Hugh Laurie is putting his lucrative role as Dr. Gregory House on the hit FOX show House aside for a short time as he attempts to launch his career as a blues musician.

Hugh Laurie is putting his lucrative role as Dr. Gregory House on the hit FOX show House aside for a short time as he attempts to launch his career as a blues musician.

He is the highest paid actor on U.S. television for possibly the world's number one show - earning over $400,000 an episode.

But Hugh Laurie is putting his lucrative role as Dr. Gregory House on the hit FOX show House aside for a short time as he attempts to launch his career as a blues musician.

The 51-year-old Golden Globe winning star made his first live performance tonight at an intimate venue in New Orleans kicking off the promotion for his upcoming album. 
Hugh Laurie is taking time out from his number one show House to release a blues album

Performing in front of a small hand selected audience which included his long-time friend and writing partner Stephen Fry.

Playing alongside local musicians such as Allen Toussaint, Hugh played a selection of songs from the new record which is mostly covers of his favourite blues tracks.

Hugh recorded the album back in September 2010 at Ocean studios in Los Angeles and claims the ambition was a lifelong dream.