Idolizing HCJ

The Way I See It


 

 

As the final weeks of American Idol are being aired, I am sensing a huge sadness. I know, I know. It’s a silly show that may or may not really find an American Idol. But I’m hooked.

I started out with the very first one. I had a 12-year-old daughter and we watched the show each week until Kelly Clarkson was named the first American Idol. We even went to the Top Ten American Idol show at the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum before there was an AT&T Center.

I watched a few more shows here and there over the years, but when my favorite of favorites – Harry Connick Jr. joined the show in 2013, I was hooked again So, for the past three years, I have watched, DVR’d, caught on online this show. I’ve come to love Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban, too. I even downloaded some of their music after seeing them perform on the show. But my heart belongs to HCJ. And let me tell you why.

Many years ago, back in 1991, a dear friend of mine, Karen French, was visiting New Orleans. She became paralyzed by the crossfire of a robber shooting at her and her friends. While in the hospital in New Orleans, the District Attorney was Harry Connick Sr. He became aware of Karen’s affinity for his son’s music. One day, Harry Connick Jr. visited her in the hospital and brought all types of goodies – CDs, photos etc.

Fast forward a few years to a blues bar in Austin. HCJ was there with Sandra Bullock and the filming entourage of “Hope Floats”. I approached him for an autograph and mentioned that while I had always been a big fan, I was even a bigger one because of the kindness he showed my friend and proceeded to share the story. He looked right at me and said “Oh… Karen….right?” I was so impressed that he remembered her. Okay, this is where it gets even better.

A few years ago, I get to see Karen and I finally remembered to tell her that story. “Well, he better remember me,” she said. You see, I had no idea that they keep in touch. Whenever HCJ is in the area, he always has a ticket for Karen to attend his show. He even carried her aboard his tour bus on one visit. Sigh.

The way I see it, we can fawn over any singer, actor etc, right? (I need to add in here at some point that I danced with him that night at Antone’s – essentially.) But when there is really a talented AND good guy like HCJ, now that is a class act.

SUE BROWN is the editor of the Pleasanton Express. Contact her at sbrown@pleasantonexpress.com or write at P.O.


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