Harry Connick Jr. Reflects on How Rob Reiner Helped Launch His Career with Music for When Harry Met Sally

Harry Connick, Jr.; Rob Reiner.
Credit:

Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty; Monica Schipper/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Harry Connick Jr. reflected on how the late Rob Reiner launched his career by inviting him to compose music for When Harry Met Sally.
• Connick Jr. described Reiner as the “rarest of rare” directors, noting his kindness and clarity throughout the process.
• He shared a pivotal piece of advice from Reiner: “If you ever want to do anything in this business, do it yourself.”

Harry Connick Jr. performed “It Had to Be You” in When Harry Met Sally, attributing much of his success to director Rob Reiner, who provided him with his significant break.

In a tribute published in Rolling Stone on December 18, the 58-year-old actor and musician reminisced about his collaboration with the now-deceased director, who passed away at the age of 78.

On December 14, Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found deceased in their Brentwood, California, residence. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with their deaths.

Connick Jr. recounted being just 21 when Reiner invited him to Los Angeles to provide “solo piano underscoring” for the iconic 1989 film starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan—an invitation he initially did not fully understand.

Director Rob Reiner watches Harry Connick Jr. sing for the movie ‘When Harry Met Sally’ (1989).

Hulton Archive/Getty

Upon arriving, Connick Jr. was directed by Reiner on how to underscore scenes starring Crystal and Ryan, utilizing distinct color cues and encouraging him to improvise. “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 recalled. “I was scared of him — he was so precise with his vision — but he was also kind, patient, and clear.”

The musician also performed “Winter Wonderland” for the soundtrack album, adopting a distinctive “New Orleans piano-style version” after Reiner gave him the freedom to express himself creatively.

“With his guidance, I played as I wished. I couldn’t help but wonder who this man was, allowing me such freedom. Was every film like this? Did every director operate this way?” Connick Jr. reflected. “Turns out, no. He was the rarest of rare.”

During the recording of the film’s main anthem, “It Had to Be You,” Reiner encouraged him to conclude with a high note. Despite its challenge, Connick Jr. succeeded, prompting a smile from Reiner and the affirmation, “That’s it! That’s the one!”

Excited, Connick Jr. recalled calling his father from the Sunset Marquis, playing the music over the phone. “When my father asked me what Reiner thought, I remember feeling giddy as I replied, ‘I think he liked it.’”

“Rob Reiner was a gentleman — a brilliant, generous gentleman. I’ll always remember him in the studio that day — loud and strong, precise and deliberate,” Connick Jr. said, highlighting Reiner’s invaluable advice: “If you ever want to do anything in this business, do it yourself. Don’t expect anyone to do anything for you.”

Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ (1989).

Castle Rock/Nelson/Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock

“True, unless it involved Rob Reiner. He did something for me — he changed my life — and I’ll be forever grateful,” Connick Jr. expressed. “Thank you, Mr. Reiner. You’ll always be in my heart.”

This reflection follows an emotional Instagram video in which Connick Jr. honored Rob and Michele Reiner after their deaths. He conveyed his sorrow, stating, “My heart is broken. I love you, Rob and Michelle. Sending all my love to your family and friends.”

In the video, Connick Jr. shared, “I have no words to describe how sad I am. 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.”