Harry Connick Jr. Shows The World What It Sounds Like When An Angel Sings 'Hallelujah'

Apr 16, 2019 by apost team

In this sweet video clip from a 2017 episode of Harry Connick Junior's TV show, titled "Harry," he pays tribute to the late Leonard Cohen by singing a song Cohen wrote back in the early 80s. The song in question is called "Hallelujah."

As Conick explains, Cohen had passed away the previous November. Cohen was very influential in the music world. His absence would be felt. Connick wanted to take a minute to remember him.

So Connick first explains the backstory and that this special rendition of Cohen's song is intended as a tribute to the recently deceased song writer. Connick then does an introduction of the song and the two guitarists standing next to him.

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He explains that his two favorite types of music are Gospel and Blue Grass. He then introduces the musicians who will accompany him, saying "On my right, a legend in the Gospel community, Mr. Jonathan DuBose. And on my left, a legend in the Blue Grass community, Mr. Bryan Sutton."

Behind them stand a semi-circle of diverse singers who serve as the chorus for this lovely song. At the end of the video, Connick identifies them as The United Voices. The song starts off with just one guitarist playing solo, and then the other.

For a moment, it seems like they might start a musical duel, a la the dueling banjos in the song "The Devil Went Down To Georgia."

But, no. There is no duel. They each have their moment to shine solo, then both join their distinct styles together. Finally, Connick begins to softly sing. It's a very gentle rendition of this song. It starts off slow and quiet. Eventually, the chorus adds their voices to the mix, giving the sound more strength. 

The gradual stepping up of sound as the parts of this piece are slowly added together has a kind of power to it. It may just the flavor of gentle power you were needing.

Surely, you know a few people who could benefit from such a lovely and heartfelt tribute. Or, at least, a few people who would appreciate the sheer talent pulled together in this unusual piece. Don't forget to pass this along to your friends and family and let us know what you think in the comments!