I had heard about this "incident" for years but only now had the opportunity to watch it thanks to RU-vid. I think Harry handled everything with grace and sincerity. Nothing to be ashamed of...
Harry relayed the story on Bob Costas' show of how he followed Jack Jones in the lineup, thinking [I can do better than that]. I had never seen it live - Harry being humbled by forgetting the words. Later that evening Harry entered the facility elevator as he was leaving for the night. Frank & his wife were inside. Harry said rambling, deferential things about his failure and, after confused looks, finally said 'I'm a fan' - thinking Frank didn't know who he was. Frank said 'You did great, kid'.
I remember seeing this on television. I was crazy about Harry Connick Jr; he was just a couple of years older than me, and I was watching it with my parents. I remember he had to stop and put his glasses on. 1990 I believe.
Nothing like screwing up big time in front of the boss...how do you live that down? It was in the days before monitors. Harry plays the piano a lot better than Frank could, and he is better looking by far. Good for you Harry.
Thanks for uploading. I remember the summer Harry sprung on the scene here in Britain (We Are in Love 1991) but I had never seen him sing to Francis Albert . Sinatra was always generous towards other singers, Lady Day, Ella, Sarah, Tony Bennet, Robert Goulet, Vic Damone, Andy Williams, Matt Monro etc.
This era when Harry was still young was the limited peak that he should have portrayed Sinatra. As much as that is true, he doesn't swing like Sinatra, but had the look. Listen to the album recording of Sinatra/Count Basie & His Orchestra with Quincy Jones' arrangements and that will have you in solid agreement. If they had done a picture while he was alive, Frank would have instilled in young Harry a relentless, unswerving dedication to the craft of singing. Instead, rumours are again bubbling, 2024 post 'Killers of the Flower Moon' mess that Scorsese will finally get his wish. But DiCaprio??? Oy vey...
