When Harry Met Sally

Harry Connick Jr has it all. He is multi-talented, successful and good looking. The American all-around artist returns to Shanghai after his first performance in the city 13 years ago. He will perform at the Shanghai International Gymnastic Center on Sunday.

Chinese people might not be familiar with his name, but they are surely know his memorable soundtracks for hit movies in the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as "When Harry Met Sally," "Sleepless in Seattle" and "The Mask."

Back in the States, Connick Jr is a genuine superstar. The artist's achievements as a singer, pianist and actor can be generalized by some numbers: album sales of more than 25 million, 15 film appearances, three Grammy awards, one Emmy award and one Academy Award, and nominations for the Golden Globe and Tony awards.

Connick Jr's love of music and performing dates back to his childhood in New Orleans, where he studied piano with James Booker and Ellis Marsalis at the age of three.

He first performed publicly at age six, made his first jazz recording at age 10 with a local jazz band, and made his major label debut for Columbia Records at 19 - just a year after his high school graduation and his move to New York City.

His big breakthrough as a musician came when director Rob Reiner asked him to compose the score to his 1989 smash "When Harry Met Sally," leading to his first big-band recording and first multi-platinum album. He won his first Grammy for Best Jazz Male Vocal Performance for his work on the soundtrack as well.

In the 1990s, the full scope of Connick Jr's artistry emerged. He made eight No. 1 jazz records and won another Grammy Award for Best Jazz Male Vocal Performance for the album "We Are in Love."

At the same time, the versatile artist built a successful film career, appearing both on screen and soundtracks. As a television performer, he starred in two holiday specials built around his multi-platinum holiday albums, and two Great Performances/PBS concert specials, "Swingin' Out Live" and the 2004 Emmy-winning "Harry Connick Jr: Only You In Concert." He also appeared in NBC's popular sitcom "Will &Grace" from 2002 to 2006.

On the big screen, Connick Jr has collaborated with female superstars including Hillary Swank, Sandra Bullock, Jodie Foster and Jennifer Aniston. He is currently working with Renee Zellweger on a new movie "Chilled in Miami" to be released in 2009.

Connick Jr will perform in Beijing on Tuesday at the Beijing Exhibition Theater.

Date: March 9, 7:30pm

Venue: Shanghai International Gymnastic Center, 777 Wuyi Rd

Tickets: 300-1,600 yuan

Tel: 404-707-9999