Harry Connick, Jr. was born in New Orleans to Anita and Harry Connick, Sr. His mother was Jewish and his father was Irish Catholic. Connick's musical talent was evident from a young age and he studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts under Ellis Marsalis and James Booker. He went on to attend Hunter College and the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where he was signed by Columbia Records.
In 1989, Connick provided the soundtrack for the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally..., winning his first Grammy for Best Jazz Male Vocal Performance. He also made his screen debut in Memphis Belle and released two albums: Lofty's Roach Souffle and We Are in Love, which earned him his second consecutive Grammy. In 1991, he was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his contribution to the Godfather III soundtrack and released his third consecutive multi-platinum album, Blue Light, Red Light.
In 1992, Connick was arrested for having a gun at JFK International Airport but avoided charges by making a public-service television commercial. He continued to release successful albums, including 25 and When My Heart Finds Christmas, which was the best-selling Christmas album of 1993.
Harry Connick Jr. started his career as a jazz pianist and singer. In 1994, he released an album of New Orleans funk called She and took it on a tour of the United Kingdom and People's Republic of China. In 1996, he appeared in the successful movie Independence Day. By 1997, he returned to jazz music with his album To See You and played at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo. He continued his film career, starred in Hope Floats and released his album Come By Me in 1999. Connick wrote the score for the Broadway musical Thou Shalt Not, in 2000, and starred in South Pacific and his twelfth movie Mickey. He won a Grammy Award for his album Songs I Heard, released two albums in 2001, and appeared on NBC sitcom Will & Grace from 2002 to 2006. He continued releasing albums, appeared in films such as Basic, and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction for Harry Connick Jr. — "Only You" in Concert. In 2005, he composed and produced The Happy Elf, an animated holiday special.
[edit] Personal life
On April 16, 1994, Connick, Jr. married model Jill Goodacre, originally from Texas, at the St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, Louisiana. They have three daughters: Georgia Tatom (born April 17, 1996), Sarah Kate (September 12, 1997), and Charlotte (born June 26, 2002). The family currently resides in Connecticut.
He is a founder of the Krewe of Orpheus, a music-based New Orleans krewe, taking its name from Orpheus of classical mythology. The Krewe of Orpheus parades on St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street in New Orleans on Lundi Gras (Fat Monday) — the day before Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).
Muskrat Ramble
Harry Connick Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ramblin' and scramblin' and a-headin' for town
Hoppin' and boppin' and a-buzzin' around
Happily awaitin' at the station
I look at that train number 709
Hoppin' and boppin' and arrivin' on time
Who do you think is about to arrive
The band they call the Dixieland Five
They're gonna play that muskrat ramble tune
Like the way you never heard it played
Get ready for the big parade
All together now - one and two
Join that happy crowd
Tellin' me that ramblin' scramblin' muskrat song
Come on, ramble along
Yeah
The lyrics to Harry Connick Jr.'s song Muskrat Ramble paint a vivid picture of the excitement and anticipation surrounding the arrival of the Dixieland Five band. The first stanza describes the shuffle of people heading towards the station to await the arrival of the band. The second stanza focuses on the train itself, with Connick Jr. admiring its punctuality and wondering about the upcoming arrival. The refrain, repeated twice, encourages the listener to join the crowd and enjoy the ramblin', scramblin' muskrat tune that is about to be played.
The lyrics of Muskrat Ramble reflect the energy and enthusiasm of Dixieland jazz, a popular form of jazz music that emerged in the early 20th century. The style is characterized by improvisation, fast tempos, and a lively, upbeat rhythm. Unlike other forms of jazz, which focus more on individual solos, Dixieland emphasizes collective performances, with all members of the band playing together in a cohesive, harmonious way. The muskrat ramble tune mentioned in the lyrics is a classic example of this style, known for its catchy melody and infectious beat.
Line by Line Meaning
I look at them shuffle and the shuffle come down
Observing the lively group shuffling around and their movements settling down
Ramblin' and scramblin' and a-headin' for town
Rushing and scrambling towards the town while being lost in thought
Hoppin' and boppin' and a-buzzin' around
Jumping and dancing around with enthusiasm and energy
Happily awaitin' at the station
Waiting for someone with joy and happiness at the station
I look at that train number 709
Paying attention to the train with the number 709
Hoppin' and boppin' and arrivin' on time
Arriving exactly at the scheduled time with excitement and enthusiasm
Who do you think is about to arrive
Wondering who might be arriving soon
The band they call the Dixieland Five
Referring to a band called the Dixieland Five
They're gonna play that muskrat ramble tune
The band will perform the Muskrat Ramble song
Like the way you never heard it played
Playing the song in a style never heard before
Get ready for the big parade
Preparations are underway for a massive parade
All together now - one and two
Asking everyone to start playing together and in sync
Join that happy crowd
Inviting people to join the joyful gathering
Tellin' me that ramblin' scramblin' muskrat song
Referring to the lively and energetic Muskrat Ramble song
Come on, ramble along
Inviting everyone to dance and enjoy the music
Yeah
Expressing enthusiasm and agreement
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ray Gilbert, Edward Ory
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind