This Harry Connick Jr. Songs list presents the best Harry Connick Jr. Songs including “Promise Me You’ll Remember” “It Had to Be You” and many more. Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, Harry Connick Jr. was born and raised as the son of a lawyer and judge for a mother and a district attorney for a father. His mother, however, died of ovarian cancer, leaving him, his sister, and his father behind to carry on with their lives without her. Although his mother was Jewish, little Harry and his sister were raised as Roman Catholics as this was the religion his father followed. This is reflected in the schooling he and his sister experienced as children, as well as in the music lessons they received as children. For Harry, he took the lessons a step further by enrolling into the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, as well as the Manhattan School of Arts. In addition to his exposure in classical, funk, gospel, jazz, and pop music, Harry Connick Jr. has also developed a talent for acting and serving as a television host.
Harry Connick Jr.’s Success Story
Harry Connick Jr. signed up with Columbia Records after earning quite a reputation for himself as a composer and musician. In 1989’s movie, When Harry Met Sally…, Connick Jr.’s music was featured on that soundtrack and was impressive enough to earn it a double-platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). He also won his first Grammy Award for Best Jazz Male Vocal Performance in 1990. In addition to his musical resume, he also got into acting. He made his film debut in 1990 in the WWII-themed movie, Memphis Belle, before embarking on a world tour and releasing additional recordings that same year. The first of the two albums produced that year was the instrumental Lofty’s Roach Souffle and the second was We Are in Love. In 1991, Connick Jr. won his second Grammy Award for Best Jazz Male Vocal Performance for the second of these two albums.
1993 marked the year of Harry Connick Jr.’s best-selling Christmas album, When My Heart Finds Christmas. It became a triple-platinum seller with the RIAA and was certified gold in Canada. From there, Connick Jr. opted to branch into performing funk music but it wasn’t as well received by European fans as they were accustomed to the musician’s jazzier style. Although he was still successful and earned a new fan base due to the funky musical experiment, Connick Jr. realized his true niche was in the brilliant combination of classical and jazz. However, hints of funk can still be found in some of his musical material that has managed to become fan favorites themselves.
The winning streak for Harry Connick Jr. has continued to keep his name in the spotlight as one of the elite performers in the entertainment industry. He has twenty-eight studio albums to his credit as well as eight video albums. Eight of the albums Connick Jr. released earned Grammy Award nominations which saw We Are in Love win for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male, and Songs I Heard earn the the win for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. From Songs I Heard, this compilation album featured classic songs that were performed from some of the most popular movies of all-time. Connick Jr.’s coverage of these songs turned these classics into a big band masterpiece.
From 1988 through to 1994, the first six studio albums produced by Harry Connick Jr. became RIAA-certified platinum sellers, as did 2003’s Harry for the Holidays and 2004’s Only You. His albums were also popular in Australia and Canada where he also earned gold and platinum certifications from those nations. According to the RIAA, Harry Connick Jr. has sold over twenty-eight million albums worldwide and has the most amount of chart-topping jazz albums on the US Billboards than any other artist in the genre.
Top 10 Harry Connick Jr. Songs
#10 – When My Heart Finds Christmas
There is a reason why Harry Connick Jr. is among the best-selling musical artists of all time. His performance of “When My Heart Finds Christmas” is nothing short of stellar. Only with Connick Jr. can he cover some of the major holidays and still make a phenomenal Christmas song out of it. If there was a song that could best describe the Christmas spirit, “When My Heart Finds Christmas” is definitely it.
#9 – Just the Way You Are
Harry Connick Jr.’s cover to “Just the Way You Are” brought Billy Joel’s all-time classic to an amazing performance level that should make Joel proud to hear his chart-topper become such a sweet number. Billy Joel’s original was, and still is, an all-time adult contemporary favorite. Connick Jr.’s version also has a special place in the heart of fans with its softer style and a lyrical way for lovers to appreciate their time together as a couple.
#8 – (It Must’ve Been Ol’) Santa Claus
1993’s When My Heart Finds Christmas featured Harry Connick Jr. covering the classic “(It Must’ve Been Ol’) Santa Claus.” To this day, this funk-style Christmas tune remains an all-time favorite. Jazzy with happy piano playing alongside Connick Jr.’s festive delivery of a cute Christmas tune that takes a step out of the norm.
#7 – A Wink and A Smile
The awesome mix of various musical styles blended into a single song such as “A Wink and a Smile” was a work of genius Harry Connick Jr. performed, which earned it an Academy Award nomination for Best Music. It was recorded for the soundtrack, Sleepless in Seattle, and beautifully served as a dreamy number meeting with heartfelt appreciation. This jazzy number is among many tunes destined to become an all-time classic for the ages.
#6 – One Last Pitch
“One Last Pitch” earned a 1990 Grammy Award nomination for Best Instrumental Composition, a song that came from Harry Connick Jr.’s album, Lofty’s Roach Souffle. It, as well as the entire album, saw Connick Jr. brilliantly bring forth a dramatic number as he carried forth his experience from the movie, Memphis Belle, which was based on the true story of a bomber crew during the Second World War.
#5 – We Are in Love
“We Are in Love” as a song and as an album, rightfully earned the Grammy Award win for Best Jazz Vocal Performance. Harry Connick Jr., as a vocalist, was nothing short of magnificent in this song that could easily win over the crowd from the Roaring Twenties if both the elite performers and their audience had the chance to hear it.
#4 – It Had to Be You
The 1924 classic, “It Had to Be You” was already a popular song performed by Isham Jones Orchestra before Harry Connick Jr. recorded his cover version for the When Harry Met Sally… soundtrack. Set up like a big production from early Hollywood, “It Had to Be You” Connick Jr. easily rivals the greats who’ve already added their magic touch to this classic. From Ruth Etting to Ray Charles, this staple favorite has always been a fan favorite. Harry Connick Jr.’s has since been considered among the best ever performed.
#3 – Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
Already a fan favorite as it is, “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” earned new heights of popularity in 2008 after Harry Connick Jr. covered his own version of it for his album, What a Night! A Christmas Album. His version has become one of the most performed Christmas-themed songs since its release, often played on radio stations during that special time of year, and in shopping, outlets opt for modernized versions of such classics as a means to appease the shoppers.
#2 – Recipe for Love
On the UK Singles Chart, “Recipe for Love” became a number thirty-two hit after it was released in 1990. This timeless favorite has remained as one of Harry Connick Jr.’s signature songs as a vocalist and continues to be an all-time favorite among the fans of good quality music only the caliber of Connick Jr. could produce. Jazzy and fun, “Recipe for Love” has become an anniversary favorite among couples who’ve stood the test of time as they’ve been known to express their own recipe secrets that has been shared on radio stations which are known to embrace special occasions such as Valentine’s Day to play dedication songs celebrating the most powerful emotion of them all.
#1 – Promise Me You’ll Remember
From the Godfather III soundtrack, “Promise Me You’ll Remember” earned two award nominations in 1991 for Harry Connick Jr.’s performance. This brilliant piano piece was Harry Connick Jr. at his best with the beautiful mix of blues and jazz. The perfect song for couples to either dance to or simply enjoy some quality time together, “Promise Me You’ll Remember” already became an all-time classic the moment it was recorded and released in the movie and its soundtrack. Listeners taking the time to appreciate this incredible ballad are likely to remember it for a lifetime.
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
