Harry Connick Jr. Previews His Most Personal Album

Harry Connick Jr. has built his musical career on his versatile style and emotional honesty. But the singer/songwriter/actor told us in an interview that he reached even deeper inside himself while creating his new album, Every Man Should Know, being released today.

"This one's all about me actually, more than most of the recordings I've done in the past," said Connick when describing the new album of 12 original songs for which he wrote all the music, lyrics and arrangements. He explained that he took a "no rules, no limits" approach to the songs, touching on topics like love and loss, celebration and sorrow, tragedy and hope.

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He said one central theme of the album is also the universal need to love and be loved. "People all over the world have things to contribute... but I think common to all of us is the ability to love someone." He added that one of the most personal tracks is called The Greatest Love Story, which is dedicated to his wife Jill.

In addition to his new album, Connick is also releasing today the song Love Wins, which is dedicated to Ana Grace Marquez-Greene, one of the children killed in the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy. Ana is the daughter of former Connick Big Band tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene.All proceeds from the song will go to the Ana Grace Fund. 

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Watch the video for more, including Connick's thoughts on some reports that he's being considered as a possible judge on American Idol.