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Biography
Connick learned the play the piano at three, performed live by the age of five and recorded music with a local jazz band aged 10, which really set the scene for Connick’s significant music and acting career. The singer studied at the New Orleans Centre for the Creative Arts under Ellis Marsalis and James Booker, and later at Hunter College and the Manhattan School of Music in New York, U.S.
Connick hit the big time with his soundtrack for the film “When Harry Met Sally”, which achieved double-platinum status and gave the singer a celebrity status. He used his fame to land a role in the 1990’s film “Memphis Belle” and in the same year released the well-received instrumental jazz album “Lofty’s Roach Souffle” and the more pop accessible “We Are in Love”. The singer released a string of platinum selling albums throughout the 1990s including “25” in 1992, his best-ever selling album “When My Heart Finds Christmas” in 1993 and “She. Connick” in 1994. In the mean time his acting career continued to prosper with film roles in Copycat and Independence Day and got his first leading role in 1998’s Hope Floats with Sandra Bullock.
After the comparative flop of his album “Star Turtle” aimed at pop audiences, Connick returned to the Sinatra swing sound with his 1999 album “Come by Me”, which would go on to define his music exploration of the new millennium.
Connick won a Tony award for his musical composition for Susan Stroman’s Broadway musical “Thou Shalt Not” in 2001, and the same year was narrator of the film “My Dog Skip”, which shows the versatile character of Connick’s interests. After this time the singer released albums on both Columbia Records and saxophonist Branford Marsalis’ Marsalis Music label, including the big-band swing album “Only You” and the instrumental “Other Hours: Connick on Piano, Vol. 1” (2003) and “Occasion: Connick on Piano, Vol. 2” (2005).
The actor is also recognisable for his role on the TV sitcom “Will & Grace” where he played Grace’s husband Dr. Leo Markus until the show’s end in 2006.
Connick was heavily involved in the support of victims of hurricane Katrina and hosted a NBC special to raise money and highlight the huge issue. “Oh, My Nola” a New Orleans tribute album appeared in 2007, along with “Chanson du Vieux Carré” of a similar ilk. The singer’s third holiday album “What a Night! A Christmas Album” appeared in 2008 and a contemporary swing take on a set of American classics entitled “Your Songs” was issued in 2009.
In 2013 Connick released the funk-inspired album “Smokey Mary” and “Every Man Should Know”, a collection of all original songs. Connick has had an illustrious career that goes from strength to strength; he has sold over 16 million records, has had seven Top 20 singles, won three Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards and a string of successful Broadway appearances.
Live reviews
If you love jazz, then you will definitely want to see Harry Connick, Jr. live. He is one of my all time favorites and he is so multi-talented. From playing the piano, to singing, to acting, this man can do it all.
He really knows how to capture the audience from start to finish. When you first see his stage, it is one that takes your breath away. All that really caught my eye was the gorgeous piano. I could not wait to hear him play it.
As Harry Connick, Jr. came out, we were all on our feet. He immediately addressed the crowd as if we were all his closet friends. Then he took his seat at the piano.All of his songs are like heaven. I could sit there and listen to him sing and play all night.
The songs he performed were old and new and some were covers of past musicians. No matter what, they were awesome. I cannot narrow down any of his songs to my favorite because there are so many.
Please, I ask that at least once in your life you attend a Harry Connick, Jr. concert. You will not regret it and I guarantee that you will not hesitate to go again and again!
In a world where pop music is becoming more artificial and fragmented, it is great to see an artist taking a classic approach to the genre. Although Harry Connick,Jr. cannot be described exclusively as a pop artist, the man uses influence from jazz, swing and big band to create an overall classic sound that has won him adoration globally and a startling amount of commercial success.
He steps onstage in a sharp suit and takes up the microphone to begin the show with the rousing 'Bourbon Street Parade' before his band take over for an instrumental section which sounds heavenly in the ornate settings. He has a fantastically personable approach when talking to his audience, he oozes charm and it is clear to see why fans attend over and over again. He makes all the right choices for his setlist this evening and conducts the whole operation like a complete professional as they play through the likes of 'Time to Go' and 'Come by Me' in note perfect proficiency. Harry's show is a night of classic, sophisticated music and it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
sean-ward
one of my favorite musicians on earth....at my favorite venue on earth!!
it was, in short....perfect
Harry is the quintessential artist , musician and performer... as charasmatic as Sinatra and as much of a musical genius as miles davis he is a brilliant piano man. great songwriter and even showed some tasty chops on the horn!
he even knows...many of his newer songs are not as popular as the older jazzy nawlins stuff....and he is gracious enough to explain the reasons behind them...and even asks the audience permission to sing them.
for the most part , even his worst stuff.....is far better than most things being peddled today
no pyrotechnics....no flash.....no visuals.....just a man and his group of brilliant players assembled to create amazing music under the stars.
well worth spending my dogs inheritance money to sit in the coveted box seats!!
matthew-gladstone
Great show! Loved the New Orleans Jazz, especially the ending of the Funeral Parade of “ When the Saints go Marching IN”. Impressed with the various instruments Harry could play. His Band/ Orchestra was FABULOUS. Harry was wonderful at interacting with the crowd.
My only wish was that there was an intermission to get up & stretch your legs & maybe get another beverage. I would have liked to hear more Xmas music and some of his classic crooner songs. And less New Orleans Jazz.
However, I loved the show because I just love Harry Connick Jr as a performer and person!
carole-jarosz
Harry is to Gen X what Sinatra was to the Boomers and the WWII generation. He sings, he dances, he tells stories. He entertains. He's a fantastic person and his piano is practically unrivaled. What a treasure to have him home for the holidays. His 92-year old father, former Orleans Parish DA Harry Connick, was in the audience, as were his wife Jill and their children. This was a "Had to be in that number" evening as we celebrate New Orleans' Tricentennial-- right here in grand old New Orleans. You couldn't shoehorn another person into Lakefront Arena!
andrewcanulette
Went and saw Harry Connick Jr at the Louisville Palace in Louisville KY this weekend (2/28/15). Harry and his band, along with several special guests that appeared onstage, put on one incredible show.
His extensive interaction with the audience helped illustrate why he has a loyal following of fans.
Definitely looking forward to seeing future concerts when he's in the area.
Dougdnd
Just a little disappointed. Wanted to hear more of him singing the songs I know and love and a little less of his band and the tap dancer. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the tap dancing, and his band was phenomenal, but I wanted to hear more from him. I do love him, though. Still a huge fan!
kay-norton-bailey
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