Jump to content

Harry Connick Jr.: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Updating his tabs for American Idol, plus adding his time as a main judge on Australian Idol 2023
 
(46 intermediate revisions by 27 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Outdated as of|year=2023|month=September}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Harry Connick Jr.
| name = Harry Connick Jr.
| image = Harry Connick, Jr. 2014.jpg
| image = Harry Connick Jr 2024.jpg
| caption = Connick in April 2014
| caption = Connick in 2023 / Photo by Georgia Connick
| birth_name = Joseph Harry Fowler Connick Jr.
| birth_name = Joseph Harry Fowler Connick Jr.
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1967|09|11}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1967|09|11}}
Line 22: Line 21:
| background = solo_singer
| background = solo_singer
| instruments = {{hlist|Vocals|piano}}
| instruments = {{hlist|Vocals|piano}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Traditional pop music|Traditional pop]]|[[easy listening]]|[[big band]]|[[jazz-funk]]|[[jazz]]|[[show tune]]s|[[swing music|swing]]|[[blue-eyed soul]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Traditional pop]]|[[easy listening]]|[[big band]]|[[jazz-funk]]|[[jazz]]|[[show tune]]s|[[swing music|swing]]|[[blue-eyed soul]]}}
| label = {{hlist|Adco Productions|[[Columbia Records]]|[[Verve Records|Verve]]|[[Marsalis Music]]}}
| label = {{hlist|[[Columbia Records]]|[[Verve Records|Verve]]|[[Marsalis Music]]}}
| website = {{URL|harryconnickjr.com}}
| website = {{URL|harryconnickjr.com}}
}}
}}
}}
}}


'''Joseph Harry Fowler Connick Jr.'''<ref name="nightline">{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=6443202&page=1 |title=Nightline Playlist: Harry Connick Jr. |last=Hapton |work=[[ABC News]] |first=Deborah |date=December 12, 2008 |access-date=December 20, 2012 |archive-date=December 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214043930/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id%3D6443202%26page%3D1 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> (born September 11, 1967)<ref name="nightline" /> is an American singer, pianist, composer, actor, and former television host. As of 2019, he has sold over 30 million records worldwide.<ref name="Group 2019">{{cite web | last=Group | first=Verve Label | title=Harry Connick, Jr. Announces New Album True Love: A Celebration Of Cole Porter | website=PR Newswire | date=2019-08-09 | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harry-connick-jr-announces-new-album-true-love-a-celebration-of-cole-porter-300899248.html | access-date=2023-02-07}}</ref> Connick is ranked among the top{{nbsp}}60 [[List of best-selling music artists in the United States|best-selling]] male artists in the United States by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]], with 16{{nbsp}}million in [[RIAA certification|certified]] sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=tblTopArt&action= |title=Top Selling Artists |work=RIAA |access-date=August 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725020825/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=tblTopArt&action= |archive-date=July 25, 2013 }}</ref> He has had seven top{{nbsp}}20 US albums, and ten number-one US jazz albums, earning more number-one albums than any other artist in U.S. jazz chart history as of 2009.<ref>[https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/268970/chart-beat-black-eyed-peas-hello-goodbye-keith-urban Chart Beat], ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', April 9, 2009</ref>
'''Joseph Harry Fowler Connick Jr.'''<ref name="nightline">{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=6443202&page=1 |title=Nightline Playlist: Harry Connick Jr. |last=Hapton |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |first=Deborah |date=December 12, 2008 |access-date=December 20, 2012 |archive-date=December 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214043930/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id%3D6443202%26page%3D1 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> (born September 11, 1967)<ref name="nightline" /> is an American singer, pianist, composer, actor, and former television host. As of 2019, he has sold over 30 million records worldwide.<ref name="Group 2019">{{cite web | last=Group | first=Verve Label | title=Harry Connick, Jr. Announces New Album True Love: A Celebration Of Cole Porter | website=PR Newswire | date=2019-08-09 | url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harry-connick-jr-announces-new-album-true-love-a-celebration-of-cole-porter-300899248.html | access-date=2023-02-07}}</ref> Connick is ranked among the top{{nbsp}}60 [[List of best-selling music artists in the United States|best-selling]] male artists in the United States by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]], with 16{{nbsp}}million in [[RIAA certification|certified]] sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=tblTopArt&action= |title=Top Selling Artists |work=RIAA |access-date=August 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725020825/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=tblTopArt&action= |archive-date=July 25, 2013 }}</ref> He has had seven top{{nbsp}}20 U.S. albums, and ten number-one U.S. jazz albums, earning more number-one albums than any other artist in U.S. jazz chart history as of 2009.<ref>[https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/268970/chart-beat-black-eyed-peas-hello-goodbye-keith-urban Chart Beat], ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', April 9, 2009</ref>


Connick's best-selling album in the United States is his [[Christmas]] album ''[[When My Heart Finds Christmas]]'' (1993). His highest-charting album is ''[[Only You (Harry Connick Jr. album)|Only You]]'' (2004), which reached No.{{nbsp}}5 in the US and No.{{nbsp}}6 in [[England|Britain]]. He has won three [[Grammy Awards]] and two [[Emmy Awards]]. He played [[Leo Markus]], the husband of [[Grace Adler]] (played by [[Debra Messing]]) on the NBC sitcom ''[[Will & Grace]]'' from 2002 to 2006.
Connick's best-selling album in the United States is his [[Christmas]] album ''[[When My Heart Finds Christmas]]'' (1993). His highest-charting album is ''[[Only You (Harry Connick Jr. album)|Only You]]'' (2004), which reached No.{{nbsp}}5 in the U.S. and No.{{nbsp}}6 in [[England|Britain]]. He has won three [[Grammy Awards]] and two [[Emmy Awards]]. He played [[Leo Markus]], the husband of [[Grace Adler]] (played by [[Debra Messing]]) on the NBC sitcom ''[[Will & Grace]]'' from 2002 to 2006.


Connick began his acting career playing a tail gunner in the [[World War II]] film ''[[Memphis Belle (film)|Memphis Belle]]'' (1990). He played a serial killer in ''[[Copycat (1995 film)|Copycat]]'' (1995) before being cast as a fighter pilot in the blockbuster ''[[Independence Day (1996 film)|Independence Day]]'' (1996). Connick's first role as a leading man was in ''[[Hope Floats]]'' (1998) with [[Sandra Bullock]]. He also lent his voice to the animated cult classic ''[[The Iron Giant]]'' (1999). His first thriller film since ''Copycat'' was ''[[Basic (film)|Basic]]'' (2003) with [[John Travolta]]. Additionally, he played a violent ex-husband in ''[[Bug (2006 film)|Bug]]'', and was in two romantic comedies: ''[[P.S. I Love You (film)|P.S. I Love You]]'' (2007), and ''[[New in Town]]'' (2009) with [[Renée Zellweger]]. He was the leading man. In 2011, he appeared in the family film ''[[Dolphin Tale]]'' as Dr. Clay Haskett and in its [[Dolphin Tale 2|2014 sequel]].
Connick began his acting career playing a tail gunner in the [[World War II]] film ''[[Memphis Belle (film)|Memphis Belle]]'' (1990). He played a serial killer in ''[[Copycat (1995 film)|Copycat]]'' (1995) before being cast as a fighter pilot in the blockbuster ''[[Independence Day (1996 film)|Independence Day]]'' (1996). Connick's first role as a leading man was in ''[[Hope Floats]]'' (1998) with [[Sandra Bullock]]. He also lent his voice to the animated cult classic ''[[The Iron Giant]]'' (1999). His first thriller film since ''Copycat'' was ''[[Basic (film)|Basic]]'' (2003) with [[John Travolta]]. Additionally, he played a violent ex-husband in ''[[Bug (2006 film)|Bug]]'', and was in two romantic comedies: ''[[P.S. I Love You (film)|P.S. I Love You]]'' (2007), and ''[[New in Town]]'' (2009) with [[Renée Zellweger]]. He was the leading man. In 2011, he appeared in the family film ''[[Dolphin Tale]]'' as Dr. Clay Haskett and in its [[Dolphin Tale 2|2014 sequel]].


==Early life==
==Early life==
Harry Connick Jr. was born and raised in [[New Orleans]].<ref name="ibdb">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibdb.com/person.asp?id=47302 |title=Internet Broadway Database: Harry Connick, Junior. Credits on Broadway |publisher=[[Internet Broadway Database]] |access-date=July 2, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070419212430/http://ibdb.com/person.asp?ID=47302 |archive-date=April 19, 2007 }}</ref> His mother, Anita Frances Livingston (née Levy),<ref name=fid1>Stated on ''Finding Your Roots'', PBS, March 25, 2012</ref> was a lawyer and judge in New Orleans. His father, [[Harry Connick Sr.]], who was the [[district attorney]] of [[Orleans Parish]] from 1973 to 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/60/Harry-Connick-Jr.html |title=Harry Connick Jr. Biography at FilmReference.com |publisher=Filmreference.com |access-date=July 25, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.law.tulane.edu/tlsNews/newsItem.aspx?id=1422 |title=Tulane Law School Establishes Scholarship Honoring Harry Connick and the late Anita Connick |publisher=Law.tulane.edu |date=January 6, 2004 |access-date=July 25, 2010}}</ref> He has an older sister named Suzanna.<ref>{{cite web |title=this is Suzanna Jamison, MD, FACP - she joined the army 35 years ago and was recently promoted to Colonel in the United States Army Reserve. and, in case you didn't know... SHE'S MY BIG SISTER. i'm posting this because i am beyond proud of her. i love you, sis. ❤️❤️❤️ #usa #usarmy #proud #hero |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B3p3MmEpSTg/?hl=en |website=instagram.com}}</ref>
Harry Connick Jr. was born and raised in [[New Orleans]].<ref name="ibdb">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibdb.com/person.asp?id=47302 |title=Internet Broadway Database: Harry Connick, Junior. Credits on Broadway |publisher=[[Internet Broadway Database]] |access-date=July 2, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070419212430/http://ibdb.com/person.asp?ID=47302 |archive-date=April 19, 2007 }}</ref> His mother, Anita Frances Livingston (née Levy),<ref name=fid1>Stated on ''Finding Your Roots'', PBS, March 25, 2012</ref> was a lawyer and judge in New Orleans. His father, [[Harry Connick Sr.]] (1926–2024), was the [[district attorney]] of [[Orleans Parish]] from 1973 to 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.law.tulane.edu/tlsNews/newsItem.aspx?id=1422 |title=Tulane Law School Establishes Scholarship Honoring Harry Connick and the late Anita Connick |publisher=Law.tulane.edu |date=January 6, 2004 |access-date=July 25, 2010}}</ref> He has an older sister named Suzanna.<ref>{{cite web |title=this is Suzanna Jamison, MD, FACP - she joined the army 35 years ago and was recently promoted to Colonel in the United States Army Reserve. and, in case you didn't know... SHE'S MY BIG SISTER. i'm posting this because i am beyond proud of her. i love you, sis. ❤️❤️❤️ #usa #usarmy #proud #hero |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B3p3MmEpSTg/?hl=en |website=instagram.com}}</ref>


His parents also owned a [[phonograph record|record]] store. Connick's father was a Roman Catholic of Northern Irish descent,<ref>[http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2009/02/02/2_NEW_CONNICK.ART_ART_02-02-09_D4_4DCOCL7.html Musician balancing his work as actor|The Columbus Dispatch]. Dispatch.com (February 2, 2009). Retrieved on May 8, 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/harry-connick-jr-proud-of-his-co-down-roots-28734758.html|title=Harry Connick Jr proud of his Co Down roots|date=April 6, 2012|access-date=September 10, 2020|work=[[Belfast Telegraph]]}}</ref> while his mother, who died of [[ovarian cancer]] when he was 13 years old, was Jewish and from New York;<ref name="nyref1">{{cite news |last=Feher |first=Heather |title=Connick Is Mr. Right for 'Grace' |publisher=Zap2it |date=September 26, 2002 |url=http://www.silligirl.com/zap2it/bl11.php |access-date=December 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716071146/http://www.silligirl.com/zap2it/bl11.php|archive-date=July 16, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Vogue">Stephanie Mansfield, [http://www.connick.com/hcjr/pages/articles/publications/vogue0498.shtml "Deconstructing Harry"], ''[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]'', April 1998: pp. 211, 214, 216; online posting, ''connick.com''. Retrieved July 17, 2007.</ref><Ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/celebrity/harry-connick-jr-opens-up-about-the-death-of-his-mom/|title=Harry Connick Jr. Says Losing His Mom at Age 13 Was 'Unquestionably the Hardest Thing That's Ever Happened to Me'|first=Danielle|last=Anderson|publisher=People|date=September 16, 2016|accessdate=January 26, 2024}}</ref> his part-Jewish heritage would later inspire him to play Jewish doctor Leo on ''[[Will & Grace]]''.<ref name="nyref1" /> In addition to his career as a prosecutor, Connick Sr. also had a career performing weekly gigs at [[French Quarter]] Clubs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/harry-connick-sr-dead-97-c4dda4469c7b4fbfb4c1773fc17ea6c2|title=Harry Connick Sr., longtime New Orleans district attorney and singer’s dad, dies at 97|publisher=Associated Press|date=January 25, 2024|accessdate=January 26, 2024}}</ref> Connick and his sister, Suzanna, were raised in the [[Lakeview, New Orleans|Lakeview]] neighborhood of New Orleans.<ref name="billb" /> Harry Connick began learning to play keyboards at age three, playing publicly at age five, and recording with a local jazz band when he was ten.<ref name=billb>{{cite news |last=Beuttler |first=Bill |title=When Harry Met Stardom |work=Music |publisher=American Way |date=August 1, 1990 |url=http://billbeuttler.com/work41.htm |access-date=October 2, 2007}}</ref> At nine years old, Connick performed [[Beethoven]]'s [[Piano Concerto No. 3 (Beethoven)|Piano Concerto No. 3 Opus 37]] with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra (now the [[Louisiana Philharmonic]]).
His parents also owned a [[phonograph record|record]] store. Connick's father was a Roman Catholic of Northern Irish descent,<ref>[http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2009/02/02/2_NEW_CONNICK.ART_ART_02-02-09_D4_4DCOCL7.html Musician balancing his work as actor|The Columbus Dispatch]. Dispatch.com (February 2, 2009). Retrieved on May 8, 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/harry-connick-jr-proud-of-his-co-down-roots-28734758.html|title=Harry Connick Jr proud of his Co Down roots|date=April 6, 2012|access-date=September 10, 2020|work=[[Belfast Telegraph]]}}</ref> while his mother, who died of [[ovarian cancer]] when he was 13 years old, was [[Jewish]] and from New York;<ref name="nyref1">{{cite news |last=Feher |first=Heather |title=Connick Is Mr. Right for 'Grace' |publisher=Zap2it |date=September 26, 2002 |url=http://www.silligirl.com/zap2it/bl11.php |access-date=December 24, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716071146/http://www.silligirl.com/zap2it/bl11.php|archive-date=July 16, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Vogue">Stephanie Mansfield, [http://www.connick.com/hcjr/pages/articles/publications/vogue0498.shtml "Deconstructing Harry"], ''[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]'', April 1998: pp. 211, 214, 216; online posting, ''connick.com''. Retrieved July 17, 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/celebrity/harry-connick-jr-opens-up-about-the-death-of-his-mom/|title=Harry Connick Jr. Says Losing His Mom at Age 13 Was 'Unquestionably the Hardest Thing That's Ever Happened to Me'|first=Danielle|last=Anderson|publisher=People|date=September 16, 2016|accessdate=January 26, 2024}}</ref> his part-Jewish heritage would later inspire him to play Jewish doctor Leo on ''[[Will & Grace]]''.<ref name="nyref1" /> In addition to his career as a prosecutor, Connick Sr. also had a career performing weekly gigs at [[French Quarter]] Clubs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/harry-connick-sr-dead-97-c4dda4469c7b4fbfb4c1773fc17ea6c2|title=Harry Connick Sr., longtime New Orleans district attorney and singer's dad, dies at 97|publisher=Associated Press|date=January 25, 2024|accessdate=January 26, 2024}}</ref> Connick and his sister, Suzanna, were raised in the [[Lakeview, New Orleans|Lakeview]] neighborhood of New Orleans.<ref name="billb" /> Harry Connick began learning to play keyboards at age three, playing publicly at age five, and recording with a local jazz band when he was ten.<ref name=billb>{{cite news |last=Beuttler |first=Bill |title=When Harry Met Stardom |work=Music |publisher=American Way |date=August 1, 1990 |url=http://billbeuttler.com/work41.htm |access-date=October 2, 2007}}</ref> At nine years old, Connick performed [[Beethoven]]'s [[Piano Concerto No. 3 (Beethoven)|Piano Concerto No. 3 Opus 37]] with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra (now the [[Louisiana Philharmonic]]).


Later he played a duet with [[Eubie Blake]] at the Royal Orleans Esplanade Lounge in New Orleans. The song was "[[I'm Just Wild About Harry]]". It was recorded for a [[Japanese language|Japanese]] documentary called ''Jazz Around the World''.<ref name="billb" /><ref>{{cite web|title=MDHS Eubie Blake Collection, Other items, Harry just wild about song, Eubie |url=http://www.mdhs.org/eubieblake/subs/detail.asp?cat=Other&id=419 |website=Internet Archive Wayback Machine/Maryland Historical Society |access-date=June 1, 2016 |date=16 December 2004 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041216230152/http://www.mdhs.org/eubieblake/subs/detail.asp?cat=Other&id=419 |archive-date=December 16, 2004 |df=mdy }}</ref> The clip was also shown in a [[Bravo (US TV channel)|Bravo]] special called ''Worlds of Harry Connick, Junior.'' in 1999. His musical talents were developed at the [[New Orleans Center for Creative Arts]] and under the tutelage of [[Ellis Marsalis Jr.]] and [[James Booker]].<ref>{{cite news|title=James Booker: New Orleans Piano Wizard; 25 Years Gone|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/sal-nunziato/james-booker-new-orleans_b_141712.html|access-date=November 24, 2018|newspaper=The Huffington Post|date=November 6, 2008|author=Sal Nunziato}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Playlist – Review: 'Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius Of James Booker' An Ordinary Doc About An Extraordinary Musician|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/review-bayou-maharajah-the-tragic-genius-of-james-booker-20130729|work=Indiewire|publisher=A SnagFilms Co|access-date=November 24, 2018|author=KEVIN JAGERNAUTH|date=July 30, 2013}}</ref>
Later he played a duet with [[Eubie Blake]] at the Royal Orleans Esplanade Lounge in New Orleans. The song was "[[I'm Just Wild About Harry]]". It was recorded for a [[Japanese language|Japanese]] documentary called ''Jazz Around the World''.<ref name="billb" /><ref>{{cite web|title=MDHS Eubie Blake Collection, Other items, Harry just wild about song, Eubie |url=http://www.mdhs.org/eubieblake/subs/detail.asp?cat=Other&id=419 |website=Internet Archive Wayback Machine/Maryland Historical Society |access-date=June 1, 2016 |date=16 December 2004 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041216230152/http://www.mdhs.org/eubieblake/subs/detail.asp?cat=Other&id=419 |archive-date=December 16, 2004 |df=mdy }}</ref> The clip was also shown in a [[Bravo (US TV channel)|Bravo]] special called ''Worlds of Harry Connick, Junior.'' in 1999. His musical talents were developed at the [[New Orleans Center for Creative Arts]] and under the tutelage of [[Ellis Marsalis Jr.]] and [[James Booker]].<ref>{{cite news|title=James Booker: New Orleans Piano Wizard; 25 Years Gone|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/sal-nunziato/james-booker-new-orleans_b_141712.html|access-date=November 24, 2018|newspaper=The Huffington Post|date=November 6, 2008|author=Sal Nunziato}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Playlist – Review: 'Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius Of James Booker' An Ordinary Doc About An Extraordinary Musician|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/review-bayou-maharajah-the-tragic-genius-of-james-booker-20130729|work=Indiewire|publisher=A SnagFilms Co|access-date=November 24, 2018|author=KEVIN JAGERNAUTH|date=July 30, 2013}}</ref>
Line 43: Line 42:
Connick attended [[Jesuit High School (New Orleans)|Jesuit High School]], [[Isidore Newman School]], Lakeview School, and the [[New Orleans Center for Creative Arts]]; they are all in New Orleans. After an unsuccessful attempt studying jazz at [[Loyola University New Orleans]] as well as giving recitals in the classical and jazz piano programs at Loyola, he left the city. He lived at the [[92nd Street Y|92nd Street YMHA]] in [[New York City]] while he was a student at [[Hunter College]] and the [[Manhattan School of Music]].
Connick attended [[Jesuit High School (New Orleans)|Jesuit High School]], [[Isidore Newman School]], Lakeview School, and the [[New Orleans Center for Creative Arts]]; they are all in New Orleans. After an unsuccessful attempt studying jazz at [[Loyola University New Orleans]] as well as giving recitals in the classical and jazz piano programs at Loyola, he left the city. He lived at the [[92nd Street Y|92nd Street YMHA]] in [[New York City]] while he was a student at [[Hunter College]] and the [[Manhattan School of Music]].


There he met [[Columbia Records]] executive, George Butler, who persuaded him to sign with Columbia. His first record, ''[[Harry Connick Jr. (album)|Harry Connick Jr.]]'', was mainly an album of instrumental standards. He soon acquired a reputation in jazz because of his regular performances at various high-profile New York City venues. His next album, ''[[20 (Harry Connick Jr. album)|20]]'', featured vocals and added to his success.
There he met [[Columbia Records]] executive George Butler, who persuaded him to sign with the label. His first record, ''[[Harry Connick Jr. (album)|Harry Connick Jr.]]'', was mainly an album of instrumental standards. He soon acquired a reputation in jazz because of his regular performances at various high-profile New York City venues. His next album, ''[[20 (Harry Connick Jr. album)|20]]'', featured vocals and added to his success.


== Career ==
== Career ==
Line 71: Line 70:
In March 2001, Connick starred in a television production of ''[[South Pacific (2001 film)|South Pacific]]'' with [[Glenn Close]]; it was televised on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] network. He also starred in ''[[Mickey (2004 film)|Mickey]]'', a movie; [[John Grisham]] wrote the screenplay. In October 2001, he released two albums: ''[[Songs I Heard]]'', featuring big band re-workings of children's show themes, and ''[[30 (Harry Connick Jr. album)|30]]'', featuring Connick on piano with guest appearances by several musical artists. ''Songs I Heard'' won Connick a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Album; he toured performing songs from the album, holding matinees. At the performances each parent in attendance had to be accompanied by a child.
In March 2001, Connick starred in a television production of ''[[South Pacific (2001 film)|South Pacific]]'' with [[Glenn Close]]; it was televised on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] network. He also starred in ''[[Mickey (2004 film)|Mickey]]'', a movie; [[John Grisham]] wrote the screenplay. In October 2001, he released two albums: ''[[Songs I Heard]]'', featuring big band re-workings of children's show themes, and ''[[30 (Harry Connick Jr. album)|30]]'', featuring Connick on piano with guest appearances by several musical artists. ''Songs I Heard'' won Connick a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Album; he toured performing songs from the album, holding matinees. At the performances each parent in attendance had to be accompanied by a child.


In 2002, he received a {{US patent|6348648}} for a "system and method for coordinating music display among players in an orchestra."<ref name="Connick">{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/patents?vid=USPAT6348648 |title=System and method for coordinating music display among players in an orchestra |access-date=August 17, 2015}}</ref> Connick appeared as Grace Adler's boyfriend and later husband, Leo Markus on the [[NBC]] sitcom ''[[Will & Grace]]'' from 2002 to 2006.
In 2002, he received a {{US patent|6348648}} for a "system and method for coordinating music display among players in an orchestra."<ref name="Connick">{{cite web |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US6348648 |title=System and method for coordinating music display among players in an orchestra |access-date=August 17, 2015}}</ref> Connick appeared as Grace Adler's boyfriend and later husband, Leo Markus on the [[NBC]] sitcom ''[[Will & Grace]]'' from 2002 to 2006.


=== 2003–2005: ''Connick on Piano'' and ''Only You'' ===
=== 2003–2005: ''Connick on Piano'' and ''Only You'' ===
Line 98: Line 97:
Connick starred in the Broadway revival of ''[[On a Clear Day You Can See Forever]]'', which opened at the [[St. James Theatre]] in November 2011 in previews.<ref>Jones, Kenneth.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/152282-On-a-Clear-Day-Will-Rise-at-Broadways-St-James-Theatre-Nov-12-Harry-Connick-Jr-Stars "On a Clear Day Will Rise at Broadway's St. James Theatre Nov. 12; Harry Connick Jr. Stars"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701100518/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/152282-On-a-Clear-Day-Will-Rise-at-Broadways-St-James-Theatre-Nov-12-Harry-Connick-Jr-Stars |date=July 1, 2011 }} ''Playbill'', June 29, 2011</ref> It closed in January 2012, after 29 previews and 57 performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/on-a-clear-day-you-can-see-forever-490538|website=IBDB|title=On a Clear Day You Can See Forever|accessdate=February 9, 2022}}</ref>
Connick starred in the Broadway revival of ''[[On a Clear Day You Can See Forever]]'', which opened at the [[St. James Theatre]] in November 2011 in previews.<ref>Jones, Kenneth.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/152282-On-a-Clear-Day-Will-Rise-at-Broadways-St-James-Theatre-Nov-12-Harry-Connick-Jr-Stars "On a Clear Day Will Rise at Broadway's St. James Theatre Nov. 12; Harry Connick Jr. Stars"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701100518/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/152282-On-a-Clear-Day-Will-Rise-at-Broadways-St-James-Theatre-Nov-12-Harry-Connick-Jr-Stars |date=July 1, 2011 }} ''Playbill'', June 29, 2011</ref> It closed in January 2012, after 29 previews and 57 performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/on-a-clear-day-you-can-see-forever-490538|website=IBDB|title=On a Clear Day You Can See Forever|accessdate=February 9, 2022}}</ref>


Connick appeared on the May 4, 2010, episode of ''[[American Idol]]'' [[American Idol (season 9)|season 9]], where he acted as a mentor for the top 5 finalists. He appeared again the next night on May 5 to perform "And I Love Her".
Connick appeared on the May 4, 2010, episode of ''[[American Idol]]'' [[American Idol (season 9)|season 9]], where he acted as a mentor for the top 5 finalists. He appeared again the next night on May 5 to perform "And I Love Her". In 2011, he appeared in the family film ''[[Dolphin Tale]]'' as Dr. Clay Haskett and in its [[Dolphin Tale 2|2014 sequel]].


=== 2012–2019: ''Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and'' ''Every Man Should Know'' ===
=== 2012–2019: ''Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'', ''Harry'', and ''Every Man Should Know'' ===
On January 6, 2012, [[NBC]] president Robert Greenblatt announced at the [[Television Critics Association]] winter press tour that Connick had been cast in a four-episode arc of NBC's long-running legal drama, ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]'' as new Executive ADA, [[David Haden]], a prosecutor who is assigned a case with [[Olivia Benson|Detective Olivia Benson]] ([[Mariska Hargitay]]).
On January 6, 2012, [[NBC]] president Robert Greenblatt announced at the [[Television Critics Association]] winter press tour that Connick had been cast in a four-episode arc of NBC's long-running legal drama ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]'' as new Executive ADA, [[David Haden]], a prosecutor who is assigned a case with [[Olivia Benson|Detective Olivia Benson]] ([[Mariska Hargitay]]).


On June 11, 2013, Connick released a new album of all original music titled ''Every Man Should Know''. Connick debuted the title track live on May 2, 2013, episode of ''[[American Idol]]'' and appeared on ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]'' the following week to discuss his new project. A 2013 US summer tour was announced in support of the album.
On June 11, 2013, Connick released a new album of all original music titled ''Every Man Should Know''. Connick debuted the title track live on the May 2, 2013, episode of ''[[American Idol]]'' and appeared on ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]'' the following week to discuss his new project. A 2013 US summer tour was announced in support of the album.


Connick returned to ''American Idol'' to mentor the top four of [[American Idol (season 12)|season 12]]. He performed "Every Man Should Know" on the results show the following night.<ref>[http://tvline.com/2013/05/02/american-idol-top-4-results-recap-amber-kree-david-cook/ American Idol Top 4 Results Recap (Redux): Don't Know Why...There's No Sun Up in the Sky] TV Line, Retrieved August 31, 2013</ref> Connick was on the judging panel for seasons [[American Idol (season 13)|13]],<ref>[http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/09/03/american-idol-jennifer-lopez-harry-connick-jr/ Official: J. Lo and Harry Connick Jr. join 'American Idol'] Entertainment Weekly, Retrieved September 3, 2013</ref> [[American Idol (season 14)|14]] and [[American Idol (season 15)|15]] of ''American Idol'', airing in 2014 to 2016.
Connick returned to ''American Idol'' to mentor the top four of [[American Idol (season 12)|season 12]]. He performed "Every Man Should Know" on the results show the following night.<ref>[http://tvline.com/2013/05/02/american-idol-top-4-results-recap-amber-kree-david-cook/ American Idol Top 4 Results Recap (Redux): Don't Know Why...There's No Sun Up in the Sky] TV Line, Retrieved August 31, 2013</ref> Connick was on the judging panel for seasons [[American Idol (season 13)|13]],<ref>[http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/09/03/american-idol-jennifer-lopez-harry-connick-jr/ Official: J. Lo and Harry Connick Jr. join 'American Idol'] Entertainment Weekly, Retrieved September 3, 2013</ref> [[American Idol (season 14)|14]] and [[American Idol (season 15)|15]] of ''American Idol'', airing in 2014 to 2016.


''[[Angels Sing]]'', a family Christmas movie released in November 2013 by [[Lionsgate]], afforded Connick an onscreen collaboration with fellow musician [[Willie Nelson]]. The two wrote a special song exclusively for the movie. Shot in [[Austin, Texas]], ''Angels Sing'' features actor/musicians [[Connie Britton]], [[Lyle Lovett]], and [[Kris Kristofferson]] and is directed by [[Tim McCanlies]], who previously worked with Connick in The Iron Giant.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/film-review-when-angels-sing-1200007499/ |title=SXSW Review 'When Angels Sing' |date=March 12, 2013}}</ref>
''[[Angels Sing]]'', a family Christmas movie released in November 2013 by [[Lionsgate]], afforded Connick an onscreen collaboration with fellow musician [[Willie Nelson]]. The two wrote a special song exclusively for the movie. Shot in [[Austin, Texas]], ''Angels Sing'' features actor/musicians [[Connie Britton]], [[Lyle Lovett]], and [[Kris Kristofferson]] and is directed by [[Tim McCanlies]], who previously worked with Connick in ''The Iron Giant''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/film-review-when-angels-sing-1200007499/ |title=SXSW Review 'When Angels Sing' |date=March 12, 2013}}</ref>


A one-hour weekday daytime talk show starring Connick called ''[[Harry (talk show)|Harry]]'' debuted on September 12, 2016.
A one-hour weekday daytime talk show starring Connick called ''[[Harry (talk show)|Harry]]'' debuted on September 12, 2016. The series ran until May 23, 2018. Connick was nominated for a [[Daytime Emmy Awards|Daytime Emmy]] as Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host for both years of the show.<ref>{{cite web| website=IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6002946/reference/| title=Harry|accessdate=July 4, 2024}}</ref>


In January 2019, it was announced that Connick was hired by piano instruction software company Playground Sessions as a video instructor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/talkingtech/2019/01/21/harry-connick-jr-playground-sessions-app/2586733002/ |title=Harry Connick Jr. has a new gig: piano teacher on Playground Sessions app|website=Usatoday.com |date=2019-01-21 |access-date=2019-03-07}}</ref>
In January 2019, it was announced that Connick was hired by piano instruction software company Playground Sessions as a video instructor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/talkingtech/2019/01/21/harry-connick-jr-playground-sessions-app/2586733002/ |title=Harry Connick Jr. has a new gig: piano teacher on Playground Sessions app|website=Usatoday.com |date=2019-01-21 |access-date=2019-03-07}}</ref>


On October 25, 2019, he released a new album of Cole Porter compositions rearranged by Connick himself from Porter's The Great American Songbook including “Anything Goes” and “You Do Something To Me.” After selecting the songs, and writing and orchestrating the arrangements, he assembled and conducted the orchestra which features his longtime touring band with additional horns and a full string section. Along with his album, Connick announced his return to Broadway on September 16, 2019, with ''Harry Connick Jr. — A Celebration of Cole Porter'', a multimedia celebration of the Cole Porter songbook. The production was conceived and directed by Connick himself with the addition of theatrical and film elements accompanied by a company of dancers and an onstage orchestra.
On October 25, 2019, he released a new album of [[Cole Porter]] compositions rearranged by Connick himself, including “[[Anything Goes (Cole Porter song)|Anything Goes]]” and “[[You Do Something to Me (Cole Porter song)|You Do Something To Me]].” After selecting the songs, and writing and orchestrating the arrangements, he assembled and conducted the orchestra which features his longtime touring band with additional horns and a full string section. Along with his album, Connick announced his return to Broadway on September 16, 2019, with ''Harry Connick Jr. — A Celebration of Cole Porter'', a multimedia celebration of the Cole Porter songbook. The production was conceived and directed by Connick himself with the addition of theatrical and film elements accompanied by a company of dancers and an onstage orchestra.


=== 2020–present: ''Alone With My Faith and'' ''Annie'' ===
=== 2020–present: ''Alone With My Faith and'' ''Annie'' ===
Harry released his new album ''Alone With My Faith'' on March 19, 2021. With the Coronavirus pandemic casting a long shadow in 2020, Connick retreated to his home studio during the lockdown and emerged with an album of new music. He arranged all of the songs, played every instrument, and sang every part. In addition to the familiar, traditional songs, Connick wrote and recorded new tracks that tell the story of his experience coping during lockdown and feeling the full spectrum of emotions that came with it. Both the album cover and the music videos for “Amazing Grace” and “Alone With My Faith” were conceived and directed by Harry's daughter Georgia Connick. ''Alone With My Faith'' earned Connick his 16th career GRAMMY nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album as part of the 64th annual GRAMMY awards.
Harry released his new album ''Alone With My Faith'' on March 19, 2021. With the [[Coronavirus]] pandemic casting a long shadow in 2020, Connick retreated to his home studio during the lockdown and emerged with an album of new music. He arranged all of the songs, played every instrument, and sang every part. In addition to the familiar, traditional songs, Connick wrote and recorded new tracks that tell the story of his experience coping during lockdown and feeling the full spectrum of emotions that came with it. Both the album cover and the music videos for “Amazing Grace” and “Alone With My Faith” were conceived and directed by Harry's daughter Georgia Connick. ''Alone With My Faith'' earned Connick his 16th career GRAMMY nomination for [[Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album|Best Roots Gospel Album]] as part of the 64th annual GRAMMY awards.


Harry joined the cast of [[Annie Live!]] as Sir Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks - opposite [[Taraji P. Henson]]'s devious Miss Hannigan. The live production aired December 2, 2021, on NBC and also coincided with the release of the Annie Live! Cast Album – the original soundtrack of the NBC television event.
Harry joined the cast of [[Annie Live!]] as [[Daddy Warbucks|Sir Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks]] - opposite [[Taraji P. Henson]]'s devious Miss Hannigan. The live production aired December 2, 2021, on NBC and also coincided with the release of the ''Annie Live! Cast Album'' – the original soundtrack of the NBC television event.


On 28 September 2022, Australia's [[Seven Network]] announced Connick Jr. would be a judge on the revival of ''[[Australian Idol]]'' in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|first=Pip|last=Christmass|url=https://7news.com.au/entertainment/australian-idol/superstar-judges-for-australian-idol-2023-unveiled-c-8373019.amp|title=Superstar judges for Australian Idol 2023 unveiled|date=28 September 2022|website=7news|access-date=28 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/09/kyle-harry-meghan-amy-to-judge-australian-idol.html|title=Kyle, Harry, Meghan & Amy to judge Australian Idol.|date=28 September 2022|website=TV Tonight|access-date=28 September 2022}}</ref>
On 28 September 2022, Australia's [[Seven Network]] announced Connick Jr. would be a judge on the revival of ''[[Australian Idol]]'' in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|first=Pip|last=Christmass|url=https://7news.com.au/entertainment/australian-idol/superstar-judges-for-australian-idol-2023-unveiled-c-8373019.amp|title=Superstar judges for Australian Idol 2023 unveiled|date=28 September 2022|website=7news|access-date=28 September 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/09/kyle-harry-meghan-amy-to-judge-australian-idol.html|title=Kyle, Harry, Meghan & Amy to judge Australian Idol.|date=28 September 2022|website=TV Tonight|access-date=28 September 2022}}</ref>
Line 164: Line 163:


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
On April 16, 1994, Connick married former [[Victoria's Secret]] model [[Jill Goodacre]], who is originally from Texas, at the [[St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans]]. She is the daughter of sculptor [[Glenna Goodacre]], originally from [[Lubbock, Texas|Lubbock]], and now [[Santa Fe, New Mexico]]. The song "Jill", on the album ''[[Blue Light, Red Light]]'' (1991) is about Goodacre. They have three daughters, Georgia Tatum (born 1996), Sarah Kate (born 1997), and Charlotte (born 2002). As of 2023 all the daughters are living in Australia.<ref>[https://www.mamamia.com.au/harry-connick-jr-daughters/ "Harry Connick Jr and his family relocated to Australia for a job. His daughters refuse to leave."], ''Mamamia'', December 4, 2023.</ref> The family have lived in both New Orleans and [[New Canaan, Connecticut]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2017 |title=Harry Connick Jr. Lists Connecticut Home for $7.5 Million - WSJ |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/harry-connick-jr-lists-connecticut-home-for-7-5-million-1497968644 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716025626/https://www.wsj.com/articles/harry-connick-jr-lists-connecticut-home-for-7-5-million-1497968644 |archive-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref>
On April 16, 1994, Connick married former [[Victoria's Secret]] model [[Jill Goodacre]], who is originally from Texas, at the [[St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans]]. She is the daughter of sculptor [[Glenna Goodacre]], originally from [[Lubbock, Texas|Lubbock]], and now [[Santa Fe, New Mexico]]. The song "Jill", on the album ''[[Blue Light, Red Light]]'' (1991) is about Goodacre. They have three daughters, Georgia Tatum (born 1996), Sarah Kate (born 1997), and Charlotte (born 2002). As of 2023 all the daughters are living in Australia.<ref>[https://www.mamamia.com.au/harry-connick-jr-daughters/ "Harry Connick Jr and his family relocated to Australia for a job. His daughters refuse to leave."], ''Mamamia'', December 4, 2023.</ref> The family has lived in both New Orleans and [[New Canaan, Connecticut]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2017 |title=Harry Connick Jr. Lists Connecticut Home for $7.5 Million - WSJ |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/harry-connick-jr-lists-connecticut-home-for-7-5-million-1497968644 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716025626/https://www.wsj.com/articles/harry-connick-jr-lists-connecticut-home-for-7-5-million-1497968644 |archive-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref>


Connick is a practicing [[Roman Catholic]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.harryconnickjr.com/news-press/detail.asp?type=news&id=53 |title=Harry Connick Jr. to perform during Papal visit |access-date=August 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010154540/http://www.harryconnickjr.com/news-press/detail.asp?type=news&id=53 |archive-date=October 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060202223546/http://www.geeky.net/images/webbadge.gif Archived copy] at [[WebCite]] (January 24, 2006).</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://new.us.music.yahoo.com/harry-connick-jr/news/harry-connick-on-holiday-tour--12174891 |title=Harry Connick on Holiday Tour |access-date=August 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526222644/http://new.us.music.yahoo.com/harry-connick-jr/news/harry-connick-on-holiday-tour--12174891 |archive-date=May 26, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/2009/harryconnickjr.html |title=5 Minutes with Harry Connick Jr. |work=Christianity Today |access-date=August 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903231735/http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/2009/harryconnickjr.html|archive-date=September 3, 2009 }}</ref> although he also identifies with his maternal Jewish heritage.<ref name="nyref1"/> Being of mixed racial heritage, Connick Jr. is considered to be a [[Creole people|Creole]]<ref name="Vogue" />
Connick is a practicing [[Roman Catholic]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.harryconnickjr.com/news-press/detail.asp?type=news&id=53 |title=Harry Connick Jr. to perform during Papal visit |access-date=August 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010154540/http://www.harryconnickjr.com/news-press/detail.asp?type=news&id=53 |archive-date=October 10, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060202223546/http://www.geeky.net/images/webbadge.gif Archived copy] at [[WebCite]] (January 24, 2006).</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://new.us.music.yahoo.com/harry-connick-jr/news/harry-connick-on-holiday-tour--12174891 |title=Harry Connick on Holiday Tour |access-date=August 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526222644/http://new.us.music.yahoo.com/harry-connick-jr/news/harry-connick-on-holiday-tour--12174891 |archive-date=May 26, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/2009/harryconnickjr.html |title=5 Minutes with Harry Connick Jr. |work=Christianity Today |access-date=August 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903231735/http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/interviews/2009/harryconnickjr.html|archive-date=September 3, 2009 }}</ref> although he also identifies with his maternal Jewish heritage.<ref name="nyref1"/> Connick, a Louisiana native of mixed Irish Catholic and Jewish heritage, has also been described as a [[Creole people|Creole]].<ref name="Vogue" />


In 2011, Harry wrote Kate's debut song "A Lot Like Me". The song was released to celebrate the debut of [[American Girl]]'s newest historical characters Cecile Rey and Marie Grace Gardner. "A Lot Like Me" is available on iTunes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marsalismusic.com/kate-connick|title=Kate Connick &#124; Marsalis Music|website=Marsalismusic.com}}</ref> The proceeds from "A Lot Like Me" went towards Ellis Marsalis Center for Music.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/08/12/harry-connick-jr-american-girl-new-orleans/|title=Harry Connick Jr. talks American Girl|website=Ew.com}}</ref>
In 2011, Harry wrote Kate's debut song "A Lot Like Me". The song was released to celebrate the debut of [[American Girl]]'s newest historical characters Cecile Rey and Marie Grace Gardner. "A Lot Like Me" is available on iTunes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marsalismusic.com/kate-connick|title=Kate Connick &#124; Marsalis Music|website=Marsalismusic.com}}</ref> The proceeds from "A Lot Like Me" went towards Ellis Marsalis Center for Music.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/08/12/harry-connick-jr-american-girl-new-orleans/|title=Harry Connick Jr. talks American Girl|website=Ew.com}}</ref>
Line 172: Line 171:
Connick is a supporter of hometown [[National Football League|NFL]] franchise [[New Orleans Saints]]. He was caught on camera at the [[Super Bowl XLIV]], which the Saints won, in [[Miami]] by the television crew of ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]'' during the post-game celebrations. [[Ellen DeGeneres|Ellen's]] mother Betty was on the sidelines watching the festivities when she spotted Connick in the stands sporting a [[Drew Brees]] jersey.<ref>{{cite news |title=Drew and Brittany Brees deliver Super Bowl tickets to Ellen DeGeneres' superfan mom |url=http://www.nola.com/tv/index.ssf/2010/01/drew_and_brittany_brees_delive.html |newspaper=[[The Times-Picayune]] |date=January 28, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn9YmXCC6JE | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601030336/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn9YmXCC6JE| archive-date=2015-06-01 | url-status=dead| title=YouTube: Mama Makes it to the Superbowl | work=youtube.com | access-date=January 28, 2016}}</ref>
Connick is a supporter of hometown [[National Football League|NFL]] franchise [[New Orleans Saints]]. He was caught on camera at the [[Super Bowl XLIV]], which the Saints won, in [[Miami]] by the television crew of ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]'' during the post-game celebrations. [[Ellen DeGeneres|Ellen's]] mother Betty was on the sidelines watching the festivities when she spotted Connick in the stands sporting a [[Drew Brees]] jersey.<ref>{{cite news |title=Drew and Brittany Brees deliver Super Bowl tickets to Ellen DeGeneres' superfan mom |url=http://www.nola.com/tv/index.ssf/2010/01/drew_and_brittany_brees_delive.html |newspaper=[[The Times-Picayune]] |date=January 28, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn9YmXCC6JE | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601030336/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn9YmXCC6JE| archive-date=2015-06-01 | url-status=dead| title=YouTube: Mama Makes it to the Superbowl | work=youtube.com | access-date=January 28, 2016}}</ref>


Connick was arrested by the Port Authority Police in December 1992 and charged with having a 9{{nbsp}}mm pistol in his possession at [[JFK International Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/28/nyregion/harry-connick-arrested.html?scp=1&sq=Harry+Connick%2C+Jr.+arrest+gun&st=nyt |work=The New York Times |title=Harry Connick Arrested |date=December 28, 1992}}</ref> After he was in jail for a day, he agreed to make a public-service television commercial warning against carrying a pistol in New York City without a license. The court agreed to drop all charges if Connick stayed out of trouble for six months.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/1993-02-03/living/25955797_1_gun-charge-tax-shelters-country-star |title=Plea Bargain For Harry Connick Jr. On Gun Charge – Philly.com |publisher=Articles.philly.com |date=February 3, 1993 |access-date=February 6, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/28/nyregion/harry-connick-arrested.html |title=Harry Connick Arrested |newspaper=NYTimes.com |date=December 28, 1992 |access-date=August 17, 2015}}</ref>
Connick was arrested by the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department|Port Authority Police]] in December 1992 and charged with having a 9{{nbsp}}mm pistol in his possession at [[JFK International Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/28/nyregion/harry-connick-arrested.html?scp=1&sq=Harry+Connick%2C+Jr.+arrest+gun&st=nyt |work=The New York Times |title=Harry Connick Arrested |date=December 28, 1992}}</ref> After he was in jail for a day, he agreed to make a public-service television commercial warning against carrying a pistol in New York City without a license. The court agreed to drop all charges if Connick stayed out of trouble for six months.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/1993-02-03/living/25955797_1_gun-charge-tax-shelters-country-star |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031111943/http://articles.philly.com/1993-02-03/living/25955797_1_gun-charge-tax-shelters-country-star |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 31, 2011 |title=Plea Bargain For Harry Connick Jr. On Gun Charge – Philly.com |publisher=Articles.philly.com |date=February 3, 1993 |access-date=February 6, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/28/nyregion/harry-connick-arrested.html |title=Harry Connick Arrested |newspaper=NYTimes.com |date=December 28, 1992 |access-date=August 17, 2015}}</ref>


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
Line 259: Line 258:
| Voice only
| Voice only
|-
|-
| ''[[Wayward Son]]''
| ''[[Wayward Son (film)|Wayward Son]]''
| Jesse Banks Rhodes
| Jesse Banks Rhodes
|
|
Line 336: Line 335:
|
|
|-
|-
| TBA
| 2024
| ''[[The Islander (film)|The Islander]]''
| ''[[Find Me Falling]]''
| John Allman
|TBA
|
|
|}
|}
Line 391: Line 390:
| 2010
| 2010
| ''[[American Idol]]''
| ''[[American Idol]]''
| Himself – guest judge
| Himself – guest mentor
|
|
|-
|-
Line 401: Line 400:
| 2013
| 2013
| ''American Idol''
| ''American Idol''
| Himself – guest judge
| Himself – guest mentor
|
|
|-
|-
Line 407: Line 406:
| ''American Idol''
| ''American Idol''
| Himself – judge
| Himself – judge
| Seasons 13-15 with [[Jennifer Lopez]] and [[Keith Urban]]
| Seasons 13–15 with [[Jennifer Lopez]] and [[Keith Urban]]
|-
|-
| 2015
| 2015
Line 424: Line 423:
| Episode: "Kenny Can Wait"
| Episode: "Kenny Can Wait"
|-
|-
|2021
| rowspan="2" |2021
|''American Idol''
|''American Idol''
|Himself - guest performer
|Himself - guest performer
|Episode: Comeback Show
|Episode: Comeback Show
|-
|-
|2021
|''[[Annie Live!]]''
|''[[Annie Live!]]''
|[[Daddy Warbucks]]
|[[Daddy Warbucks]]
|Television special
|Television special
|-
| 2023
| ''Australian Idol''
| Himself - judge
| Season 8 with [[Kyle Sandilands]], [[Meghan Trainor]] and [[Amy Shark]]
|}
|}


Line 513: Line 516:
|-
|-
| 2020
| 2020
|''[[NFL Draft]]''
|''[[NFL draft|NFL Draft]]''
| Himself
| Himself
| Performed "The Star-Spangled Banner"
| Performed "The Star-Spangled Banner"
Line 531: Line 534:
==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* [http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/478/harry_connick_jr_connick_timing/ Harry Connick Jr. interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' November 2009]
* [http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/478/harry_connick_jr_connick_timing/ Harry Connick Jr. interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' November 2009]
* {{cite news |last=Eggar |first=Robin |title=When Harry met Katrina |work=The Times |date=September 30, 2007 |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2541258.ece |access-date=October 2, 2007 |location=London}}
* {{cite news |last=Eggar |first=Robin |title=When Harry met Katrina |work=The Times |date=September 30, 2007 |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2541258.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616141216/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2541258.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |access-date=October 2, 2007 |location=London}}
* "[http://www.abc.net.au/rn/musicshow/stories/2005/1414966.htm Harry Connick Jr. discusses playing, singing and arranging.]" [radio transcript]. 2005. ''The Music Show''. Presented by Andrew Ford.
* "[http://www.abc.net.au/rn/musicshow/stories/2005/1414966.htm Harry Connick Jr. discusses playing, singing and arranging.]" [radio transcript]. 2005. ''The Music Show''. Presented by Andrew Ford.
* [http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6348648.PN.&OS=PN/6348648&RS=PN/6348648/ Article on Connick's United States patent 6,348,648] for a "system and method for coordinating music display among players in an orchestra."
* [http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6348648.PN.&OS=PN/6348648&RS=PN/6348648/ Article on Connick's United States patent 6,348,648] for a "system and method for coordinating music display among players in an orchestra."
Line 565: Line 568:
[[Category:Harry Connick Jr.| ]]
[[Category:Harry Connick Jr.| ]]
[[Category:1967 births]]
[[Category:1967 births]]
[[Category:20th-century Jazz musicians from New Orleans]]
[[Category:21st-century Jazz musicians from New Orleans]]
[[Category:20th-century American male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century American male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century American singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:20th-century American singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:20th-century jazz composers]]
[[Category:20th-century American jazz composers]]
[[Category:20th-century Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:20th-century Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:21st-century American male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century American male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:21st-century jazz composers]]
[[Category:21st-century American jazz composers]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:American baritones]]
[[Category:American baritones]]
[[Category:American crooners]]
[[Category:American crooners]]
[[Category:American jazz bandleaders]]
[[Category:American jazz bandleaders]]
[[Category:American jazz composers]]
[[Category:American jazz pianists]]
[[Category:American jazz pianists]]
[[Category:American jazz singers]]
[[Category:American jazz singers]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:American male jazz composers]]
[[Category:American male jazz composers]]
[[Category:American male jazz musicians]]
[[Category:American male musical theatre actors]]
[[Category:American male musical theatre actors]]
[[Category:American male jazz pianists]]
[[Category:American male jazz pianists]]
Line 600: Line 603:
[[Category:Jazz musicians from New Orleans]]
[[Category:Jazz musicians from New Orleans]]
[[Category:Jazz-funk pianists]]
[[Category:Jazz-funk pianists]]
[[Category:Jewish American male actors]]
[[Category:Jewish American composers]]
[[Category:Jewish American composers]]
[[Category:Jewish jazz musicians]]
[[Category:Jewish American male actors]]
[[Category:Jewish American musicians]]
[[Category:Jewish American musicians]]
[[Category:Jesuit High School (New Orleans) alumni]]
[[Category:Jesuit High School (New Orleans) alumni]]

Latest revision as of 08:15, 17 November 2024

Harry Connick Jr.
Connick in 2023 / Photo by Georgia Connick
Born
Joseph Harry Fowler Connick Jr.

(1967-09-11) September 11, 1967 (age 57)
Occupations
  • Singer
  • composer
  • actor
  • television host
Years active1977–present
Spouse
(m. 1994)
Children3
FatherHarry Connick Sr.
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
Labels
Websiteharryconnickjr.com

Joseph Harry Fowler Connick Jr.[1] (born September 11, 1967)[1] is an American singer, pianist, composer, actor, and former television host. As of 2019, he has sold over 30 million records worldwide.[2] Connick is ranked among the top 60 best-selling male artists in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America, with 16 million in certified sales.[3] He has had seven top 20 U.S. albums, and ten number-one U.S. jazz albums, earning more number-one albums than any other artist in U.S. jazz chart history as of 2009.[4]

Connick's best-selling album in the United States is his Christmas album When My Heart Finds Christmas (1993). His highest-charting album is Only You (2004), which reached No. 5 in the U.S. and No. 6 in Britain. He has won three Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards. He played Leo Markus, the husband of Grace Adler (played by Debra Messing) on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace from 2002 to 2006.

Connick began his acting career playing a tail gunner in the World War II film Memphis Belle (1990). He played a serial killer in Copycat (1995) before being cast as a fighter pilot in the blockbuster Independence Day (1996). Connick's first role as a leading man was in Hope Floats (1998) with Sandra Bullock. He also lent his voice to the animated cult classic The Iron Giant (1999). His first thriller film since Copycat was Basic (2003) with John Travolta. Additionally, he played a violent ex-husband in Bug, and was in two romantic comedies: P.S. I Love You (2007), and New in Town (2009) with Renée Zellweger. He was the leading man. In 2011, he appeared in the family film Dolphin Tale as Dr. Clay Haskett and in its 2014 sequel.

Early life

Harry Connick Jr. was born and raised in New Orleans.[5] His mother, Anita Frances Livingston (née Levy),[6] was a lawyer and judge in New Orleans. His father, Harry Connick Sr. (1926–2024), was the district attorney of Orleans Parish from 1973 to 2003.[7] He has an older sister named Suzanna.[8]

His parents also owned a record store. Connick's father was a Roman Catholic of Northern Irish descent,[9][10] while his mother, who died of ovarian cancer when he was 13 years old, was Jewish and from New York;[11][12][13] his part-Jewish heritage would later inspire him to play Jewish doctor Leo on Will & Grace.[11] In addition to his career as a prosecutor, Connick Sr. also had a career performing weekly gigs at French Quarter Clubs.[14] Connick and his sister, Suzanna, were raised in the Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans.[15] Harry Connick began learning to play keyboards at age three, playing publicly at age five, and recording with a local jazz band when he was ten.[15] At nine years old, Connick performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 Opus 37 with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra (now the Louisiana Philharmonic).

Later he played a duet with Eubie Blake at the Royal Orleans Esplanade Lounge in New Orleans. The song was "I'm Just Wild About Harry". It was recorded for a Japanese documentary called Jazz Around the World.[15][16] The clip was also shown in a Bravo special called Worlds of Harry Connick, Junior. in 1999. His musical talents were developed at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and under the tutelage of Ellis Marsalis Jr. and James Booker.[17][18]

Connick attended Jesuit High School, Isidore Newman School, Lakeview School, and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts; they are all in New Orleans. After an unsuccessful attempt studying jazz at Loyola University New Orleans as well as giving recitals in the classical and jazz piano programs at Loyola, he left the city. He lived at the 92nd Street YMHA in New York City while he was a student at Hunter College and the Manhattan School of Music.

There he met Columbia Records executive George Butler, who persuaded him to sign with the label. His first record, Harry Connick Jr., was mainly an album of instrumental standards. He soon acquired a reputation in jazz because of his regular performances at various high-profile New York City venues. His next album, 20, featured vocals and added to his success.

Career

When Harry Met Sally..., success on charts and in movies

Connick's reputation was growing, and director Rob Reiner asked him to provide a soundtrack for his romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally... (1989), starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. The soundtrack consisted of several standards, including "It Had to Be You", "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "Don't Get Around Much Anymore". The soundtrack earned double-platinum status in the United States. Connick won his first Grammy Award for Best Jazz Male Vocal Performance for his work on the soundtrack.

Connick made his screen debut in Memphis Belle (1990), based on a true story about a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber crew in World War II. In that year, he began a two-year world tour. In addition, he released two albums in July 1990: the instrumental jazz trio album Lofty's Roach Souffle and a big-band album of mostly original songs titled We Are in Love, which also went double platinum. We Are in Love earned him his second consecutive Grammy for Best Jazz Male Vocal.

"Promise Me You'll Remember", his contribution to the Godfather III soundtrack, was nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award in 1991. In a year of recognition, he was also nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Performance in a Variety Special for his PBS special Swingin' Out Live, which was also released as a video. In October 1991, he released his third consecutive multi-platinum album, Blue Light, Red Light, on which he wrote and arranged the songs. Also in October 1991, he starred in Little Man Tate, directed by Jodie Foster, playing the friend of a child prodigy who goes to college.

In November 1992, Connick released 25, a solo piano collection of standards that again went platinum. He also re-released the album Eleven. Connick contributed "A Wink and a Smile" to the Sleepless in Seattle soundtrack, released in 1993. His multi-platinum album of holiday songs, When My Heart Finds Christmas, was the best-selling Christmas album in 1993.

Mid-1990s: funk

In 1994, Connick decided to branch out. He released She, an album of New Orleans funk that also went platinum. In addition, he released a song called "(I Could Only) Whisper Your Name" for the soundtrack of The Mask, starring Jim Carrey, which is his most successful single in the United States to date.[19]

Connick took his funk music on a tour of the United Kingdom in 1994, an effort that did not please some of his fans, who were expecting a jazz crooner. Connick also went on a tour of the People's Republic of China in 1995, playing at the Shanghai Center Theatre. The performance was televised live in China for what became known as the Shanghai Gumbo special. In his third film Copycat (1995), Connick played a serial killer who terrorizes a psychiatrist (played by Sigourney Weaver). The following year, he released his second funk album, Star Turtle, which did not sell as well as previous albums, although it did reach No. 38 on the charts. However, he appeared in the most successful movie of 1996,[20] Independence Day, with Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum.

Late 1990s: Jazz and Hope Floats

For his 1997 release To See You, Connick recorded original love songs, touring the United States and Europe with a full symphony orchestra backing him and his piano in each city. As part of his tour, he played at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway, with his final concert of that tour in Paris being recorded for a Valentine's Day special on PBS in 1998. He also continued his film career, starring in Excess Baggage (1997) opposite Alicia Silverstone and Benicio del Toro.

In May 1998, he had his first leading role in director Forest Whitaker's Hope Floats, with Sandra Bullock being the female lead. In 1999 he released Come By Me, his first album of big band music in eight years, and embarked on a world tour, visiting the United States, Europe, Japan, and Australia. In addition, he provided the voice of Dean McCoppin in the animated film The Iron Giant.

2000–2002: Broadway debut, musicals, Will & Grace

Connick wrote the score for Susan Stroman's Broadway musical Thou Shalt Not, based on Émile Zola's novel Thérèse Raquin which was written in 2000. The play premiered in 2001. His music and lyrics earned him a Tony Award nomination. He was also the narrator of the film My Dog Skip, released in that year.

In March 2001, Connick starred in a television production of South Pacific with Glenn Close; it was televised on the ABC network. He also starred in Mickey, a movie; John Grisham wrote the screenplay. In October 2001, he released two albums: Songs I Heard, featuring big band re-workings of children's show themes, and 30, featuring Connick on piano with guest appearances by several musical artists. Songs I Heard won Connick a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Album; he toured performing songs from the album, holding matinees. At the performances each parent in attendance had to be accompanied by a child.

In 2002, he received a U.S. patent 6,348,648 for a "system and method for coordinating music display among players in an orchestra."[21] Connick appeared as Grace Adler's boyfriend and later husband, Leo Markus on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace from 2002 to 2006.

2003–2005: Connick on Piano and Only You

In July 2003, Connick released his first instrumental album in fifteen years, Other Hours Connick on Piano Volume 1. It was released on Branford Marsalis' new label Marsalis Music leading to a short tour of nightclubs and small theaters. Connick appeared in the film Basic. In October 2003, he released his second Christmas album, Harry for the Holidays; it went gold and reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. He also had a television special on NBC featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, Marc Anthony, and Kim Burrell. Only You, his seventeenth album for Columbia Records, was released in February 2004. A collection of 1950s and 1960s ballads, Only You, was in the top ten on both sides of the Atlantic and was certified gold in the United States in March 2004. The Only You big band toured the U.S., Australia, with a few stops in Asia. Harry for the Holidays was certified platinum in November 2004.

A music DVD Harry Connick Jr.‍—‌"Only You" in Concert was released in March 2004, after it had first aired as a Great Performances special on PBS. The special won him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction. The DVD received a Gold & Platinum Music Video‍—‌Long Form awards from the RIAA in November 2005.

An animated holiday special, The Happy Elf aired on NBC in December 2005; Connick was the composer, the narrator, and one of the executive producers. The show was released on DVD soon afterwards. The holiday special was based on his original song The Happy Elf, from his 2003 album Harry for the Holidays. Another album from Marsalis Music was recorded in 2005, Occasion : Connick on Piano, Volume 2, a duo album with Harry Connick Jr. on piano and Branford Marsalis on saxophone. A music DVD, A Duo Occasion was filmed at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival 2005 in Canada; it was released in November 2005.

He appeared in another episode of the Will & Grace sitcom in November 2005, he was in three more episodes in 2006.

2006–2008: The Pajama Game, Bug, and P.S. I Love You

Harry Connick Junior in concert in Savannah, Georgia on February 27, 2007

Bug, a film directed by William Friedkin, is a psychological thriller filmed in 2005 starring Connick, Ashley Judd, and Michael Shannon. The film was released in 2007. He starred in the Broadway revival of The Pajama Game, produced by the Roundabout Theater Company, along with Michael McKean and Kelli O'Hara, at the American Airlines Theatre in 2006. It ran from February 23 to June 17, 2006; five benefit performances ran rom June 13 to 17. Connick's performance was highly acclaimed; David Rooney wrote in Variety, "With his handsome wholesomeness and those mellifluous Sinatra-esque pipes, it's hard to imagine a leading man more tailor-made for this 1954 show."[22] The Pajama Game cast recording was nominated for a Grammy, after being released as part of Connick's double disc album Harry on Broadway, Act I.

He hosted The Weather Channel's miniseries 100 Biggest Weather Moments which aired in 2007. He was part of the documentary Note by Note: The Making of Steinway L1037, released in November 2007. He sat in playing piano on Bob French's 2007 album Marsalis Music Honors Series: Bob French. He appeared in the film P.S. I Love You, released in December 2007.

The third album in the Connick on Piano series, Chanson du Vieux Carré was released in 2007, and Connick received two Grammy nominations for the track "Ash Wednesday" for the Grammy awards in 2008. Chanson du Vieux Carré was released simultaneously with the album Oh, My NOLA. He toured North America and Europe in 2007, and toured Asia and Australia in 2008 as part of his My New Orleans Tour. Connick wrote two songs and did the arrangements for Kelli O'Hara's album which was released in May 2008; he also sang a duet on the recording.[23] He was the featured singer at the Concert of Hope immediately preceding Pope Benedict XVI's mass at Yankee Stadium in April 2008. He had the starring role of Dr. Dennis Slamon in the Lifetime television film Living Proof (2008). His third Christmas album, What a Night!, was released in November 2008.

Connick has a vast knowledge of musical genres and vocalists, even gospel music. One of his favorite gospel artists is Stellar Award winner and Grammy nominated artist Kim Burrell of Houston. Chris Gray of the Houston Press said, "... when Harry Connick Jr. assembled a symphony orchestra for Pope Benedict XVI's appearance at Yankee Stadium in 2008, he wanted Burrell on vocals"[24]

2009–2011: New in Town and Your Songs

Harry Connick Junior and Renée Zellweger at the Rachael Ray show, January 30, 2009

The film New in Town starring Connick and Renée Zellweger began filming in January 2008; it was released in January 2009. Connick's album Your Songs was released on CD, September 22, 2009. In contrast to Connick's previous albums, this album is a collaboration with a record company producer, the multiple Grammy Award winning music executive Clive Davis.[25]

Connick starred in the Broadway revival of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, which opened at the St. James Theatre in November 2011 in previews.[26] It closed in January 2012, after 29 previews and 57 performances.[27]

Connick appeared on the May 4, 2010, episode of American Idol season 9, where he acted as a mentor for the top 5 finalists. He appeared again the next night on May 5 to perform "And I Love Her". In 2011, he appeared in the family film Dolphin Tale as Dr. Clay Haskett and in its 2014 sequel.

2012–2019: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Harry, and Every Man Should Know

On January 6, 2012, NBC president Robert Greenblatt announced at the Television Critics Association winter press tour that Connick had been cast in a four-episode arc of NBC's long-running legal drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as new Executive ADA, David Haden, a prosecutor who is assigned a case with Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay).

On June 11, 2013, Connick released a new album of all original music titled Every Man Should Know. Connick debuted the title track live on the May 2, 2013, episode of American Idol and appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show the following week to discuss his new project. A 2013 US summer tour was announced in support of the album.

Connick returned to American Idol to mentor the top four of season 12. He performed "Every Man Should Know" on the results show the following night.[28] Connick was on the judging panel for seasons 13,[29] 14 and 15 of American Idol, airing in 2014 to 2016.

Angels Sing, a family Christmas movie released in November 2013 by Lionsgate, afforded Connick an onscreen collaboration with fellow musician Willie Nelson. The two wrote a special song exclusively for the movie. Shot in Austin, Texas, Angels Sing features actor/musicians Connie Britton, Lyle Lovett, and Kris Kristofferson and is directed by Tim McCanlies, who previously worked with Connick in The Iron Giant.[30]

A one-hour weekday daytime talk show starring Connick called Harry debuted on September 12, 2016. The series ran until May 23, 2018. Connick was nominated for a Daytime Emmy as Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host for both years of the show.[31]

In January 2019, it was announced that Connick was hired by piano instruction software company Playground Sessions as a video instructor.[32]

On October 25, 2019, he released a new album of Cole Porter compositions rearranged by Connick himself, including “Anything Goes” and “You Do Something To Me.” After selecting the songs, and writing and orchestrating the arrangements, he assembled and conducted the orchestra which features his longtime touring band with additional horns and a full string section. Along with his album, Connick announced his return to Broadway on September 16, 2019, with Harry Connick Jr. — A Celebration of Cole Porter, a multimedia celebration of the Cole Porter songbook. The production was conceived and directed by Connick himself with the addition of theatrical and film elements accompanied by a company of dancers and an onstage orchestra.

2020–present: Alone With My Faith and Annie

Harry released his new album Alone With My Faith on March 19, 2021. With the Coronavirus pandemic casting a long shadow in 2020, Connick retreated to his home studio during the lockdown and emerged with an album of new music. He arranged all of the songs, played every instrument, and sang every part. In addition to the familiar, traditional songs, Connick wrote and recorded new tracks that tell the story of his experience coping during lockdown and feeling the full spectrum of emotions that came with it. Both the album cover and the music videos for “Amazing Grace” and “Alone With My Faith” were conceived and directed by Harry's daughter Georgia Connick. Alone With My Faith earned Connick his 16th career GRAMMY nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album as part of the 64th annual GRAMMY awards.

Harry joined the cast of Annie Live! as Sir Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks - opposite Taraji P. Henson's devious Miss Hannigan. The live production aired December 2, 2021, on NBC and also coincided with the release of the Annie Live! Cast Album – the original soundtrack of the NBC television event.

On 28 September 2022, Australia's Seven Network announced Connick Jr. would be a judge on the revival of Australian Idol in 2023.[33][34]

Touring Big Band members

The following musicians have toured as the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band since its inception in 1990:[35]

Connick and New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina

Connick at the New Orleans Jazz Fest 2007

Connick, a New Orleans native, is a founder of the Krewe of Orpheus which is a music-based New Orleans krewe. Its name is derived from Orpheus of classical mythology. The Krewe of Orpheus has parades on St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street in New Orleans on Lundi Gras (Fat Monday)‍—‌, which is the day before Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).

On September 2, 2005, Connick helped organize and appeared in the NBC-sponsored live telethon concert, A Concert for Hurricane Relief, for relief in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He spent several days touring the city to draw attention to the plight of citizens stranded at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and other places. At the concert he paired with host Matt Lauer and entertainers including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kanye West, Mike Myers, and John Goodman.

On September 6, 2005, Connick was made the honorary chair of Habitat for Humanity's Operation Home Delivery, a long-term rebuilding plan for families who survived Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast. His actions in New Orleans earned him a Jefferson Award for Public Service.

Connick's album Oh, My NOLA, and Chanson du Vieux Carré were released in 2007; a tour called the My New Orleans Tour followed.

Musicians' Village

Musicians' Village in New Orleans, August 20, 2007

Connick and Branford Marsalis devised an initiative to help restore New Orleans' musical heritage. Habitat for Humanity and New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, working with Connick and Marsalis announced on December 6, 2005, plans for a Musicians' Village in New Orleans. The Musicians' Village includes Habitat-constructed homes, with an Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, as the area's centerpiece. The Habitat-built homes provide musicians, and anyone else who qualifies, the opportunity to buy decent, affordable housing.

In 2012, Connick and Marsalis received the S. Roger Horchow Award for Greatest Public Service by a Private Citizen, an award given out annually by Jefferson Awards.[36]

Personal life

On April 16, 1994, Connick married former Victoria's Secret model Jill Goodacre, who is originally from Texas, at the St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans. She is the daughter of sculptor Glenna Goodacre, originally from Lubbock, and now Santa Fe, New Mexico. The song "Jill", on the album Blue Light, Red Light (1991) is about Goodacre. They have three daughters, Georgia Tatum (born 1996), Sarah Kate (born 1997), and Charlotte (born 2002). As of 2023 all the daughters are living in Australia.[37] The family has lived in both New Orleans and New Canaan, Connecticut.[38]

Connick is a practicing Roman Catholic,[39][40][41][42] although he also identifies with his maternal Jewish heritage.[11] Connick, a Louisiana native of mixed Irish Catholic and Jewish heritage, has also been described as a Creole.[12]

In 2011, Harry wrote Kate's debut song "A Lot Like Me". The song was released to celebrate the debut of American Girl's newest historical characters Cecile Rey and Marie Grace Gardner. "A Lot Like Me" is available on iTunes.[43] The proceeds from "A Lot Like Me" went towards Ellis Marsalis Center for Music.[44]

Connick is a supporter of hometown NFL franchise New Orleans Saints. He was caught on camera at the Super Bowl XLIV, which the Saints won, in Miami by the television crew of The Ellen DeGeneres Show during the post-game celebrations. Ellen's mother Betty was on the sidelines watching the festivities when she spotted Connick in the stands sporting a Drew Brees jersey.[45][46]

Connick was arrested by the Port Authority Police in December 1992 and charged with having a 9 mm pistol in his possession at JFK International Airport.[47] After he was in jail for a day, he agreed to make a public-service television commercial warning against carrying a pistol in New York City without a license. The court agreed to drop all charges if Connick stayed out of trouble for six months.[48][49]

Discography

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1990 Memphis Belle Sgt. Clay Busby
1991 Little Man Tate Eddie
1995 Copycat Daryll Lee Cullum
1996 Independence Day Captain Jimmy Wilder
1997 Excess Baggage Greg Kistler
1998 Hope Floats Justin Matisse
1999 The Iron Giant Dean McCoppin Voice only
Wayward Son Jesse Banks Rhodes
2000 My Dog Skip Narrator
The Simian Line Rick
2001 South Pacific Lt. Joseph Cable
Life Without Dick Daniel Gallagher
2003 Basic Pete Vilmer
2004 Mickey Glen Ryan (Tripp Spence)
2005 The Happy Elf Lil' Farley (narrator)
2006 Bug Jerry Goss
2007 P.S. I Love You Daniel Connelly
2008 Living Proof Dr. Dennis Slamon
2009 New in Town Ted Mitchell
2011 Dolphin Tale Clay Haskett
2013 Angels Sing Michael Walker
2014 Dolphin Tale 2 Clay Haskett
2021 Fear of Rain John Burroughs
2024 Find Me Falling John Allman

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1992 Cheers Russell Boyd Episode: "A Diminished Rebecca with a Suspended Cliff"
1994 Ghostwriter Himself Episode: "What's Up with Alex?: Part 1"
1997 Action League Now! Big Baby (voice) Episode: "Rock-A-Big-Baby"
2002–2006, 2017 Will & Grace Leo Markus 25 episodes
2004 Sesame Street Himself Episode: 4080
2008 This Old House Himself Episode: "New Orleans Project: Part 1"
2009 Hey Hey It's Saturday: The Reunion Himself – guest judge
Australian Idol Himself – guest judge
2010 American Idol Himself – guest mentor
2012 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Executive A.D.A. David Haden Episodes: "Official Story", "Father's Shadow", "Hunting Ground", and "Justice Denied"
2013 American Idol Himself – guest mentor
2014–2016 American Idol Himself – judge Seasons 13–15 with Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban
2015 Repeat After Me Himself 1 episode
2016–2018 Harry Himself 164 episodes
2017 Kevin Can Wait Himself Episode: "Kenny Can Wait"
2021 American Idol Himself - guest performer Episode: Comeback Show
Annie Live! Daddy Warbucks Television special
2023 Australian Idol Himself - judge Season 8 with Kyle Sandilands, Meghan Trainor and Amy Shark
Non-fictional appearances
Year Title Role Notes
1990 Carly in Concert: My Romance Guest artist
1992 Super Bowl XXVI Himself Performed "The Star-Spangled Banner"
1993 The Harry Connick Jr. Christmas Special Himself CBS special
1996 Road Rules: USA – The Second Adventure Himself Cameo appearance
1998 Harry Connick Jr.: Romance in Paris Himself PBS special
1999 The Worlds of Harry Connick Jr. Himself
2001 Evening at Pops Himself
2003 Harry for the Holidays Himself NBC special
2004 Only You: In Concert Himself PBS special
2007 100 Biggest Weather Moments Host
Note by Note: The Making of Steinway L1037 Himself
2010 Daytona 500 Himself Performed "The Star-Spangled Banner"
2013 World Series Himself Performed "The Star-Spangled Banner"
2017 Kentucky Derby Himself Performed "The Star-Spangled Banner"
2020 NFL Draft Himself Performed "The Star-Spangled Banner"

Broadway

References

  1. ^ a b Hapton, Deborah (December 12, 2008). "Nightline Playlist: Harry Connick Jr". ABC News. Archived from the original on December 14, 2008. Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  2. ^ Group, Verve Label (August 9, 2019). "Harry Connick, Jr. Announces New Album True Love: A Celebration Of Cole Porter". PR Newswire. Retrieved February 7, 2023. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  3. ^ "Top Selling Artists". RIAA. Archived from the original on July 25, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2009.
  4. ^ Chart Beat, Billboard, April 9, 2009
  5. ^ "Internet Broadway Database: Harry Connick, Junior. Credits on Broadway". Internet Broadway Database. Archived from the original on April 19, 2007. Retrieved July 2, 2007.
  6. ^ Stated on Finding Your Roots, PBS, March 25, 2012
  7. ^ "Tulane Law School Establishes Scholarship Honoring Harry Connick and the late Anita Connick". Law.tulane.edu. January 6, 2004. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  8. ^ "this is Suzanna Jamison, MD, FACP - she joined the army 35 years ago and was recently promoted to Colonel in the United States Army Reserve. and, in case you didn't know... SHE'S MY BIG SISTER. i'm posting this because i am beyond proud of her. i love you, sis. ❤️❤️❤️ #usa #usarmy #proud #hero". instagram.com.
  9. ^ Musician balancing his work as actor|The Columbus Dispatch. Dispatch.com (February 2, 2009). Retrieved on May 8, 2012.
  10. ^ "Harry Connick Jr proud of his Co Down roots". Belfast Telegraph. April 6, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  11. ^ a b c Feher, Heather (September 26, 2002). "Connick Is Mr. Right for 'Grace'". Zap2it. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved December 24, 2007.
  12. ^ a b Stephanie Mansfield, "Deconstructing Harry", Vogue, April 1998: pp. 211, 214, 216; online posting, connick.com. Retrieved July 17, 2007.
  13. ^ Anderson, Danielle (September 16, 2016). "Harry Connick Jr. Says Losing His Mom at Age 13 Was 'Unquestionably the Hardest Thing That's Ever Happened to Me'". People. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  14. ^ "Harry Connick Sr., longtime New Orleans district attorney and singer's dad, dies at 97". Associated Press. January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  15. ^ a b c Beuttler, Bill (August 1, 1990). "When Harry Met Stardom". Music. American Way. Retrieved October 2, 2007.
  16. ^ "MDHS Eubie Blake Collection, Other items, Harry just wild about song, Eubie". Internet Archive Wayback Machine/Maryland Historical Society. December 16, 2004. Archived from the original on December 16, 2004. Retrieved June 1, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  17. ^ Sal Nunziato (November 6, 2008). "James Booker: New Orleans Piano Wizard; 25 Years Gone". The Huffington Post. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  18. ^ KEVIN JAGERNAUTH (July 30, 2013). "The Playlist – Review: 'Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius Of James Booker' An Ordinary Doc About An Extraordinary Musician". Indiewire. A SnagFilms Co. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  19. ^ "Harry Connick, Jr. | The Official Masterworks Broadway Site". The Official Masterworks Broadway Site. Retrieved January 25, 2017.
  20. ^ "Independence Day (1996)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved May 26, 2010.
  21. ^ "System and method for coordinating music display among players in an orchestra". Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  22. ^ Rooney, David (February 23, 2006). "The Pajama Game". Variety. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  23. ^ Scott, Brian (November 30, 2007). "Kelli O'Hara gets ready to ring in the holidays and prepares for a busy new year; Neal Huff engages in some Trumpery; and Jenn Gambatese enlivens Is He Dead?Feature on". Theatermania.com. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  24. ^ Gray, Chris (September 29, 2015). "Kim Burrell, Houston's Pastor and Gospel Singer to the Stars". Houston Press. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
  25. ^ Harry Connick Jr. Announces New Album Produced by Clive Davis Archived August 15, 2009, at archive.today, vintageguitar.com, July 30, 2009
  26. ^ Jones, Kenneth."On a Clear Day Will Rise at Broadway's St. James Theatre Nov. 12; Harry Connick Jr. Stars" Archived July 1, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Playbill, June 29, 2011
  27. ^ "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever". IBDB. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  28. ^ American Idol Top 4 Results Recap (Redux): Don't Know Why...There's No Sun Up in the Sky TV Line, Retrieved August 31, 2013
  29. ^ Official: J. Lo and Harry Connick Jr. join 'American Idol' Entertainment Weekly, Retrieved September 3, 2013
  30. ^ "SXSW Review 'When Angels Sing'". March 12, 2013.
  31. ^ "Harry". IMDb. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  32. ^ "Harry Connick Jr. has a new gig: piano teacher on Playground Sessions app". Usatoday.com. January 21, 2019. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  33. ^ Christmass, Pip (September 28, 2022). "Superstar judges for Australian Idol 2023 unveiled". 7news. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  34. ^ Knox, David (September 28, 2022). "Kyle, Harry, Meghan & Amy to judge Australian Idol". TV Tonight. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  35. ^ Interview with Roger Ingram 12/2008
  36. ^ "National". Jefferson Awards. Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  37. ^ "Harry Connick Jr and his family relocated to Australia for a job. His daughters refuse to leave.", Mamamia, December 4, 2023.
  38. ^ "Harry Connick Jr. Lists Connecticut Home for $7.5 Million - WSJ". July 16, 2017. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017.
  39. ^ "Harry Connick Jr. to perform during Papal visit". Archived from the original on October 10, 2009. Retrieved August 24, 2009.
  40. ^ Archived copy at WebCite (January 24, 2006).
  41. ^ "Harry Connick on Holiday Tour". Archived from the original on May 26, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2009.
  42. ^ "5 Minutes with Harry Connick Jr". Christianity Today. Archived from the original on September 3, 2009. Retrieved August 24, 2009.
  43. ^ "Kate Connick | Marsalis Music". Marsalismusic.com.
  44. ^ "Harry Connick Jr. talks American Girl". Ew.com.
  45. ^ "Drew and Brittany Brees deliver Super Bowl tickets to Ellen DeGeneres' superfan mom". The Times-Picayune. January 28, 2010.
  46. ^ YouTube: Mama Makes it to the Superbowl. youtube.com. Archived from the original on June 1, 2015. Retrieved January 28, 2016.
  47. ^ "Harry Connick Arrested". The New York Times. December 28, 1992.
  48. ^ "Plea Bargain For Harry Connick Jr. On Gun Charge – Philly.com". Articles.philly.com. February 3, 1993. Archived from the original on October 31, 2011. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  49. ^ "Harry Connick Arrested". NYTimes.com. December 28, 1992. Retrieved August 17, 2015.
  50. ^ Tix On Sale Today For Harry Connick Jr. in Concert on Broadway, broadwayworld.com, May 4, 2010

Further reading

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction
2004
for Only You: In Concert
Succeeded by
Michael Kosarin
for A Christmas Carol
Preceded by
Harry Connick Jr.
for When Harry Met Sally...
Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male
1991
for We Are In Love
Succeeded by
Take 6
for He Is Christmas
Preceded by
Bobby McFerrin
for Brothers
Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male
1990
for When Harry Met Sally...
Succeeded by
Harry Connick Jr.
for We Are in Love