History of Harry Connick Jr. in Timeline

Harry Connick Jr. is a highly successful American musician, actor, and former television host. He has sold over 30 million records worldwide and is among the top 60 best-selling male artists in the U.S., with 16 million certified sales. Connick has released multiple top-20 albums and holds the record for the most number-one U.S. jazz albums, exceeding any other artist in the genre's chart history as of 2009.

1954: The Pajama Game Original Release

The original Broadway production of "The Pajama Game", which Connick Jr. starred in a revival of, premiered in 1954.

1990: Big Band Inception

The Harry Connick Jr. Big Band was formed in 1990.

1991: "Jill" Song Release

Harry Connick Jr.'s song "Jill," about his future wife Jill Goodacre, was released on his album "Blue Light, Red Light" in 1991.

December 1992: Arrest for Gun Possession

In December 1992, Harry Connick Jr. was arrested for possessing a pistol at JFK Airport.

April 16, 1994: Marriage to Jill Goodacre

On April 16, 1994, Harry Connick Jr. married Jill Goodacre at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

1996: Birth of Georgia Connick

Harry Connick Jr.'s daughter, Georgia, was born in 1996.

1997: Birth of Sarah Connick

Harry Connick Jr.'s daughter, Sarah, was born in 1997.

2002: Birth of Charlotte Connick

Harry Connick Jr.'s daughter, Charlotte, was born in 2002.

2002: Patent and Will & Grace Appearance

In 2002, Harry Connick Jr. received a U.S. patent for a method of coordinating music displays in orchestras. He also began appearing as Leo Markus on the TV sitcom Will & Grace.

July 2003: Other Hours Release and Tour

Harry Connick Jr. released his first instrumental album in 15 years, "Other Hours," in July 2003, under the Marsalis Music label. A tour of nightclubs and small theaters followed the release.

October 2003: Harry for the Holidays Release and TV Special

In October 2003, Harry Connick Jr. released his second Christmas album, "Harry for the Holidays," which achieved gold status. He also hosted a related television special on NBC.

2003: The Happy Elf Song Origin

The song "The Happy Elf," which inspired the 2005 special, originally appeared on Connick Jr.'s 2003 album "Harry for the Holidays."

February 2004: Only You Release

Connick Jr. released "Only You," an album of 1950s and 1960s ballads, in February 2004. The album became a top ten hit and was certified gold in the US.

March 2004: Only You Gold Certification and Tour

"Only You" by Harry Connick Jr. was certified gold in March 2004. He also toured the US, Australia, and parts of Asia with his big band in support of the album.

March 2004: "Only You" Concert DVD and Emmy Win

In March 2004, a DVD of Harry Connick Jr.'s "Only You" concert was released, which subsequently won him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction.

November 2004: Harry for the Holidays Platinum Certification

Connick Jr.'s Christmas album, "Harry for the Holidays," reached platinum status in November 2004.

September 2, 2005: Hurricane Relief Concert

On September 2, 2005, Harry Connick Jr. helped organize and performed in "A Concert for Hurricane Relief" for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

September 6, 2005: Habitat for Humanity Chair

On September 6, 2005, Harry Connick Jr. became the honorary chair of Habitat for Humanity's Operation Home Delivery, focused on rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.

November 2005: A Duo Occasion DVD Release

"A Duo Occasion," a DVD featuring Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis, was released in November 2005 after being filmed at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival.

November 2005: Return to Will & Grace

Connick Jr. appeared in another episode of "Will & Grace" in November 2005.

November 2005: DVD Award

Harry Connick Jr.'s "Only You" concert DVD received a Gold & Platinum Music Video award from the RIAA in November 2005.

December 6, 2005: Musicians' Village Announcement

On December 6, 2005, Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis announced plans for a Musicians' Village in New Orleans with Habitat for Humanity.

December 2005: The Happy Elf Special

Harry Connick Jr. composed, narrated, and executive produced "The Happy Elf," an animated holiday special that aired on NBC in December 2005 and was later released on DVD.

2005: Bug Filming

Harry Connick Jr. filmed the psychological thriller "Bug" in 2005, which was not released until 2007.

June 17, 2006: The Pajama Game on Broadway

Connick Jr.'s run in the Broadway revival of "The Pajama Game" concluded on June 17, 2006, after a successful run that began in February.

2006: Further Appearances on Will & Grace

Harry Connick Jr. continued his role on "Will & Grace" with three more appearances in 2006.

2006: Will & Grace

Harry Connick Jr.'s role as Leo Markus on Will & Grace continued until 2006.

November 2007: Documentary Appearance

Harry Connick Jr. was featured in the documentary "Note by Note: The Making of Steinway L1037", released in November 2007.

December 2007: P.S. I Love You Release

Harry Connick Jr. appeared in the film "P.S. I Love You," released in December 2007.

2007: Chanson du Vieux Carré and Oh, My NOLA Release and Tours

Connick Jr. released two albums in 2007, "Chanson du Vieux Carré" and "Oh, My NOLA." He toured North America and Europe in 2007 and continued the tour in Asia and Australia in 2008.

2007: "Oh, My NOLA" and "Chanson du Vieux Carré" Release

Harry Connick Jr.'s albums "Oh, My NOLA" and "Chanson du Vieux Carré" were released in 2007, followed by the My New Orleans Tour.

2007: Bug Release

The film "Bug," starring Harry Connick Jr., was released in 2007.

January 2008: New in Town Filming Begins

Filming for "New in Town," starring Harry Connick Jr. and Renée Zellweger, began in January 2008.

April 2008: Performance for Pope Benedict XVI

Connick Jr. performed at the Concert of Hope preceding Pope Benedict XVI's mass at Yankee Stadium in April 2008.

May 2008: Collaboration with Kelli O'Hara

Harry Connick Jr. collaborated with Kelli O'Hara on her album released in May 2008, writing two songs, doing arrangements, and singing a duet.

November 2008: What a Night! Release

Harry Connick Jr. released his third Christmas album, "What a Night!", in November 2008.

2008: Kim Burrell Collaboration

Harry Connick Jr. chose Kim Burrell as a vocalist for his performance at the Yankee Stadium event for Pope Benedict XVI in 2008, highlighting his appreciation for gospel music.

January 2009: New in Town Release

The romantic comedy "New in Town," featuring Connick Jr., was released in January 2009.

September 22, 2009: Your Songs Release

Harry Connick Jr.'s album "Your Songs," produced in collaboration with Clive Davis, was released on September 22, 2009.

May 4, 2010: American Idol Mentorship

Harry Connick Jr. mentored the top 5 finalists on the May 4, 2010 episode of American Idol season 9.

2010: Super Bowl XLIV Celebration

Harry Connick Jr. was seen celebrating the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010.

November 2011: On a Clear Day Revival Opens

Harry Connick Jr. starred in the Broadway revival of "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," which began previews in November 2011.

2011: Dolphin Tale Appearance

Connick Jr. appeared as Dr. Clay Haskett in the family film "Dolphin Tale" in 2011.

2011: "A Lot Like Me" Song Release

In 2011, Harry Connick Jr. wrote his daughter Sarah's debut song, "A Lot Like Me," released under the name Kate Connick.

January 6, 2012: Law & Order: SVU Role

On January 6, 2012, it was announced that Connick Jr. would join the cast of "Law & Order: SVU" for a four-episode arc as Executive ADA David Haden.

January 2012: On a Clear Day Revival Closes

The Broadway revival of "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," starring Harry Connick Jr., closed in January 2012 after a limited run.

2012: Horchow Award

In 2012, Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis received the S. Roger Horchow Award for Greatest Public Service by a Private Citizen.

May 2, 2013: American Idol Performance and Promotion

Connick Jr. performed the title track from "Every Man Should Know" on the May 2, 2013 episode of American Idol and subsequently discussed the album on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

June 11, 2013: Every Man Should Know Release

Harry Connick Jr.'s album of original music, "Every Man Should Know," was released on June 11, 2013.

November 2013: Angels Sing Release

"Angels Sing," a Christmas movie featuring Harry Connick Jr. and Willie Nelson, was released in November 2013. Connick and Nelson collaborated on a song specifically for the film.

2014: Dolphin Tale 2 Appearance

Harry Connick Jr. reprised his role as Dr. Clay Haskett in "Dolphin Tale 2" in 2014.

2014: American Idol Judging and Mentorship

Harry Connick Jr. returned to American Idol in 2014, first as a mentor and then as a judge for seasons 13-15.

September 12, 2016: "Harry" Talk Show Debut

On September 12, 2016, Harry Connick Jr.'s one-hour weekday daytime talk show, "Harry," premiered.

2016: End of American Idol Judging Stint

Harry Connick Jr.'s time as a judge on American Idol concluded in 2016, after three seasons.

May 23, 2018: "Harry" Talk Show Ends

Harry Connick Jr.'s talk show, "Harry," concluded its run on May 23, 2018.

January 2019: Playground Sessions Instructor

In January 2019, Harry Connick Jr. became a video instructor for Playground Sessions, a piano instruction software company.

September 16, 2019: Broadway Return

Harry Connick Jr. announced his return to Broadway on September 16, 2019, with "Harry Connick Jr. — A Celebration of Cole Porter."

October 25, 2019: Cole Porter Album Release

On October 25, 2019, Harry Connick Jr. released a new album of Cole Porter compositions, which he rearranged himself.

2020: "Alone With My Faith" Recording

During the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic lockdown, Harry Connick Jr. recorded his album "Alone With My Faith."

March 19, 2021: "Alone With My Faith" Release

On March 19, 2021, Harry Connick Jr. released his album "Alone With My Faith," recorded during the 2020 lockdown.

December 2, 2021: "Annie Live!" Performance

On December 2, 2021, Harry Connick Jr. appeared as Daddy Warbucks in the live NBC production of "Annie Live!"

September 2022: Australian Idol Judge Announcement

In September 2022, it was announced that Harry Connick Jr. would be a judge on the 2023 revival of "Australian Idol."

2023: Family Relocates to Sydney

Harry Connick Jr. briefly relocated his family to Sydney in 2023 for his work on "Australian Idol." His three daughters remained in Sydney after his work concluded.