Morgan Freeman releases symphonic blues album at age 89

At 89 years old, actor Morgan Freeman has released his first musical project, titled ‘Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience’. Rather than acting as a singer, Freeman serves as the producer and narrator for the 12-track album, which aims to guide listeners through a century of blues history.

The project blends traditional Delta blues with symphonic arrangements. It features a diverse lineup of musicians, including Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo', Shemekia Copeland, and Alvin Youngblood Hart. Recording sessions took place at Royal Studios in Memphis, while the Chineke! Orchestra recorded their parts at Abbey Road Studios in London.

The album is deeply personal to Freeman, who grew up in the Mississippi Delta. It serves as a continuation of his long-standing connection to the genre, including his role as a co-founder of the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi. The tracklist spans from the works of Blind Willie Johnson to contemporary pieces like ‘I Lied to You’.