Harry Connick Sr., the former district attorney of New Orleans who served for three decades, has passed away at the age of 97. Connick's death occurred peacefully at his home in New Orleans, surrounded by his wife, Londa, and his children, Suzanna and the renowned musician and actor Harry Connick Jr. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Connick rose to prominence in 1973 when he defeated the incumbent prosecutor, Jim Garrison, in a hotly contested election. He went on to win reelection four times and was able to build a broad base of support that included African Americans as the city's political landscape shifted. Despite facing allegations later in his career, Connick remained undefeated until his retirement in 2003.

However, questions about whether his office withheld evidence that could have benefited defendants began to haunt Connick. This issue gained significant attention in 2011 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a lawsuit filed by John Thompson, who had spent 14 years on death row for a crime he did not commit. The court overturned a $14 million award for Thompson, stating that the district attorney's office should not be held accountable for failing to train prosecutors on their obligation to share evidence that could prove a defendant's innocence. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg strongly dissented, criticizing Connick's "deliberately indifferent attitude."

The controversy resurfaced in 2014 when Reginald Adams, who had been imprisoned for 34 years, had his murder conviction overturned. Attorneys from the Innocence Project New Orleans presented evidence that crucial information had been withheld by detectives and prosecutors in Adams' case. Adams later received a $1.25 million settlement.

Throughout these cases, Connick consistently declined to comment. However, in a 2012 interview, he defended his legacy, stating that his reputation should not be defined by a few cases. He emphasized his overall record and achievements, likening it to a sports career. Despite the criticism, Connick maintained that he had nothing to confess about in his office.

The current district attorney of New Orleans, Jason Williams, expressed condolences to Connick's family and acknowledged his long-standing public service. Williams recognized the immense dedication that Connick and his family had shown to the community over the years.

In addition to his political career, Connick was a Navy veteran who served in the South Pacific during World War II. He played a significant role in nurturing his son, Harry Connick Jr., into becoming a jazz piano prodigy. Connick Sr. arranged for his son to perform with renowned musicians in New Orleans, which contributed to his son's success.

Born on March 27, 1926, in Mobile, Alabama, Connick moved to New Orleans at a young age and became deeply ingrained in the city's political fabric by the 1970s. His victory over Jim Garrison, who had gained international attention for his prosecution of a New Orleans businessman in connection with President John F. Kennedy's assassination, solidified his reputation as a reformer.

During his tenure, Connick cracked down on prostitution and used outdated morality laws to shut down adult bookshops in the French Quarter. He also faced criticism from anti-capital punishment groups for his stance on seeking the death penalty in most first-degree murder cases. In a surprising turn of events, Connick himself faced legal troubles when he was indicted in 1990 on charges of racketeering and aiding a sports-betting operation. However, he was acquitted and went on to win his fourth election that same year.

Aside from his political career, Connick Sr. was also known for his musical talents. He performed regularly at nightclubs in the French Quarter, singing classics popularized by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Louis Prima. His music not only entertained audiences but also played a significant role in his political success. Through his performances, Connick developed close relationships with Black musicians and voters, which was crucial for a white candidate in a city where the majority of voters were African American.

Connick did not seek reelection in 2002 and was succeeded by Eddie Jordan. His funeral arrangements are currently pending.