Harry Connick Sr. death
Father of Harry Connick Jr. passes away at 97.
Harry Connick Sr., Former New Orleans District Attorney, Passes Away at 97
Harry Connick Sr., the former district attorney of New Orleans who served for three decades, has died at the age of 97. He passed away peacefully at his home in New Orleans, surrounded by his wife, Londa, and his children Suzanna and Harry Connick Jr., according to an obituary released by Harry Connick Jr.’s publicist. The exact cause of death has not been provided.
A Legacy of Public Service
Connick first came into the public eye in 1973 when he defeated incumbent prosecutor Jim Garrison in a hard-fought election. He went on to win reelection four times and was known for building biracial support as the city’s political power base shifted to African Americans. Throughout his tenure, Connick remained undefeated and retired in 2003.
Controversy and Allegations
However, Connick’s legacy was marred by allegations that his office withheld evidence that could have helped defendants. These concerns gained national attention with a 2011 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a lawsuit filed by John Thompson, who was exonerated after spending 14 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. The Supreme Court overturned a $14 million award for Thompson, stating that the district attorney’s office should not be held responsible for failing to train prosecutors on their obligation to share evidence.
Despite these controversies, Connick defended his record in a 2012 interview, stating that his reputation should not be judged solely on a few cases. He emphasized his overall achievements and the positive impact he had on the community.
Condolences from the Current District Attorney
Jason Williams, the current district attorney of New Orleans, expressed his condolences to the Connick family. He acknowledged Connick’s long service to the city and the toll it takes on both public servants and their families.
A Life of Music and Military Service
Outside of his legal career, Connick was a Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific during World War II. He also nurtured his son, Harry Connick Jr., into becoming a jazz piano prodigy. Connick Sr. arranged for his son to perform alongside renowned musicians in New Orleans, which helped shape his musical career.
Connick Sr. was born on March 27, 1926, in Mobile, Alabama, and moved to New Orleans at a young age. He became a prominent figure in the city’s political landscape during the 1970s and gained national attention when he successfully challenged Jim Garrison.
A Complex Legacy
Throughout his career, Connick was known for his crackdowns on prostitution and adult bookshops in the French Quarter. He also faced criticism for his support of the death penalty in first-degree murder cases. In 1990, he was indicted on charges of racketeering and aiding a sports-betting operation but was later acquitted.
Despite the controversies, Connick maintained a strong following and continued to perform in local nightclubs, singing standards made famous by artists like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. His music helped him forge connections with Black musicians and voters, which was crucial for a White candidate in a predominantly African American city.
Final Words
Funeral arrangements for Harry Connick Sr. are currently pending. His passing marks the end of an era for New Orleans, as the city bids farewell to its longest-serving district attorney. Connick’s complex legacy will undoubtedly be remembered and debated for years to come.
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– Harry Connick Sr. passes away at 97
– Father of Harry Connick Jr. dies at 97.
