She was born Francesca Natividad on February 13, 1948, in Juarez, Mexico just across the Rio Grande from El Paso. She is the oldest of nine siblings. Yes Natividad is her real last name. Her mom gave birth when she was just 16, at home, with her grandmother as midwife.

It was 1969 and soon after an introduction to the owner of a Pasadena-based club called Gianone’s, she made her dancing debut. Very nervous, she concentrated on her dancing while oblivious to everything going on around her. When she finished, the crowd clapped and howled, while throwing money on the stage. The roar would grow so load, it could be heard two blocks away! And she liked it! Before long she was working a couple of clubs a night.