An “Inspired By” soundtrack will feature modern-day versions of period hymns for Amazing Grace, a film on the life of British abolitionist William Wilberforce.

The Music Inspired By the Motion Picture Amazing Grace will be released Jan. 23 by EMI CMG to the Christian market, and will showcase songs by artists including Chris Tomlin, Martina McBride, Jars of Clay, Steven Curtis Chapman, Smokie Norful, Kierra Kiki Sheard, Avalon, Natalie Grant, Bart Millard, Nichole Nordeman, Shawn McDonald, Bethany Dillon, David Crowder and Jeremy Camp.

Opening in theaters Feb. 23, 2007, Amazing Grace stars Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four) as Wilberforce, who championed the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.

“It's an honor for EMI CMG Label Group to be involved in this important project with Walden Media and the team of Bristol Bay Productions,” EMI CMG Label Group President Peter York said. “This is a story that resonates in the hearts of artists pertaining to the historical significance of the life and legacy of William Wilberforce. … It uses a historic platform to engage us in issues we must face currently in the world as a community of faith.”

Lindsay Fellows, vice president of Motion Picture Music for the Anschutz Film Group, which oversaw the film's music, said the hymns for Amazing Grace were chosen “because they were all close to the heart of Wilberforce. Music was at the very soul of his life, and our goal was to bring this music back into the lives of a new generation of music fans.”

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