My haven, Harry Connick JR, 53, outside his house in upstate New York

Harry Connick JR, 53, (pictured) who is an actor, singer and composer, shared items of significance outside his house in upstate New York

1. KEYS TO SUCCESS

I can work anywhere and I like being outside, so occasionally I put this old piano out into the woods at the back of my house. The piano is my favourite instrument and it’s the heart and soul of what I do.

I’m constantly playing around with ideas and I practise so much that my hands are always ready to go. I always write my lyrics first – I find that it’s easier to mould the melodies around that.

2. ME AND MY GIRLS

This picture was taken on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with my actress wife Jill [Goodacre] and daughters Georgia, Kate and Charlotte the day I got a star.

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I met Jill when I was 22 and was infatuated with her, but we took our time and got to know each other before getting married in 1994 when I was 26.

3. GLOVE AFFAIR

I discovered these ceramic glove moulds in the back of a venue I was playing. They dip them in latex to make rubber gloves. As a piano player, I thought they looked cool because they were all hands.

Harry treasures this photograph taken on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Pictured: Harry with his wife Jill Goodacre and daughters

Over the years I’ve continued to collect them and I try to find ones that are a little bit unusual, mainly from the 1940s and 1950s – they have a different shine that’s a little richer than the newer ones. They look great all together on a surface.

4. BOWLED OVER

I’m originally from New Orleans and love the city’s American football team, the New Orleans Saints. They were formed the year I was born so I have a real feeling for them.

I enjoy going to see them play when I can, and if I’m not there we like to gather on Sundays as a family and watch them on TV.

I would do anything for the team. I’ve sung at the Super Bowl [the finale of the American football season] before – what would really be amazing would be to perform at the Super Bowl when the Saints are actually playing.

5. DRAWING ON MUM'S STRENGTH

This is a sketch of an old man that my mother did before I was born. She was a lawyer but loved drawing. She was the best mother – so empowering, smart and understanding.

I was only 13 when she died but she was by far the most profound influence on me. When she died I slipped into a very dark place and only time, family support and prayer got me through it.

6. TOP BRASS

This enormous sousaphone was a present from my manager. I’d been looking for one for a long time and I needed it for a particular recording – and she surprised me.

You carry the sousaphone around your neck so it’s good for marching bands, and it’s used a lot in New Orleans. I still play it, along with the saxophone and trumpet I’ve had for more than ten years.

As told to Chrissy Iley. Harry’s album True Love: A Celebration Of Cole Porter is out now on Decca.