House star Hugh Laurie is swapping medicine for music - he's signed his first record deal to release a blues album.

The actor, who plays grumpy medic Dr. Gregory House in the hit U.S. series, has landed a contract with Warner music group and will team up with a host of guest musicians for the New Orleans blues album.

And Laurie, who is a self-taught musician, is ecstatic at his latest success. He says, "I am drunk with excitement at this opportunity. I know the history of actors making music is a checkered 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 favorite records of all time, and I can't wait to get started." (MJ/WNTSU/PAW)

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