Justin Timberlake has signed on for two projects that’ll find him taking a good look at his roots – a memoir and a television special celebrating the music of Motown.
Timberlake had been shopping his autobiography since October, when he entertained offers from international publishers at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany. Bidding was said to have reached seven figures, but the singer played coy when asked about it at the time.
“Possibly, sure,” he said. “I have no idea. I have no clue.”
He might have a better idea now that he’s sold the book’s U.K. rights. London’s Transworld Publishers, a division of Random House, bought the project and plans to have it out by September. There’s no title yet, but the team behind Madonna’s “Sex” book is in charge of design, according to Booktrust, which tracks the U.K. publishing industry.
Meanwhile, Timberlake is still on the lookout for a U.S. publisher, according to his label spokesperson. Timberlake’s literary agent didn’t return calls for comment.
In the meantime, Timberlake can concentrate on his hosting duties for an upcoming ABC special tentatively titled “Motown 45.” Lionel Richie is slated to co-host the program, which promises not to ape previous Motown anniversary specials with retrospective filler. “This is not a history lesson,” executive producer John Hamlin said in a statement. “There are no awards, speeches, tributes or clip packages.”
The lineup is still being determined, but producers said it will consist of both contemporary and legendary artists. The two-hour program will tape April 4 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and will air in May. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the United Negro College Fund.
