Veteran singer Barry Manilow has recorded an entire album of duets with superstars – all of whom are dead. The US entertainer has chosen to perform alongside Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong and Whitney Houston using studio wizardry for his My Dream Duets collection.

Manilow, 70, said: “The album is a miracle. It’s been a huge undertaking, musically and technically.”

The vocal tracks for each of the guest artists were taken from original and then the music was re-orchestrated and Manilow’s accompaniment was added. He said: “The songs have all new arrangements and sound as if they were recorded yesterday.”

Also on the album are Andy Williams, singing Moon River, and Mama Cass on Dream a Little Dream of Me. Garland is heard on Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart, Armstrong appears on What a Wonderful World and Houston’s contribution comes on I Believe in You and Me.

Natalie Cole famously performed with her late father Nat King Cole, while Susan Boyle last year appeared with Elvis Presley, but a whole album of duets from beyond the grave is a rarity.

Manilow, who has signed a new deal with Verve Records, will release his album in time for the Christmas market on November 24.