In 1960, Connie Francis released a song that would soon become a hit, ‘My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own.’ Written by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller, the song was recorded by Francis over three sessions in Hollywood, with Jesse Kaye and Arnold Maxin producing and Gus Levene arranging and conducting the orchestration.
Fast forward to today, 62 years later, and people are still listening and feeling the magic of the song. In the words of Lalhriatpuia Sailo, “After 62 years, we are still out here listening and feeling it. Art doesn’t die.” Ariki Padlie added, “What a voice. One of my mums fave artists…and mine.”
The song was a chart-topping success, hitting #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #11 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. It also reached #3 in Canada and the UK Singles charts. It has stayed relevant over the years, ranking #383 on the all-time US Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Connie Francis’s voice, backed by the soulful guitar and saxophone overdub by Artie Kaplan and Al Gorgoni, adds to the charm of the song. So it’s no wonder the YouTube comments are filled with admiration and love for the artist. One commenter, mashmakhan zp.ua, simply wrote, “BEAUTIFUL ! CONNIE FRANCIS FOREVER!”
As I watched the performance video, I was struck by the audience’s reaction to Francis’s performance. They were clapping and singing along, clearly enjoying every moment of the song. It’s easy to see why. Francis’s emotional delivery captures the song’s heart, conveying the message of love and loss in a way that resonates with everyone.
So, what was happening in the world during 1960? The world was undergoing tremendous change as the civil rights movement gained momentum, and the Cold War continued to cast a shadow over the world. Yet, despite the tensions, people found joy in music, and Francis was one artist who provided that joy.
If you want to experience the magic of a bygone era, I urge you to watch Connie Francis’s performance of ‘My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own.’ Then, share it with your friends, and spread the joy of this timeless classic. As Gary VanDecar, a self-proclaimed #1 fan of Francis, said, “God bless you, Connie Francis.” Because honestly, this song is a blessing to us all.
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