Harry Connick Sr. facts for kids

Joseph Harry Fowler Connick Sr. (born March 27, 1926 – died January 24, 2024) was an American lawyer. He served as the top prosecutor, known as the district attorney, for Orleans Parish (New Orleans), Louisiana. He held this important job from 1973 to 2003. His son, Harry Connick Jr., is a famous American musician and actor. Harry Connick Sr. also loved to sing. He often performed in local clubs as a fun hobby.

Early Life and Adventures

Joseph Harry Fowler Connick was born in Mobile, Alabama on March 27, 1926. He was one of eight children. When Harry was two years old, his family moved to New Orleans.

Music was a big part of his life from a young age. He especially liked the music of Glenn Miller. After finishing high school, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served in the Pacific Ocean during World War II.

After the war, he came back to New Orleans. He went to Loyola University New Orleans. There, he earned a degree in business.

Later, Connick worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is where he met Anita Livingston, who would become his wife. Anita was a talented flute player. She also became a lawyer and one of the first female judges in New Orleans. They got married in Tunisia. They even spent some time in Casablanca.

When Harry and Anita Connick returned to New Orleans, they opened a record store. They eventually owned two stores. At the same time, they both studied to become lawyers. One would work in the store while the other was at school. They had two children, a daughter named Suzanna and a son named Harry Jr.

Music and New Orleans Culture

Harry Connick Sr. always stayed connected to the music and culture of New Orleans. In 1993, he and his son helped start the Krewe of Orpheus. This is a large group that takes part in the yearly Mardi Gras parades.

Time magazine gave him the nickname "The Singing District Attorney." He got this name because he spent many nights singing in clubs. These clubs were often in the famous French Quarter of New Orleans.

Serving as District Attorney

In 1973, Connick became the District Attorney of New Orleans. He won the election against the person who held the job before him, Jim Garrison.

During his time as district attorney, he was involved in a famous court case. It was called Connick v. Myers. This case was about free speech rights for public employees. The Supreme Court made a decision in this case. They said that some employee speech is not protected if it's about internal office matters.

In 1995, while he was still district attorney, Connick made a promise. He said he would give over some important historical files. These files were from an investigation by Jim Garrison. They were about the assassination of a president. However, some of these documents were almost destroyed. Luckily, an investigator named Gary Raymond saved them. He felt it was wrong to burn such important records. He later gave them to a reporter. After some legal discussions, all the documents were finally given to the proper authorities. They are now part of the JFK Collection.

Harry Connick Sr. decided not to run for re-election in 2003. He was then honored by being added to the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame. This museum is in Winnfield.

Family Life

Harry Connick Sr. was a Roman Catholic. His family background included Irish, English, Northern Irish, and German roots.

His first wife, Anita Frances Livingston, was Jewish. Her parents had moved from Minsk and Vienna. They raised their two children, Suzanna and Harry Jr., in the Lakeview area of New Orleans. Their son, Harry Connick Jr., grew up to be a very well-known musician, actor, and TV host. Sadly, Anita passed away in July 1981.

Connick later married Londa Jean Matherne. They were married on March 25, 1995, in County Tipperary, Ireland.

Harry Connick Sr. was also an uncle to other important people in Louisiana politics. These included Paul Connick, who is the District Attorney for Jefferson Parish. He was also an uncle to Patrick Connick, a State Senator from Jefferson Parish.

Harry Connick Sr. passed away in New Orleans on January 24, 2024. He was 97 years old.