Harry Connick, Jr.

The multitalented Harry Connick, Jr.—who has won fame as a jazz singer, pianist, band leader, composer, actor, and television host—has sold more than 28 million records worldwide. ∙ A piano prodigy, Connick began playing at age three, and at age nine he performed Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, Opus 37 with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. ∙ While still a teen, he was schooled by two New Orleans keyboard legends—informally by stride-style superstar James Booker and more formally by the legendary Ellis Marsalis. ∙ He has won 3 Grammy Awards, including two in consecutive years for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male. ∙ In 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Connick organized A Concert for Hurricane Relief, a network television benefit that generated more than $50 million in donations. ∙ Connick received a Tony Award nomination in 2006 for his role in the revival of The Pajama Game. ∙ As of 2020, 14 of his albums have topped the Billboard Jazz Chart—a record for jazz musicians.