'House' star and all round British national treasure Hugh Laurie is to embark on a musical career with his very first studio album. The actor and comedian has signed a deal with Warner Music Entertainment to record an album of New Orleans inspired blues.
Laurie is a self-taught musician and often performed comedy songs on the sketch show 'A Bit Of Fry & Laurie', while he can now often be seen playing guitar and piano as his character Gregory House in the hit US medical drama. He will play those same two instruments on his upcoming album, which will be produced by Joe Henry, a Grammy award winner best known for his work with Elvis Costello and Loudon Wainwright III.
The five time Emmy award winner admitted he is "drunk with excitement at this opportunity". He went on to say, "I know the history of actors making music is a chequered one, but I promise no one will get hurt. I am particularly thrilled to be working with Joe Henry, who has produced some of my favourite records of all time, and I can't wait to get started."
Meanwhile Warner Music president Conrad Withey issued a statement saying, "The world already knows how wonderfully versatile and talented Hugh is so this first album is an exciting opportunity to put the spotlight on his passion for New Orleans blues."
