Harry Connick, Jr.

A star in music, theater, film and television, Connick recently won his second Emmy Award for musical direction of his live concert television special, "Harry Connick, Jr. in Concert on Broadway." He is currently starring on Broadway in the musical "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," directed by Tony Award-winner Michael Mayer, also the director of NBC's upcoming Broadway-themed drama "Smash."

This year Connick starred in the hit film "Dolphin Tale" which debuted at No. 1 at the box office with Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman and Kris Kristofferson. He also added author to his credentials with "The Happy Elf," his beloved song and children's Christmas stage musical turned into a keepsake children's book with an accompanying instrumental jazz CD released by Marsalis Music. In television, Connick is best remembered as Dr. Leo Markus on NBC's "Will & Grace."

A proud New Orleans native, this summer Connick and longtime friend Branford Marsalis opened the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in The Musicians' Village in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity. From music to dance, theater to film, the goal of the Center is to harness the exceptional talents of the residents and students of the surrounding Musicians' Village in a collective effort that will provide an invaluable resource to New Orleans.