Rotorua's Temuera Morrison is going "back to his roots" with the release of his debut album.
The actor has recorded 11 renditions of his favourite songs for his album TEM.
Morrison said he grew up singing and switched to acting to go against the family grain. Growing up he performed with his family through North America and regularly in Ohinemutu.
"I grew up singing at the International Hotel [now the Holiday Inn Rotorua] with the likes of Tommy Taurima and many a time we would go back to the garden bar after concerts crooning to musicians like Sam Cooke," he said.
"I also grew up hearing my aunties singing, Uncle Howie's [Sir Howard Morrison] sisters at family get-togethers and when our nanny sang, she was our matriarch she could sing like a bird.