Connie Francis' 'Pretty Little Baby' became an unexpected TikTok hit — 63 years after its release
Context:
Connie Francis, a renowned pop singer from the 1950s and '60s, experienced a revival of her song 'Pretty Little Baby' on TikTok, just before her death at 87. Released in 1962, the song became a viral sensation with over 22.5 million TikTok videos and 45.5 billion views globally. The song's simplistic charm resonated with users, leading to a significant increase in audio streams and covers as part of a singing challenge. Francis joined TikTok to engage with the newfound interest, expressing amazement at the song's resurgence after decades of obscurity. Her passing was marked by tributes from fans and friends, with her music legacy celebrated by a new generation, prompting her label to reissue the song in multiple languages.
Dive Deeper:
Connie Francis, who passed away at 87, saw her 1962 song 'Pretty Little Baby' become a viral hit on TikTok, with millions of videos and billions of views, capturing the interest of celebrities and general users alike.
The song's wholesome simplicity and sweet vocals made it a favorite on the platform, leading to a dramatic increase in streams, growing from 17,000 in April to 2.4 million the following month, marking a 7,000% rise.
TikTok users have embraced the song by creating videos featuring baby animals, toddlers, and retro fashion, and have also started a singing challenge that exaggerates Francis' vocal style.
Connie Francis herself joined TikTok, expressing surprise and gratitude for the song's renewed popularity, highlighting her amazement in her first video post, which garnered millions of views.
Despite its initial obscurity as a B-side track, 'Pretty Little Baby' achieved commercial success decades later, reaching Billboard's charts and prompting a multi-language reissue by her record label.
Tributes poured in from fans and artists on TikTok, with many recognizing her impact and the joy she felt from her music's resurgence, as noted by UMe's CEO in a statement mourning her passing.
Francis' viral success on TikTok not only introduced her music to a younger audience but also led to heartfelt acknowledgments from her peers and admirers, cementing her enduring legacy in pop music.