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).
What A Night!
Harry Connick Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fall was meant for stroll
Spring was made for an Easter parade
But winter, winter, winter
What a night
What a night
Splendid and serene
Through this wint'ry scene
In the chill, what a thrill
Children's eyes are bright
Searching the sky
For a sleigh flying by
That just might come tonight
Jingle, jingle
Watch out for Kris Kringle
Feel your noses tingle
Hands and feet are warn
Better hurry
Grandma starts to worry
She thinks every flurry
Turns into a storm
What a night
What a night
Now we're on our way
I'll bring the cocoa
And you'll bring the ho ho ho
Up and away
What a night
What a night
What a night
For a flight, on a sleigh
Jingle, jingle
Watch out for Kris Kringle
Feel your noses tingle
Hands and feet are warn
Man, you better hurry
Grandma starts to worry
She thinks every flurry
Turns into a storm
What a night
Oh, what a night
Now we're on our way
I'll bring the cocoa
And you'll bring the ho ho ho
Up and away
What a night
Oh, what a night
What a night
For a flight, on a sleigh
The song seems to be about the joy and excitement of wintertime, particularly the anticipation of Christmas Eve. The lyrics describe the different seasons and the activities that are typically associated with them, but the focus is on winter and the magic that it brings. The singer describes the feeling of being out in the cold, searching the sky for a glimpse of Santa Claus and his sleigh, and the thrill of knowing that Christmas is on its way.
The lyrics also mention the practical concerns that come with winter weather, such as the need to dress warmly and the worry that a snowstorm might make travel difficult. But even these concerns are wrapped up in the excitement of the season, with the singer chuckling at the thought of his grandmother's fretting over every snow flurry.
Overall, the song celebrates the joy and wonder of the winter season, as well as the traditions and rituals that make it special.
Line by Line Meaning
Summer was meant for a hay ride
Summer is the perfect season for a hay ride, which is a fun activity to do outdoors.
Fall was meant for stroll
It's enjoyable to walk in the fall because of the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
Spring was made for an Easter parade
Spring is a great time for a parade because the weather is starting to warm up and many people celebrate Easter during this season.
But winter, winter, winter
Unlike the other seasons, winter is unique and special in its own way.
What a night
This night is exceptional and noteworthy.
What a night
This night is exceptional and noteworthy.
Splendid and serene
The night is beautiful and peaceful.
Journeying where there's a chill in the air
Traveling where it's cold outside adds to the excitement and adventure of the night.
Through this wint'ry scene
The scenery is covered in snow and ice, adding to the beauty and magic of the night.
In the chill, what a thrill
The cold weather is exciting and adds to the adventure of the night.
Children's eyes are bright
The children are excited and curious about what may happen on this special night.
Searching the sky
The children are looking up at the sky in anticipation of seeing something amazing.
For a sleigh flying by
They are hoping to see Santa's sleigh fly by.
That just might come tonight
There is a chance that Santa may come tonight and the children are filled with hope and excitement.
Jingle, jingle
The sound of sleigh bells can be heard, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Watch out for Kris Kringle
Santa Claus is coming and everyone needs to be ready.
Feel your noses tingle
The cold weather is making everyone's noses tingle and adding to the excitement of the night.
Hands and feet are warm
Everyone is bundled up and staying warm in the cold weather.
Better hurry
There isn't much time left before Santa arrives.
Grandma starts to worry
Grandma is concerned about the weather and wants everyone to be safe.
She thinks every flurry
Every snowfall makes her concerned that it will turn into a bad storm.
Turns into a storm
She is worried the snowfall will become too heavy and dangerous.
Now we're on our way
Everyone is excited and ready to begin their journey.
I'll bring the cocoa
Harry Connick Jr. will provide hot cocoa to warm everyone up.
And you'll bring the ho ho ho
Everyone will bring their own spirit of joy and cheer to the night.
Up and away
They are off on their adventure, filled with excitement and anticipation.
What a night
This night is truly exceptional and unforgettable.
Oh, what a night
This night is really special and Harry Connick Jr. wants to emphasize its significance.
What a night
This night is truly exceptional and unforgettable.
What a night
This night is truly exceptional and unforgettable.
For a flight, on a sleigh
The night is perfect for flying on Santa's sleigh and adding to the magic and excitement of the holidays.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Harry Connick
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind