Former “American Idol” judge Harry Connick Jr. says Rob Reiner changed the course of his life and career. In a heartfelt Rolling Stone tribute published December 18, the musician and actor, 58, looked back on the moment Reiner gave him his first major opportunity on “When Harry Met Sally.”
Rob Reiner Gave Harry Connick Jr. His First Big Opportunity
GettyConnick Jr. recalled that he was just 21 years old when Reiner called and invited him to Los Angeles to work on the 1989 romantic comedy starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.
Reiner asked him to “play some solo piano underscoring” for the film, something Connick Jr. admitted he did not fully understand at the time.
When he arrived on set, Connick Jr. said Reiner guided him through each scene using visual cues and encouraged creative freedom.
“I played improvised pieces for scene after scene. Mr. Reiner guided me through each one, pushing and pulling me to connect with what was unfolding on the screen,” he shared. “I was scared of him — he was so precise with his vision — but he was also kind, patient, and clear.”
Creative Freedom That Left a Lasting Impression
Connick Jr. also contributed to the film’s soundtrack, including a rendition of “Winter Wonderland” originally made famous by Ray Charles.
He said Reiner once again encouraged him to play it however he wanted. Connick Jr. opted for a New Orleans piano-style version.
“Great. Let’s move on,” Reiner told him.
“‘Who was this man? He was letting me sing and play anything I wanted. Was every film like this? Did every director work this way?’ ” Connick Jr. remembered thinking. “Turns out, no. He was the rarest of rare.”
The Moment ‘It Had to Be You’ Changed Everything
While recording the film’s signature song, “It Had to Be You,” Connick Jr. recalled Reiner asking him to end the track with a high note.
He said it was “really high for me,” but he pushed through.
Connick Jr. remembered seeing Reiner smile from the control room before hearing him say, “That’s it! That’s the one!”
Later that night, he called his father from his room at the Sunset Marquis and held a Walkman up to the phone so he could hear the recording.
When his father asked what Reiner thought, Connick Jr. said he felt “giddy” as he replied, “I think he liked it.”
‘He Changed My Life’: A Tribute Filled With Gratitude
Connick Jr. described Reiner as “a gentleman — a brilliant, generous gentleman.”
“I’ll always remember him in the studio that day — loud and strong, precise and deliberate,” he wrote.
He also shared a piece of advice Reiner once gave him: “If you ever want to do anything in this business, do it yourself. Don’t expect anyone to do anything for you.”
“True, unless it involved Rob Reiner,” Connick Jr. added. “He did something for me — he changed my life — and I’ll be forever grateful.”
The tribute came days after Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Brentwood, Calif., home on December 14. Their son, Nick Reiner, has since been charged with first-degree murder in connection with their deaths.
Connick Jr. previously shared an emotional Instagram video honoring the couple.
“my heart is broken. I love you, Rob and Michelle. sending all of my love to your family and friends,” he wrote.
“I have no words to describe how sad I am,” he said in the video. “My heart is breaking for their friends and family. Rob Reiner has been in my life a long time. He was the one who gave me my big break when I was a kid … and his kindness and words of wisdom have stayed with me to this day.”
