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At the first peak of his career, actor John Travolta was also something of a pop star. Now, on the soundtrack for his latest film, ``A Love Song for Bobby Long,'' he rekindles those talents and tackles a couple of standards, reports Billboard Online.

Before his well-known turns on 1978's ``Grease'' soundtrack, Travolta released a pair of studio albums: a 1976 self-titled set and the following year's Can't Let You Go. The first featured the single ``Let Her In,'' which reached No. 10 on Billboard's Hot 100.

On the soundtrack to ``A Love Song for Bobby Long,'' due Jan. 11, Travolta performs the traditional Barbara Allen and the Howard Barnes/Don Robertson song ``I Really Don't Want To Know.'' Stars including Elvis Presley, Solomon Burke, Rosemary Clooney, Dolly Parton and Eddy Arnold have recorded the latter.

Travolta's performance of the traditional ``My Gal'' is among several songs heard in the film but not included on the soundtrack.

Also starring Scarlett Johansson and Gabriel Macht, ``Bobby Long'' is set in New Orleans, and the music on the soundtrack reflects the locale. Along with pieces of score by Nathan Larson, the set boasts cuts by bluesmen Lonnie Pitchford, Lightnin' Hopkins, Magic Slim and Big Bill Morganfield. Also featured is Los Lobos' ``Someday,'' a previously released outtake from the band's sessions for 1990's ``The Neighborhood,'' as well as previously released cuts from indie rock acts Trespassers William, Nada Surf and Giant Drag.

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ROLE OF A LIFETIME