Jeff Bridges to release album

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Jeff Bridges is making another foray into music, which he calls his life-long passion.

The actor will soon be releasing "Bridges," his first album since his inaugural effort 11 years go, USA Today reported.

"Well, I've been making movies," Bridges, 65, said in explaining the gap. "I had success with acting, so I went that way. But I always carried my guitar with me."

Bridges says "Crazy Heart," the film for which he won a best-acting Oscar, and which had a Grammy-winning soundtrack, influenced his new album.

"It seemed to be the season for this to happen," Bridges said. "This album came out of that experience in several ways, especially the material. A lot of great songs were written for Crazy Heart, but there were only so many slots."

Songwriters Greg Brown, Bo Ramsey and John Goodwin have contributed to the upcoming album.

The actor's first album, "Be Here Soon," did not even hit the charts, only selling 3,000 copies after its 2000 debut. However, Bridges believes his upcoming album will do better.

This more than likely will not be the last musical effort by the actor, either.

"You never know what the future has in store," he said. "This is the tip of the iceberg."