Harry Connick Jr.

Harry Connick Jr. is an acclaimed singer, pianist, composer, actor, and television personality whose career spans music, film, and stage. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Connick grew up surrounded by the city’s rich jazz culture and began performing publicly at a young age. A prodigious musician, he signed with Columbia Records in his late teens and rose to fame with his jazzy, big-band sound that paid homage to his New Orleans roots. His breakout came with the Grammy-winning soundtrack for the 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally...," which showcased his smooth vocals and masterful piano work, establishing him as one of the leading male vocalists of his generation.

Over the course of his career, Connick has released more than two dozen albums, earned multiple Grammy and Emmy Awards, and sold over 30 million records worldwide. His musical style seamlessly blends traditional jazz, pop, and swing, and his live performances are celebrated for their charisma and musicianship. In addition to his recording career, Connick has enjoyed success as an actor, appearing in films such as "Hope Floats," "Dolphin Tale," and "Independence Day," as well as starring on Broadway in "The Pajama Game."

Connick has also made his mark on television, serving as a judge on "American Idol" and hosting his own daytime talk show, "Harry." Beyond entertainment, he is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly in supporting the recovery and rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina through his work with the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music.