George Shearing and 14 year old Harry Connick Jr. performing together in 1981.

Many have complained about the work of the photographer in this video. Let me explain what you are seeing.
THIS IS WHAT A RAW UNEDITED TV NEWS FIELD TAPE LOOKS LIKE. IT WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE SEEN AS A WHOLE. AS THE REPORTER, I LIFTED IMAGES AND SOUND FROM THE 14 MINUTES OF THIS RECORDING AND ADDED A VOICE TRACK FOR A 2-MINUTE STORY FOR THE EVENING NEWS. A STORY ABOUT A WORLD-FAMOUS MUSICIAN WHO CAME TO TOWN AND THE UNCOMMONLY TALENTED YOUNG KID WHO SAT IN WITH HIM. I HAD NO INTENTION OF USING MY QUESTIONS AND THE CONTINUOUS CAMERA MOVEMENT THAT LOOKS SO JARRING IS STANDARD PROCEDURE WHEN SHOOTING A FEATURE PIECE. IT'S THE ONLY WAY TO CAPTURE A COMPLETE MUSIC TRACK AND VIDEO OF THE SUBJECTS PERFORMING THAT MUSIC. Back at the station, it would all be edited down into the final story that would air in the news.
The photographer, by the way, later was hired by CBS Network News. So he knows what he's doing.
These outtakes came from an impromptu performance and an interview I did in the Fairmont Hotel in New Orleans for WVUE-TV channel 8 in 1981. At this time everyone knew the name Harry Connick Sr. - the District Attorney of Orleans Parrish. He was always telling me about Jr., his "amazing" jazz-playing son. I dismissed it as nothing more than the inflated boasting of a proud father. This was the first time I actually heard the kid play. And who could have guessed what the future held for him as he would grow to be as famous as the man sitting at the other piano. The 12-bar blues tune they play is Bag's Groove. It was written in the mid 50's by vibraphonist Milt "Bags" Jackson of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Shearing also plays a snippet of his own 1952 composition, Lullaby of Birdland which would become an oft-quoted and performed standard.

[@mrfester42]

His playing is great BUT add to that his composure, his natural and ready smile and his ease with the interviewer and he's like a grown man at 14.

[@mellowords]

Harry Connick Jr becoming a mainstream artist, actor and television personality is like lightning striking thrice. His craft was SO developed before he could even drive. But he never let that get in the way of connecting with people. True artistry.

[@my2centstoo]

Harry's mom was a judge in New Orleans. My mom was involved in a business women's group which had Anita Connick as guest speaker at a function in 1976. I was fortunate to be able to attend the luncheon with my mother. I was 16, and there was a little boy running around like any kid and enjoying himself. It was Harry at age 9! If only I had known!

[@billmoller]

Nice story. As a reporter and weekend anchor at WVUE channel 8, I had many occasions to interview his dad, HC Sr. who was the DA of Orleans Parish. Knowing I was a jazz guy, he was always telling me about his kid. Thinking it was just the standard dad boast, I never paid any attention to it.

[@my2centstoo]

@@billmoller Also a great story! WVUE is still my favorite local news channel.

[@edwardscissorhands4007]

@@billmoller Harry's Jesuit dad obstructed Jim Garrison's case in New Orleans for the Vatican Jesuit new world order agenda

[@jiejie1119]

Harry Connick, Jr. has always ben a favorite. Was unaware of his classical training. Glad when he played in movies, too. Such a talent.

[@aqua6613]

His Memphis Belle scene of Danny Boy is my fave 😊

[@gwenniegirl50]

Branford and Winton Marsalis' father also taught Harry Connick Jr

[@gato7908]

He gives a better interview than most adults.

[@brucerudd69]

Love his comments about being open to all musical forms. He talks about kids only wanting to play rock but as a classically trained musician, I saw the same closed mindedness in many “trained” musicians. It’s all music. Appreciate it and enjoy.

[@tillysanders2593]

Just shows a star is born ..Harry is composed, articulate and talented .. like an old soul .. beyond merely 14 years.

[@derekm3180]

I wasn't this mature at 40......

[@beckyrubin3754]

Not to mention adorable 🥰

[@lizzybeth22]

Right? What kid says "the jazz idiom"?

[@peters6119]

I can't believe how mature Harry sounded at that age. He really didn't sound much different doing this interview than he sounded as an adult.

[@shelld1261]

Wow yes, he really was mature, huh? I thought he sounded the same too. And that smile, yep. : )

[@kevincraemer3040]

I heard young Harry Jr play many times in the early- to mid-1980's. His dad brought him along to conferences I helped organize in hotels around the country. Many of these hotels would have a piano in the lobby or lobby bar. During off-hours, Harry Jr would practice and play to virtually empty rooms. It was clear even then that he had a gift.

[@billmoller]

And a determination.

[@clairehewitt3381]

Wow! If it hadn't been for lockdown I might never have fallen down and KZbin hole and discovered this! 😅 ... Harry was not like any 14 year old boy I ever knew. Love it!

[@juanitaringpis5154]

lockdown made me come to know about Harry Connick Jr. I am now a fan

[@mathonamoore123]

Same here. I knew Harry only from movies and I only found his show, a few days ago. I'm raging that I missed it from the start!!

[@brookeneese2652]

Ditto my friend. One of the few bright lights in this darkness

[@SabrinaMRood]

Love seeing George Shearing here. He was a joy and so positive. I am thankful to have seen him in person several times.

[@pietroparker6533]

What a wonderful surprise to see how much talent Harry Connick had at age 14 - wow!

[@hoisin75]

Harry sure grew into his aww-shucks features didn't he? Incredible, prodigous talent

[@rr7firefly]

So much intelligence in that young face. And his easy smile shows how comfortable he is with himself. To have so much poise and talent at 14 years of age would do Harry well in life.

[@aydenwoyus7943]

It has.

[@nmdakini5226]

George Shearing was one of the very great jazz pianists. And a really wonderful human!

[@baberina1]

Harry still had such a nice smile... So endearing... And his voice sounds almost the same.

[@markmelni]

I met George Shearing when I was in Jr. High School. I was invited to meet him with 6 other Piano Players in Santa Barbara. His album at the time had a beautiful woman on the cover - One of the guys asked him ‘Do you pick the Models for your Album - and how do you do that?”... He said “ I use Braille.” He was a very cool guy!

[@billmoller]

Sublime answer.

[@DonyaLane]

LOL Good answer from Shearing!

[@shelld1261]

Holy Cow! This is a serious treasure! His voice sounds exactly the same as he does as an adult. Harry was so mature too, oh my goodness. He had that same wonderful smile too. I so love this! What a talented talented man. Thank you for sharing this with us. : )

[@billmoller]

You're welcome. Wish his career profile was as high as it once was.

[@DonyaLane]

THIS WAS SO COOL! Thank you for sharing this. Shearing, with his dazzling technique and cross-genre versatility, and a 14 yr old Harry, tearing it up with "Straight No Chaser." The fact that he was even playing Monk at that age is probably, in large part, thanks to his legendary teacher, Ellis Marsalis. Shearing and Connick... what a wonderful moment in music history!

[@leonardshevlin7260]

Playing at a faster tempo makes the stride elements obvious.

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

I listen to Harry for over 20 years and he is one classy guy.

[@VousEtre]

I was fortunate enough to see George Shearing live several times with Mel Torme. Would love to see Harry Connick Jr. live as well. So underrated.

[@petersdotter1]

Shearing and Torme, what a combo!

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

I've seen Connick with a small combo in Boston when he'd put out Lofty's Roach Souffle. It was great.

[@StefaniStevensBand]

I LOVE this! Harry, you were a 😎 cool kid, humble, articulate and beyond talented. I remember my Italian mom comparing HCJ to Sinatra. I shows her his piano playing and said, no comparison!

[@sherribrtn]

If I shut my eyes, he sounds like he does now...🥰

[@christophueberhorst7924]

I admire George Shearing very much. I saw him live in Munich in 1979.

[@harperwelch5147]

I had no idea that he was a blossoming star at such an early age. Heard him perform here in Seattle many years ago. Captivating to watch and listen to.

[@HarryHipster]

Thanks so much! What a raw gem. As if we were witnessing the old Haydn sitting together with the young Mozart playing some cembalo tunes.

[@lizzabug87]

I’ve discovered so many new things about Harry. His voice is so soothing and enduring, and he so down to earth now with all these other musicians who seem to be more popular and accomplished than he is but to me it seems like they should be worshiping him! He’s trained longer than most of them have been alive. Love love love it!

[@billmoller]

I had no idea so long ago he would rise to such prominence.

[@lynnelipovsek5349]

Harry is truly an exceptional artist and is still gifting us today ! Ty Mr Connick

[@dr.ulyssesswlabr6642]

It's stuff like this that makes me love YT. Amazing!

[@mathonamoore123]

George is such a gentleman. He excludes, gentleness, kindness and so sweet. He appears to be visually impaired. I must Google him. I never heard of him but so far, I'm loving his piano playing :) Harry was so cute and a very respectable, young man. He's a son to be proud of. What a lovely boy. Stay safe, God bless. Love from Ireland, on 1st April 2021.

[@jobucats2166]

Mathone Moore, I became aware of George Shearing's music when the local Border's store (many years ago) gave away just random cds to educators as a token of appreciation. I just reached into the box, and picked up cd from this artist not knowing anything about his music. I immediately became immersed in his artistry, and even played the cd as subtle background music in my classroom. Yes, Harry was also indeed a talented young man.

[@moussetache1815]

I love how he mentions funk and rock being musical forms to count with. His album "She" wasn't as well received as it should have. It still is one of my favorite. Incredibly precious footage here. Thank you from Paris.

[@billmoller]

Je vous en prie. Vive le Jazz

[@ginaferrari2116]

I am a native New Orleanian and we often were shown Harry as a young boy on local TV. His father was the D.A. in New Orleans for about 30 years, and he also was a musician, often playing in the French Quarter. Because the father was so well-connected he was able to get the local CBS affiliate to feature his son very often on the morning news show, usually playing piano. So, nobody in New Orleans was surprised when Harry Jr. became a world-famous musician. I wish there were more videos of him as a child available on KZbin, so if anyone has something to post, please do so.

[@richardjackson5670]

Thanks for uploading this video. Harry once said that he believes he was better as a youngster than he is now lol😅. In some ways, I understand why he said that. There are songs I could play when I was younger that I can’t play today. Harry is incredible and someone I’ve always looked up to.

[@susanschroeder3512]

I'm Grateful! Thank You!

[@dawnj.6649]

What a treat this was! I just saw him at the Hollywood bowl! Can’t believe he’s already this amazing at 14!!! A child prodigy he was truly! I wondered when he discovered singing. Little did he know at 14, he’s gonna turn out into this legend. 🙏 Now has a beautiful wife and 3 incredible daughters! Me & my Dad love ya Harry!! ❤

[@bitsywillmott6881]

What a musical treat...and what a duo. Admiration society!

[@billmoller]

This was many years ago when my questioning skills were still forming.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

@@billmoller I'm assuming this was around 1981? I was only about 7 or 8 at that time, but was a huge jazz fan even then (thank you, Mr. Rogers and Johnny Costa). What an incredibly mature young man he was.

[@aydenwoyus7943]

He grew into his smile!

[@PatriceFitzgerald]

What a great clip! I can see how folks are puzzled by the camerawork--everybody these days has a camera in their pocket and is able to shoot and share beautiful videos. But in 1981, nothing like that existed, and as the poster noted, this was about capturing the sound, not the visual footage. Awesome interview with Connick. What a cutie! And incredibly savvy for his age.

[@billmoller]

Thank you for the thoughtful comment Patrice.

[@emi6099]

Harry Connick Jr is one of my favorite

[@joelstein4657]

I, for one, will always remember George as a consummate musician who loves all types of music.

[@ttintagel]

I first came to know him through his settings of Shakespeare songs for choir and piano, which blew my mind, and inspired me to seek out his larger body of work. Been a fan ever since.

[@13leggys]

So excited to see this I've always admired Harry Connick Jr. I think I spelled it wrong. I discovered him as a adult. 😎✌🏼🎶🎶😎😎💥💥👏👏👠❤️🗽🇺🇸

[@dbentleyto95]

Oh my God, I had no idea I needed this. How beautiful

[@KM00Youtube]

I am happy that you found this, actually! A very rare and treasured piece of history! WELL DONE! :)

[@valerieelliott8359]

I saw Harry on his first concert tour. I got his autograph on my ticket! He was a magnificent showman.

[@ttintagel]

I saw him when he was touring with the When Harry Met Sally music. One of the most fun concerts I’ve ever been to.

[@isatthere]

Great piece of history ! Thank you for posting it. Really appreciated...

[@tlynn7043]

Wow this is such a great clip. I just love Harry. He knew what he liked and he followed the path.

[@rhondag9717]

Thanks for sharing... love seeing Harry at such a young age...wow, brilliant... his love for music is so evident.💙

[@BeardedMonkeyRecords]

Thanks for posting this! I've played piano since 2nd grade and Harry has always been an idol of mine growing up. Got to see him in concert in 1990 and it is still one of the best concerts I ever attended.

[@cdub531]

Well spoken for 14.

[@mistermonduk]

Great video, thanks for posting this. It's a pity you have so many negative comments from people who couldn't be bothered to read the description and explanation about the camerawork and interview. I've had experience of working with media people in TV and radio and know what a lengthy process it can be, especially back in the 80's and 90's. Much credit to you.

[@billmoller]

Thank you Ray. I'm glad you understand. If there were multiple cameras rolling simultaneously, it would be easy to edit it all down into a nice piece. But with only 1 camera, you have to think creatively to craft a final story with a smooth visual and aural flow.

[@asylumchoir4586]

This is a glorious presentation. What a blessing to be able to have witnessed and marvel at the raw talent, pleasantries, and gifts. Thank you for sharing this historical moment so very much.🌸🕊❤️

[@billmoller]

Thank you for your kind comment.

[@asylumchoir4586]

Good stuff!!😊

[@DonnieReno]

Harry is one of my all-time favorite musicians! Wow, the camera movements were making me seasick!

[@kerrygornick7141]

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!! Thank you for sharing this special gift for all of us to see. My two favorite performers!!!

[@denniswoodbury8599]

Surreal to watch a teenage Harry so at ease with the music and media. Close your eyes and you would think he was 40.

[@Person-mh6xq]

So true!

[@nickstanley86]

Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@harmonium8198]

About a year after this interview was done, George Shearing visited the small town where I was a twenty-three-year-old in my first job as a TV reporter. He had been invited there to make an afternoon appearance before the Junior League (not exactly a hip hour or hip crowd!), and I waited patiently afterward, hoping he would agree to answer a few questions. Another reporter beat me to it, though. As I lingered nearby, she asked one question of Shearing, and he--apparently insulted by her insufficient knowledge of him--frowned and abruptly shut down the interview. Feeling even more trepidation now than I had before, I walked up to him and asked if he would be willing to talk. I must have done something right. At least I knew who he was and had enough awareness of jazz to ask him questions that were apparently meaningful enough for him to answer them. I was grateful that he gave me a few minutes of his time and grateful for the reminder of how important it is for a reporter to be prepared.

[@billmoller]

Very nice story...and a good memory for you.

[@markfox8139]

What a treat to see Harry at this age and stage in his music journey.

[@scubaguy14]

I've seen Harry in concert a few times over the years, and it's always a great show, can go right up to the stage

[@scottwilliams2094]

Harry was blessed with a musical dad and growing up in a musical city, with NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) magnet school teachers like Ellis Marsalis and Henry Butler. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to both teachers a few years before this interview when I had several friends attending NOCCA. You'd have a hard time finding any better arts breeding ground.

[@treywest268]

His dad was a district attorney and not a musician.

[@superd9072]

Great video! Great Job! Thanks, so much for posting 👍😏

[@peterryan7827]

What a brilliant piece of work, forget the nonsense, this is a genius in the making i have been a fan of Mr Connick for a very long time, and to see him Mr shearing is a wonderful thing thanks so much for this video,for this man to go on and then we find he can sing like Sinatra as well.OMG.

[@duradim1]

I love these hidden gems. Thank you for sharing.

[@jenniferbate9682]

George shearing should have been knighted. What a musician he was.

[@kittycatlyn]

Thank you for posting this. It was a real treat. Cheers🥂

[@billmoller]

Glad I had this copy laying around. Could so easily have been lost or the quality of the 3/4" field could have degraded.

[@franapple2528]

Born sweet, handsome, and talented!

[@tammyburke9453]

Holy Shit HC jr.'s VOICE @ 14 is like a 45 year old man's! WTF? DEEEEP. Best old clip. He has amazing charisma. Great talent and humility and CUTE AF.

[@rejoyce318]

He has always struck me as an "old soul." When he first became popular, I couldn't believe how young he was.

[@dubskell42]

So cool footage!! Awesomely nostalgic with the 📼. I love it. I don't know how you converted it but thank you.

[@billmoller]

Simply a dub from the original 3/4" tape to diguytal

[@gaymichaelis7581]

Well, I’ve known about Harry Connick Junior! I just love him, after seeing him on his own talkshow that I think he still has going now?! Plus I’ve seen him in some movies… That’s how I was initially introduced to him I think! I think Harry Connick Junior is a wonderful young man, great pianist, great actor, with a great sense of humor! And I love this George Shearing! Great pianist! Jazz and otherwise! Thank you very much for this!!!

[@billmoller]

You're welcome. It was a surprise to me when a few years after I did this interview I saw his profile rising and I couldn't believe it was this same skinny kid.

[@gatorjay7972]

No complaints about this super interview. Who knew at that time how Connicks career would rise.

[@ronl7131]

Great record of a snapshot of the lives of George and Harry.....both heart & soul artists....thanks for posting....

[@catherinesmitko]

This is great! Thank you so much 😊

[@orochimarukishimoto6509]

Ahhhhhh yeah Harry has the class to give props to Weather Report, very cool. While learning from the one the legends himself Mr. George Shearing

[@rillloudmother]

Thanks for posting this great slice of jazz history.

[@krissanders987]

14 and still has same voice he does today. Literally a grown man at 14.

[@MetaWander]

What a gem of a clip!! - Thanks so much for sharing this! (Never mind the negative comments about the camera or technical whatever - Who cares?! This is gold!!)

[@nannykat1057]

Amazing talent...wonderful man. Love HCJ!

[@Auntkekebaby]

Aww little Harry. Smart kid. He was here before.

[@ubahfly5409]

This is so wonderful seeing these keyboard legends all in one place, they even got Ray Charles to operate the camera !

[@vincentdesiano4861]

That’s a good one!

[@Seaby41]

That's, aaaa, some real stunning camera work. Thanks for taking it. Awesome video. I love the internet

[@SKIPPERBIRDWOOD]

It's great that they gave the filming job to a blind cameraman

[@georgehiggins1320]

I honestly think it gives it a bit more charm. It feels like the shakiness makes the event feel like something that really happened.

[@oldtimer7635]

Nat King Cole sings/George Shearing plays. One of the greatest albums ever recorded!

[@Drew039]

You’re right on the money about that.

[@gaymichaelis7581]

I didn’t really know about George sharing until this video with Harry Connick Junior! I love the thought of Nat King Cole singing and George Shearing playing! I bet that is wonderful!

[@oldtimer7635]

@@gaymichaelis7581 It’s wonderful album, you will find it in iTunes, recorded in 1961.

[@martinrodzzz5329]

I found it on Spotify. Nat King Cole was a fantastic pianist too - he was surprised when his singing became popular, because originally he never thought of it as one of his strengths.

[@smusic4638]

Great video. George Shearing got his wish - he is remembered as a consumate musician (then and now)!

[@caseycampbell7975]

How cool! Thank you for sharing!!

[@matthewfarmer6830]

As long it's still a video you can be proud of lol, thanks for sharing. 👍😎📼

[@dansisco3076]

Wow...... what a great and Special treat this video treasure is❗️♾ thanks... To Bill Moller🙏

[@billmoller]

At the time, so many years ago, when Harry was an unknown, I had no idea he would grow into such a world-class talent.

[@jefferyneu3915]

A generous master with a future master! What a wonderful opportunity for Harry!❤️

[@settinger14]

Love this clip!! Clearly he was mainlining Oscar in the early 80’s!

[@troygaspard6732]

Cool to see Shearing mentoring Connick. And great to hear Shearing refer to the audience as Catholic.

[@marionsutcliffe1119]

I think he meant catholic, not Catholic.

[@ellenflanagan2220]

Yes, catholic meaning universal.

[@holyspacemonkey]

Thanks so much for posting this! ❤️

[@billmoller]

I'm glad I had this old tape in my files. I converted it to digital as soon as a found an old 3/4 inch tape player that worked.

[@holyspacemonkey]

@@billmoller It’s such a treasure!

[@billmoller]

@@holyspacemonkey Sure glad I saved the field tape. They're usually overwritten with new video. I initially saved it because of Shearing...and later was grateful to have it because of Connick as well...and you're right...a real treasure for the ages.

[@holyspacemonkey]

@@billmoller I’m so glad you saved it!

[@charlesprice925]

And a brandade on his finger. I love it. When Harry came on the scene, I was knocked out. It revived my hope for a younger generation to step in. Unfortunately, it almost seems over. The next don't look as promising, with the new "industry standard" for auto and pitch correction. If there are ever any that are better, we'll neve know. But the industry got their quick, controllable, buck. And they didn't have to pay the "artist" on the hook or they'd be discovered.

[@deedreamccarthy6666]

Turns out he makes a good actor too 😎🎶

[@warrenchambers4819]

Went through the whole hair metal stuff as a teenager but the only concert tickets I've ever bought was to see Harry play. I heard Harry sing and thought it was Frank Sinatra. Blew me away been hooked since.

[@billmoller]

He certainly showed aptitude even as a young teen.

[@quasidiem99]

That young man became a fighter pilot and died saving the world from aliens. Thank you for your sacrifice, it will never be forgotten.

[@sharonrice8255]

Good joke

[@savedfaves]

Sounds like he's been interviewed by James Woods. I was particularly fond of how drunk the cameraman was.

[@williamwonders2016]

🤣🤣🤣

[@billmoller]

I was the reporter. I have won numerous awards for my work. I know what I'm doing as does the videographer. Read my comments at the top of this page.

[@wantsomecoffee]

Winner Comment!

[@ubahfly5409]

How dare you, sir, these are icons of the ivories & that is no way to speak about the great Ray Charles who was kind enough to operate the camera that day !

[@petmom1967]

He had no idea how much his life would grow beyond even music!

[@elliemoller8566]

I think YOU ARE TERRIFIC, Bill ! THANK YOU FOR SENDING SUCH A WIDE VARIETY OF YOUR EXCELLENT REPORTING WORK! ! ! ! LOVE "Ma"

[@christinataylor6572]

Harry, whatcha do to your finger.....? The one with the bandaid. Great music. 🎶💙🎶💙🎶

[@polytheneprentiss1534]

Interesting (and ironic) how he’s contemplating being a professional classical musician versus a jazz musician. I was just thinking the other day: I don’t think I’ve ever heard him play classical piano - that would be pretty cool to hear!

[@mikelund57]

Look up the movie "little man tate" Harry was in this movie with Jodie foster, he was the college boy who took Tate under his care.. He plays a few classical notes in towards the middle of the movie along with the boy.. If I'm not mistaken.

[@jeremyjohnson7429]

You are so beautiful ❤️

[@sabyegrp]

I had no idea. This was great. What a young talent.

[@frankleadon8779]

A amazing versatile artist Harry ,with. The legend that is Shearing , wonderful clip 🎶👍