7Wonder sells Lenny Henry series

Seven’s London-based indie 7Wonder has sold a a three-part documentary series called Lenny Henry’s Got The Blues, to Sky Arts.

Part documentary, part musical celebration, the series will pay tribute to the legends of the British blues scene, as well as uncovering its unsung heroes.

The 3 x 60 mins series will follow Lenny Henry as he sets out to reveal why the UK has never produced a single black blues singer of international standing, while also chronicling his own journey to record his first blues album. Van Morrison, Tinie Tempah, and Jools Holland will appear plus Lenny Henry, his own band, and special guest stars including Lulu, Mica Paris and Laura Mvula.

Lenny Henry said: “This project means a whole heap to me. I have been listening to Blues music my entire life – Muddy Waters, BB King and Howling Wolf to name but three of the artistes I admire. Singing the blues is about singing from your soul (Van Morrison told me this so it must be true) and on my journey through the British blues experience, I’ll talk to many of the movers and shakers of the UK blues scene , and discuss music, singing , race, sex, alcohol and all the rest. It’s going to be wild!”

It will broadcast in summer 2015 in the UK.

7 Wonder is a joint venture between the Seven Network and UK partners Alexandra Fraser, Liza Abbott and Simon Ellse.