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July 30, 2009

Harry Connick Jr. takes on Elvis and the Beatles

Posted: 02:50 AM ET

A lot of people know Harry Connick Jr. better as an actor now, but he's going back to his roots as a recording artist. 

His p.r. firm announced the singer/musician will release a new album on vinyl on August 25th, called "Your Songs".    It comes out on CD format the following month.

The vinyl-first, CD-second approach is not the only thing novel about the record.  It also marks the first time Connick has worked so closely with a music industry exec.  The legendary Clive Davis picked most of the songs for him to sing, according to the p.r. firm.

And it's an interesting track list.  Connick sings Elvis' hit "I Can't Help Falling In Love With You" and the Beatles' "And I Love Her", backed by a full jazz band and string orchestra.

Not content to take on those giants, he's also got a version of Nat King Cole's "Mona Lisa", Frank Sinatra's "All The Way", and Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are".

Harry's top-selling disc remains his 1993 album "When My Heart Finds Christmas", which the Recording Industry Association of America has certified as triple platinum (sales of over 3 million units).

Do you think he has the vocal chops to cover Elvis and the Beatles?

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Meg   July 30th, 2009 4:51 am ET

Harry does have the "chops" to sing Elvis, Frank and every other singer who ever recorded, I will be in line to purchase his new CD , can't wait, sounds like Clive did it again.

jo ann   July 30th, 2009 9:34 am ET

Probably not, but he does have a great voice, plus he is so warm and sexy that he can pretty much get by with singing any song and making the ladies quite content!

Belkiss   July 30th, 2009 9:43 am ET

He most certainly will be able to deliver!! Mr. Connick is a remarkable artist. I have heard his music over the years and I am sure he has the vocal chops to cover Elvis and the Beatles.

Belkiss.

MICHAEL   July 30th, 2009 10:46 am ET

The man can pull it off – and I will be right there to buy it on vinyl and cd – Clive Davis doesn't pick songs that you can't sing...the man knows musical talent when he hears it, and this cd RECORD and CD will be proof of that!

Angelica LeVasseur   July 30th, 2009 11:47 am ET

Definitely. Cannot wait for the CD to reach the stores.

Frank   July 30th, 2009 1:02 pm ET

Yes. Can't wait to hear the new stuff. But why vinyl? Does anyone really have a record player anymore. Too bad most fans will have to wait a month for the CD. (would prefer digital copy for my iPod though).

JRossi   July 30th, 2009 1:11 pm ET

Love Harry and anything he touches is just magic. I've had the good fortune to see him in concert several times over the last (almost) 20 years now and the pure talent just amazes. From the big band to the more traditional New Orleans Jazz, I am a huge fan. Looking forward to the new stuff.

Brian Quinn   July 30th, 2009 1:16 pm ET

The Elvis and Beatles tracks being covered are ballads so Harry Connick Jnr., will have no problem.

bobby   July 30th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

Thank you harry. been waiting for a new alblum from you and then to have these great songs is a added bonus.

Rose Kowalski   July 30th, 2009 3:49 pm ET

Harry is the most amazing singer in this Universe. On top of that, he is such a nice guy! Wish there were a million of him!

mary   July 31st, 2009 8:08 am ET

The man is a tremendous talent. His smooth voice and unwavering sex appeal puts him right up there with the old greats. He will be around forever for those who appreciate what music really is.

Jim Burrows   July 31st, 2009 1:58 pm ET

Many singers, too numerous to recall here, can take on songs by Elvis even when he was vocally at his best. For some strange reason, however, when Elvis delivered, he delivered forever so, after listening to any of the great covers of anyone of his masterpieces, a song like, say, "Can't help falling in love", even when sang by Bocelli, then return to Elvis' 1962 original, one is convinced that it's Presley,' voice, once again, that continues to deliver.

Emily   August 1st, 2009 5:01 am ET

All of Harry's covers are both amazing tributes to the original version, and also all of his own, since he creates the arrangements for all of his songs. For example: For his album "Oh My Nola" he gave the classic "Jambalaya" a swing-time-section, all played by his big band. I am sure he will pay very good tribute to Elvis, the Beatles, Billy Joel, etc., all while giving the songs his own twist. I can't wait to hear this new album.

Gloria Roebuck   August 1st, 2009 8:55 am ET

Love u Harry we have been waiting for new CD

ItalianGuy   August 1st, 2009 4:23 pm ET

He is sexy too bad he doesn't play on my team....

Rosanna   August 1st, 2009 4:39 pm ET

He can definitely sing any of those classics. His voice is incredible and unique. I can't wait to hear the new album!

Gary Tsangas   August 1st, 2009 8:52 pm ET

I worked at the Goldern Nugget in Atlantc City back in the late 80's and Harry Connick had a contract to perform there several time a year. He is a great singer and a very good actor. Also; out of all the entertainers that played at the Nugget, he was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet!!!!

Kath--Waterford, MI   August 1st, 2009 10:01 pm ET

...Do people have turntables anymore? Ummm, yeah!! I have 1500 albums...what would I play 'em on? I have a 29-year-old Linear Tracking Turntable in perfect working order, with a stash of extra cartridges and needles...Very cool the Vinyl streets before the disc!

I can't wait, I'm a long-time fan, and the material mentioned WILL NOT BE A PROBLEM!

DERRICK   August 1st, 2009 11:36 pm ET

HE'S HOT!!

Kim   August 2nd, 2009 6:29 am ET

I think he has a great voice and I can't wait to buy this album.

Darlene   August 3rd, 2009 3:56 am ET

Harry is cool, and so is the fact that he's using vinyl records. The cd's get messed up wayt too easily. I've got records from the 40's that play better than some of my 1 year old cd's. I've still got my stereo from high school. The new album will sound great on it. Thanks, Harry, and it's about time we heard from you!!

john blodnim   August 3rd, 2009 1:22 pm ET

gee ..another cover album .ho hum ..write some originals or go away ...if i want to hear the beatles or elvis i can put their cds on ..cover songs are boorrriiinnggg

Denise   August 3rd, 2009 1:42 pm ET

I think he has an amazing voice, always wanted him to do a Frank Sinatra CD always thought he sounded like a young Sinatra, but when one has a voice it doesn't really matter, you enjoy the artist. Looking forward to it!!

MIcheal   August 3rd, 2009 3:04 pm ET

It could be a very good outing, and if produced properly (which is highly likely considering the names involved) could have a very long shelf life, if Harry can keep the cheese factor to a minimum... He has a tendency to cheese up the old standards

Dustin   December 6th, 2009 5:44 pm ET

I just heard the album. I dunno... I don't think his covers were anthing to rave about. Don't get me wrong, I liked them a lot. He does have a great voice, albeit quite different than most contemporary jazz Buble-types around today (thank goodness). I just wasn't that impressed with the covers, as its so hard for someone to cover an already universally loved song.

I personally judge the success of a cover on how well it makes me forget that I'm listening to a cover. That happens either by it being so similar that they sound identical (but I don't like that), or being so great in its own arena that I don't constantly compare the two.

Granted, this is all really subjective, and I still really like the album. He did a great job on the covers, but i just can't get myself to give him full credit, when I still can hear the original while I listen to his versions.

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