Annette Kleinbard, a talented individual who would later adopt the stage name Carol Connors, came into the world on November 13, 1941, in the charming city of New Brunswick, situated in the state of New Jersey, USA.
Carol's remarkable journey as a singer began during her teenage years, which marked the inception of her illustrious music career. Her extraordinary talent was swiftly recognized, ultimately culminating in her appointment as the lead vocalist of the renowned pop trio, The Teddy Bears. The group's meteoric rise to fame was largely attributed to their chart-topping hit single, "To Know Him is to Love Him", released in 1958. This timeless ballad showcased Carol's extraordinary vocal prowess, effortlessly captivating the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide. What's more, the song was penned specifically for Carol by the illustrious music producer, Phil Spector, underscoring her status as a muse and a true icon in the music industry.
Carol's multifaceted impact on the music industry is a testament to her remarkable talent and dedication.
As a member of the influential rock band The Teddy Bears, Carol's creative genius and innovative spirit played a significant role in shaping the group's distinctive sound.
However, Carol's contributions to the music industry extend far beyond her work with The Teddy Bears. Her impressive repertoire includes co-writing the iconic hit song "Hey Little Cobra" for The Rip Chords, a testament to her unique ability to craft infectious and memorable melodies.
This groundbreaking achievement not only cemented Carol's status as a trailblazing female songwriter but also earned her the distinction of being the only woman to have co-written a hit song for The Rip Chords.
Moreover, Carol's impressive oeuvre also includes the yuletide hot-rod song "Santa's Got a Cobra" for the same group, a festive and energetic tune that showcases her remarkable versatility and creativity.
Through her work with The Teddy Bears and her collaborations with other notable artists, Carol has left an indelible mark on the music industry, solidifying her position as a respected and celebrated figure in the world of rock 'n' roll.
Carol's musical endeavors during the 1960s were marked by a diverse range of songs, featuring collaborations with her sister Cheryl on the duet "Go Go G.T.O", as well as the solo tracks "Yum Yum Yamaha" and "A Swingin' Summer".
However, it is her work as a songwriter that truly stands out, with her most notable credit being the Academy Award-nominated theme "Gonna Fly Now" for the 1976 film Rocky, a cinematic masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
Carol's illustrious music career has traversed a considerable span of time, with a plethora of soundtrack contributions to a diverse array of films, including the 1981 cinematic masterpiece "Butterfly", the 1980 psychological thriller "Fade to Black", the 1980 environmental drama "The Earthling", the 1977 drama "Looking for Mr. Goodbar", the 1977 animated adventure "The Rescuers", and the 1977 action-thriller "Orca".
Furthermore, Carol has also had the distinction of co-writing themes for a pair of prominent television shows, specifically the 1984 reality television series "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" and the 1983 talent show competition "Star Search".
Carol's illustrious career as a performer has afforded her the esteemed opportunity to sing the national anthem at numerous high-profile events, underscoring her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft.
As a socially conscious individual, Carol has been deeply committed to various charitable endeavors, occupying a seat on the board of the esteemed Connie Stevens CES Foundation, a organization dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children. Her philanthropic pursuits have also led her to join the Friars Charitable Foundation, a respected organization dedicated to supporting a wide range of charitable initiatives.
Since 2001, Carol has served as a celebrity ambassador for Childhelp USA, a prominent organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, providing vital support to children and families affected by these devastating issues. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, Carol has made a significant impact in the lives of countless individuals, inspiring hope and positivity wherever she goes.
Carol's most cherished and deeply personal musical composition, a song that holds a special place in her heart, is undoubtedly "With You I'm Born Again", a phenomenal duet that she had the immense pleasure of collaborating on with the illustrious Billy Preston and the talented Syreeta Wright, which catapulted to immense popularity in the year 1980, leaving an indelible mark on the music world.
