Seth MacFarlane Releasing Album

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane is releasing an album.

The cartoonist's debut, "Music Is Better Than Words," sees him sing a number of 40s and 50s big band tracks, including teaming up for duets with artists including Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles.

"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. It was an absolute joy to sing this music," Seth said.

In addition to show tunes, Seth - whose comedies also include American Dad! and The Cleveland Show - also recorded some newer material, including the song "She's Wonderful Too," originally written by film and television composer Joel McNeely, but with additional lyrics and melodies by Seth.

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Norah Jones Inspired by Elvis

Norah Jones says everyone should visit Elvis Presley's Graceland home at least once in their lives for inspiration.

The 33-year-old musician is a huge fan of the late "King of Rock 'n' Roll" and going to his mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, and the city itself inspires her songs.

"I love it in Memphis. It's the most amazing city full of warm people and great food. Everybody should visit Elvis' home Graceland once in their lives and while they're at it they should take a trip to the Sun Records museum. It's the record label that launched Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis."

Norah - the daughter of legendary Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar - is more inspired by artists from the 50s and 60s than modern musicians. And the "Happy Pills" singer often dreams of hosting her idols at a dinner party: "I'm really inspired by other music and musicians. My fantasy dinner party would include Willie Nelson, Ray Charles and Billie Holiday. They're just some of the people I look up to. I have about 50 musical icons."

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Norah Jones on Songwriting at Age 30

Norah Jones says turning 30 helped her record a “more personal” album.

The “Don’t Know Why” singer believes reaching the milestone in March forced her to reassess her life and had a change in her creative approach to making The Fall, which has sold over half a million copies since being released last month.

“It seems to be an age where everyone goes through changes. All my good friends have. Everyone’s either breaking up or getting involved or married or having a baby,” she said. “So when I made that album I think I was looking outside myself more at that time, because of where I was and what was going on in the world. The past couple of years, though, I’ve looked inward more.”

Norah - who split from long-time boyfriend Lee Alexander earlier in the year - also says she feels no pressure to recreate the huge success she had in her 20s.

“I don’t feel like I have anything to prove now. My label actually was excited about me trying something new,” she told USA Today. “I have a lot of support and a lot of freedom. It’s a good place to be in.”

Read More | USA Today

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