How to go
Who: Harry Connick Jr.
Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Cost: Tickets start at $45
More info: 937-296-3300 or www.fraze.com
Artist info: www.harryconnickjr.com
Harry Connick Jr. has been entertaining people his entire life. The New Orleans native, performing at Fraze Pavilion in Kettering on Wednesday, was only 3 years old when he first started playing piano. He was performing live two years later.
Here’s a quick recap of the enduring career of the 47-year-old musician.
Finding a sound: Connick was a precocious tween when he released his first album, "Eleven," in 1979. It was another eight years before he followed up the collection of Dixieland jazz tunes with a self-titled album featuring the retro-jazz style that defined his early work.
The Hollywood bump: After two moderately successful albums, Connick's career received a serious boost when director Rob Reiner asked him to record the soundtrack for the soon-to-be hit romantic comedy "When Harry Met Sally." The collection of standards was also a hit in 1989, setting the stage for wider popularity.
His thespian side: The musician soon made a successful step in front of the camera. He made his acting debut in 1990 in the World War II film, "Memphis Belle," where he starred alongside Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, Sean Astin and others. He has been in films like "Independence Day" and "Dolphin Tale" and television programs such as "Law and Order" and "Will & Grace." He also appeared in "The Pajama Game" on Broadway.
Family man: Connick has been married to his wife, Jill, since 1994. People magazine called their nuptials one of the greatest weddings of all time. The couple was married in St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans and took a horse drawn carriage to the reception at Galliar Hall. The couple has three daughters, ages 19, 17 and 13.
Hometown inspiration: While Connick has always been a crooner inspired by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and their contemporaries, his New Orleans roots have always been a part of his sound. That is never more apparent than on the singer's latest tour, which features a heavy dose of NOLA-inspired songs.
Public service: Connick's devotion to New Orleans goes beyond the music. He was involved with establishing The Musicians' Village with Habitat for Humanity after Hurricane Katrina devastated the region. The program helped provide new housing for musicians displaced by the storm.
Musical explorer: It is hard to put Connick in any musical box, considering his love of multiple styles. This is never more apparent than his latest album, 2013's "Every Man Should Know," which genre-hopped between R&B, country, pop and New Orleans funk.
About the Author