Harry Connick, Jr. is a rarity in the realm of entertainment, an artist whose meteoric rise in the world of music was only a prelude to a multi-faceted career. Showered with awards and recognition for his live and recorded musical performances, and for his achievements on screens large and small, as well as the Broadway stage, Connick has exemplified excellence in every aspect of the entertainment world. 

The foundation of Connick’s art is the music of his native New Orleans, where he began performing as a pianist and vocalist at the age of five. His career took off when he signed with Columbia Records at 18 years old and revealed his stunning piano technique and vivid musical imagination on his self-titled debut album. His follow-up albums showcased his talent as an equally gifted singer and to date, Connick has won three Grammy and two Emmy Awards, and garnered sales of 30 million albums. His honors include a star on the celebrated Hollywood Walk of Fame, induction into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, Honorary Doctorates from Tulane and Loyola Universities and the Jefferson Award for Public Service.  

Despite his busy career, Connick has always found the time to be charitable and has done some of his most important work in his efforts to help New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. He, along with friend Branford Marsalis, conceived of “Musicians’ Village,” and its centerpiece the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music.  The Center uses music as its focal point of a holistic strategy to deliver a broad range of services to underserved children, youth and musicians from neighborhoods battling poverty and social injustice.