The octogenarian William Shatner will trek his way through a new country album.
According to a new report, iconic film, television, and commercial actor William Shatner has signed a record deal. The 86-year-old actor, director, author, and singer will release a new album with Heartland Records Nashville. In a press release, Shatner stated that he’s “currently working on a very special project that will be released later this year.”
Shatner and Heartland Records haven’t released more details about the project, though it’s likely related to country music. The record label’s current roster includes country music artists Cash Creek, Magnolia Belle, and Rebecca Fredrick. Alabama’s Jeff Cook has also worked with Heartland Records.
Shatner has previously recorded eight albums. With the release of his 1968 album, The Transformed Man, the actor juxtaposed famous pieces of poetry with pop lyrics. In one track, Shatner read Spleen with lyrics from The Beatles’ ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” His 1977 live double album, William Shatner Live, featured excerpts from War of the Worlds. The actor last released Ponder the Mystery in 2013.
Shatner has also appeared in country singer Brad Paisley’s music videos, including ‘Online’ and ‘Celebrity.’ Paisley, a good friend of the actor, would later appear on the cover of Shatner’s 2011 album, Seeking Major Tom.
In several cartoons, including The Simpsons and Futurama, Shatner has lampooned his spoken-word style. The 2002 Futurama episode titled ‘Where No Fan Has Gone Before’ featured the actor reading the following lyrics,
“I’m Slim Shady. Yes, I’m the real Slim Shady. All you other Slim Shadies are imitating. So, would the real Slim Shady please stand up? Please stand up. Please stand up.”
In a statement about Shatner’s upcoming music project, Heartland Records Nashville said,
“This new project promises to be one of the most entertaining musical ventures to date for the Emmy Award-winning actor.”
Featured image by Gage Skidmore (CC by 2.0)
best song shatner ever did was the one he never performed on:
he got Sheryl Crow to cover the song Mrs. Major Tom. beautifully done, so props for that.