Thomas Meehan, the three-time Tony-winning librettist of Annie, The Producers and Hairspray, is on board to write the book, Meehan's spokesman confirmed. The spokesman added that Kelly was in talks to join the creative team. Variety also reported the news about Kelly.

In addition to penning his own work, R. Kelly (whose full name is Robert Kelly) has written songs for the likes of Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah and Luther Vandross. He released his first solo album in 1992. His second, "12 Play," became a crossover success, spawning the hit "Bump n' Grind." His 1996 single "I Believe I Can Fly," won three Grammy Awards.

On the dark side, R. Kelly was arrested in June 2002 and indicted on 21 counts of child pornography. The charges stemmed from a videotape that allegedly shows him engaged in sex with an underage girl, according to officials. In January 2003, Kelly was arrested again for child pornography charges, after pictures of a sexual nature were found in his home. The arrests, however, have not dampened his appeal with the record-buying public. His latest album, "Chocolate Factory," went to number one on the Billboard charts and was certified multi-platinum.

Earlier in his career, Kelly drew attention by marrying his protégé Aaliyah, who was 15 at the time. The marriage was later annulled.

Sylvester Stallone became famous for his role as "Italian Stallion" Rocky Balboa in 1976's "Rocky," a film he wrote for himself. The story tells of an aspiring boxer from downtown Philadelphia, who is set up through a publicity stunt to fight current heavy weight champion Apollo Creed. With all the odds against him and with Apollo set to win, Rocky knows that this is his one chance to make a better life for himself. The Rocky story of motivation and inspiration created a sensation and has been followed by four sequels.

Two songs from "Rocky" films—"Gonna Fly Now," an instumental by Bill Conti, and "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor—became No. 1 pop hits.