Jazz star, Al Jarreau rushed to hospital, condition now stable

[HMG] – In news that worried his legions of fans, Jazz and R&B icon Al Jarreau was rushed to a southern France hospital last night after collapsing on stage, but is now in stable condition in intensive care.

The 70-year old, seven-time Grammy winner was taken ill before a Jazz concert last night in the French town of Barcelonnette, which lies at the southern tip of the Alps. He was then rushed to an ICU in the nearby town of Gap.

Jarreau’s London-based agents, ‘Marshall Arts’ say Al was affected by the altitude, but he hopes to resume performing next week.

“Upon medical advice, he was advised not to perform and allow time to recover,” they told Yahoo‘s newshounds.

Doctors say Al’s condition was caused by nothing more serious than fatigue and the thin mountain air. Latest reports say he’s conscious and breathing unaided, but would remain in the hospital for a few days to deal with these minor problems.

“For the past few hours there are signs his health is stabilizing, which would be an encouraging sign,” deputy hospital director Maurice Marchetti told the scribes.

Now in his 43rd year of unbroken performing Al has mastered Jazz, soul and R&B styles, and is only the second artist in history — after Michael Jackson — to win Grammys in each.

This unexpected event forced Al to cancel his French shows, plus two in Germany and one in Azerbaijan [ just south of Russia.] But his agency says he plans a return to the stage in Nuremberg, Germany one week from today…