John Legend to handle music for slave drama ‘Underground’

John Legend is bringing his talents to a TV drama about Southern slaves fighting for freedom.

WGN America says Legend and his production company will be in charge of the score and soundtrack for Underground.

The drama is in production in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It stars Aldis Hodge as the organiser of an escape effort by plantation slaves. Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Christopher Meloni co-star.

WGN America told a Television Critics Association meeting on Wednesday that Legend’s company will also serve as an executive producer for the drama.

In a statement, Legend says he believes the story of people brave enough to risk everything for freedom will be inspirational.

He and his songwriting partner, Common, won an Oscar this year for the song Glory from the civil rights movie Selma.