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July 30th, 2009
02:50 AM ET
Harry Connick Jr. takes on Elvis and the BeatlesA 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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Isn't it about time this Harry Connick Jr admits to not being a native of New Orleans? All the bull about his father being the DA is a big lie! The father is or was one of the presidents of Sony Music and a stockholder in Sony Music. Check out the film 'Let's Make Love' with M. Monroe and Y. Montand, the father appears under another name. (Hint: He's the guy who loses his place in the show to Y. Montand's character.) I'm surprised CNN hasn't picked up on this 'fraud'.
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.
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
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!!
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
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!!
I think he has a great voice and I can't wait to buy this album.
HE'S HOT!!
...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!
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!!!!
He can definitely sing any of those classics. His voice is incredible and unique. I can't wait to hear the new album!
He is sexy too bad he doesn't play on my team....
Love u Harry we have been waiting for new CD
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.
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.
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.
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!
Thank you harry. been waiting for a new alblum from you and then to have these great songs is a added bonus.
The Elvis and Beatles tracks being covered are ballads so Harry Connick Jnr., will have no problem.
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.
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).
Definitely. Cannot wait for the CD to reach the stores.
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!
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.
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!
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.