I’m not sure how it works in other cities across the United States and other parts of the world, but here in New Orleans we feel a fierce loyalty to our city. That loyalty, by all means, extends to well-respected local individuals who have found considerable amounts of success in larger markets. That’s basically a lot of fancy words to say that we adore the celebrities that were born in our city (and even the ones who have adopted us, like Brad Pitt). We like to claim them all, but we are especially proud of the musicians that are from our city. What can I say; we’ve got a thing for talent!

Everyone here has a story about how they know a local celebrity. They sat on a plane next to Robin Roberts, or shopped alongside of Jamie-Lynn Spears in Walmart. (Please, she counts, ok?) My story is that my 3rd grade teacher was Harry Connick Jr.’s godmother. Heck, my best friend Emily from elementary school even dated her son and got to meet him on several occasions, if my 3rd grade memory serves me correctly.

See, the thing is…I don’t really get that excited about Ms. Spears in Walmart, but I’m pretty crazy about Harry. See how I did that, there? The whole calling him by his first name thing? Yeah, that’s how I roll. I’m sure it wouldn’t creep him out at ALL.

I love him in movies and on TV, but my favorite thing that he does, by far, is make music. Flat-out incredibly amazing music, if it’s even possible to use that many descriptive thingies in a sentence.

Told ya I was crazy about the guy…I mean, ahem, his music.

Harry (more first name basisness) has just released his newest album, Your Songs, which is a) one of the best collections of familiar songs that I’ve heard in a while and b) really, really good. I just caught a segment of him on the local news, and he seemed to think this was his 24th album to be released. TWENTY-FOURTH, PEOPLE. How many other modern musicians are this prolific? Not only does the guy sing the most amazing Christmas music that you’ve ever heard (sorry, Bing, it’s nothing personal) but with this album he proves that he sings the classics just as well!

Anyone from New Orleans will immediately hear the influence of the city on the CD, even in these very classic songs. My favorite track on Your Songs is “Your Song” coincidentally, enough – though “And I Love Her”, “And The Way You Look Tonight” also make me swoon. Aw heck, the entire album makes me swoon.

If you’re not crazy about Harry, you should be! Thanks to One 2 One Network I had the opportunity to get a first listen of this album, and now you can too! One lucky Chic Shopper Chick reader will win a copy of his new album, Your Songs. To be entered to win, leave a comment below letting me know why you are or want to be crazy about Harry! You may also tweet about this contest for an additional entry (by clicking the little button at the top of this page!)

PS – Already crazy about Harry? Then go check out some of the behind the scenes stuff that led up to making this album!

Contest ends October 15th, 2009 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner will be chosen at random and notified via email.