the original Hebrew, "Oyf'n Pripichuk" (a song I remember my father singing when I was a child) in Yiddish, "Hava Nagila" not only in the original Hebrew but with English lyrics (originally popularized by Betty Madigan) as well, and "The Anniversary Song" (originally written in English) in Yiddish. Altogether the usual dozen or so tracks that you would expect from an LP (as this was originally). And all sound very good.



Five stars for an Italian-American singer that can sing in Yiddish and Hebrew too!"