October 29th, 2011
11:54 AM ET
Rita Wilson releasing an albumBillboard reports that actress Rita Wilson has announced she’s becoming a singer, releasing her first album this February. Earlier this week, Tom Hanks’ wife popped in to the Billboard/Hollywood Reporter Film & TV Music Conference and discussed her upcoming debut album, titled "AM/FM." Wilson, 55, told the conference crowd she’s “always felt more comfortable with music than with acting,” and shared that her album is inspired by childhood memories. "We used to sit in the back seat of our parent's car, hear songs on the AM radio and sing along," Rita said of her Los Angeles upbringing.
The actress may have been inspired to record by her 21-year-old son Chester Hanks, who goes by the stage name “Chet Haze.” Chet is a Northwestern student and budding rapper known best for his university-inspired take on Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow.” But Wilson has also had her own experience with music, having appeared as Roxy in the 2006 Broadway revival of "Chicago." She was also a producer on the musical movie "Mamma Mia." Professional experience and family ties aside, Rita says just growing up listening to the radio was a musical education in itself. "You could learn how to sing harmony by listening to the Everly Brothers' ‘[All I Have To Do Is] Dream,’ and learn about melody or songwriting by listening to Carole King,” she said. “They were not only great songs, but great teachers as well." "So many people have tried to do it and came before me," Wilson said of crossing over into the music industry. "I want people to think I deserve to be here, and not someone who woke up one morning and decided to make an album."
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Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan sang so awfully in Momma Mia that I would never tell anyone I produced, or was in anyway connected to it. Rita, love you, and Sure hope you sing better, but I am worried about your being tone deaf.
One question: was Tom Hanks blind? He could do sooooooo much better. She's a nobody and nothing to run home to for sure.
SHE COULD BE CHERYL CROWS MOTHER..
Luckiest woman on earth. Period.
I thought it was Sheryl Crow...
Rita Wilson is one class act, no matter which way you looks at her.
Do any of you know how much money they contribute to charities since that seems to be the gist of the complaints in here. I really think that most of you are very jealous and hate your life. There is no other reason than that GROW UP PEOPLE !!!
stfu already – so your opinion is better or more important than everyone elses?
Wow I love this....... NOT a one of you in here that are giving her crap has even listened to the CD and you have already made up your mind that it's going to be bad. Any of you that complained... do you sing and or are you just that unhappy about your own life. Seriously I'm asking what's wrong with any of you that has a negitive comment? Answer the question and you better make it a good one because I see no reason for this crap. Let us her you sing so we can crap on you. What don't have the guts???? come on down load a song for us.
Oh my god! I think she did wake up one morning and at 55 said I'm bored Tom maybe I'll make an album.Please!
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I am looking forward to all of the naysayers being put to shame, because Ms. Wilson has got the chops!
Somebody get that b!tch a Slayer album.
I think a lot of these comments are rude and just plain stupid. She's clearly worked her way up and it's not about who she is married to!
"why does every body in hollywood think they can sing?" It's that industry! It's their passion!
As for the money- that power couple, along with the majority of people in "Hollywood", contribute to organizations more then you probably ever will be able to.
I'm very excited for this album!!
"I have allot of money by virtue of my hubby so lets give this a try. I'm 55 but who cares, I have money to waste on a whim" Here's a thought Tom, donate the cash to a homeless shelter. It will pay bigger dividends in the long run...
This should be fun to hear! And for her 2nd album there will be duets with William Shatner & Jada Pinkett Smith! Lol!!
Oh dear Lord..stop these people..too much money and bored..don't inflict this on us..instead use the money to feed the homeless
Here's an idea, Sarah, instead of complaining about bored, rich Hollywood people "inflicting" their projects on us, why not just not buy this one's music? Then she's not inflicting anything on you.
Why, why, oh why does everyone in Hollywood think they can sing?
O my god