Seth MacFarlane signs record deal

9:35 PM PDT 8/5/2010 by James Hibberd, AP

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'Family Guy' creator to release disc of midcentury show tunes

It's no joke: "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane has signed a record deal to release his debut album.

MacFarlane has joined forces with Universal Republic Records to deliver an album of 1940s and '50s show tunes paying tribute to Broadway classics.

Unlike the songs on his animated Fox hits, these aren't spoofs, but straight-up renditions of songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein and Lerner and Loewe, among other talents.

"It's rare in this day and age to have the opportunity to create an album that celebrates the classic, sophisticated sound of rich, lush swing orchestrations," MacFarlane said. "It will be an absolute joy to sing this music, and I look forward to working with the entire team at Universal Republic on what we intend to make an exceptional project."

MacFarlane frequently sings the parody songs from his shows at live events, and he received an Emmy nomination for music and lyrics this year. The album will be produced using vintage techniques, and MacFarlane will be backed by a live orchestra and a big band.