TV star Hugh Laurie to record a blues album

Laurie will record the album later this year

Actor Hugh Laurie has signed a deal to record a blues album.

The 51-year-old, self-taught musician will team up with a range of guest stars for the New Orleans blues album, which he will record this summer.

Golden Globe-winning actor Laurie has sung and performed music throughout his career and is often seen playing guitar and piano on the US TV series House.

He said he was "drunk with excitement" at signing the deal with the Warner label.

Laurie will be working with producer Joe Henry, who has previously worked with artists like Elvis Costello and Loudon Wainwright III.

"I know the history of actors making music is a chequered one, but I promise no one will get hurt," Laurie said.

"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."

Henry, who has also written songs for acts such as Madonna and Madeleine Peyroux, said: "All musicians are actors to begin with - our jobs being to embody characters and articulate stories for three and four minutes at a time.

"I've been a great fan of Hugh's work on screen, and believe purely that he is investing the same wit, intelligence and emotional generosity into his music."

President of Warner Music Entertainment Conrad Withey said: "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."