Harry Connick, Sr.
| Joseph Harry Fowler Connick, Sr. | |
| Harry Connick, Sr. | |
District Attorney for Orleans Parish, Louisiana
| |
| In office April 1, 1974 – January 10, 2003 | |
| Preceded by | James Carothers "Jim" Garrison |
|---|---|
| Succeeded by | Eddie Jordan |
| Born | March 27, 1926 Mobile, Alabama |
| Died | January 24, 2024 (aged 97) New Orleans |
| Political party | Democrat |
| Spouse(s) | (1) Anita Frances Levy Livingston Connick (married 1953-1981, her death) (2) Londa Jean Matherne Connick |
| Children | Dr. Suzanna Jamison Harry Connick, Jr. (singer) |
| Alma mater | Loyola University New Orleans Tulane University School of Law |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
Joseph Harry Fowler Connick, Sr. (March 27, 1926 – January 24, 2024), was from 1974 to 2003 the district attorney of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, and a concert singer. His son, Harry, Jr., is a popular musician who still performs in various venue.
Connick was born in Mobile, Alabama to James Paul Connick, and the former Jessie Fowler. The family moved to New Orleans, where he was reared. In 1945, at the age of nineteen, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed at various locations in the Pacific Theatre of War.[1]
In 1953, he wed the former Anita Frances Levy Livingston (1926-1981), a New York native whom he met in Morocco while he was employed building an air base for the Army Corps of Enginners. The young couple returned to New Orleans and opened Studio A Records on Harrison Avenue, a small record shop. They later opened additional outlets. Meanwhile, he graduated from the Roman Catholic Loyola University New Orleans and the Tulane University School of Law.[1]
After law school, Connick became an assistant U.S. Attorney. In 1969, he ran for the office of District Attorney of Orleans Parish but lost to fellow Democrat James Carothers "Jim" Garrison (1921-1992), who led an investigation into the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Connick ran again in 1973 and at the age of forty-eight upset Garrison by 2.221 votes. He was DA for nearly three decades. He moved to establish and implement ground-breaking programs, including the Diversion Program, (designed to remove young, first-time offenders from the criminal justice system and correct the problem that caused them to be incarcerated), the Victim Witness Assistance Program, Plea Bargaining Policy, Case Screening Policy, Consumer Protection Unit, Child Support Enforcement Division, full-time Assistant District Attorneys.[1] In 1987, Connick challenged the fourth-term reelection of Louisiana Attorney General William J. Guste, also a New Orleans Democrat lawyer and businessman. Connick lost the race, and Guste served until 1992.
A music devotee, he sang around the house from the Great American Songbook. His particular favotie was Hoagy Carmichael's "Up A Lazy River", by Hoagy Carmichael was a particular favorite, but he also enjoyed Johnny Mercer, Richard Rodgers, and Moss Hart. He also was a tap dancer. His misical gift was transferred to his son, the world renown Harry Connick, Jr.[1]
Harry and Anita Connick also had a daughter, Dr. Suzanna Jamison, Anita died of ovarian cancer in 1981. In 1995, Connick married the former Londa Jean Matherne, who survives him.[1]
