Connie Francis became the leading female vocalist of her day,

 amassing records sales to equal and surpass 

those of many of her male contemporaries.

 Early Rock and Roll is strikingly devoid of women artists.

 A rare few, such as Zola Taylor of the Platters, 

were successful, but only as part of predominantly male groups.

 Connie Francis paved the way for

all the other female solo artists to come.