B.B. King Hospitalized in Texas

GALVESTON, Texas – B.B. King was hospitalized for a low-grade fever following the flu but was in good condition Friday, his management agency said.

The 81-year-old bluesman was expected to be discharged Saturday, a hospital spokesman said. His agency said he plans to perform Tuesday in Fort Worth.

"He's doing great," Tina France, vice president of Lieberman Management of New York. "He's in good spirits and cracking jokes."

King had been scheduled to perform Thursday at the Grand Opera House but was admitted to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, said Paul McCarthy, a nurse administrator.

King, who has a history of diabetes, was taking antibiotics for a 100-degree fever, France said. The ailment in a younger person wouldn't have required hospitalization, but King is being monitored because of his age, she said.

John Koloen, a hospital spokesman, said the hospital was keeping King in the elderly acute care unit until Saturday "just to make sure."

With his trademark guitar that he named "Lucille," King racked up hits including "The Thrill is Gone," "Every Day I Have the Blues" and "You Upset Me Baby."

Born on a plantation in Itta Bena, Miss., King started out on street corners playing for pocket change, according to his Web site. He went on to become one of the nation's most influential blues musicians.

In December, President Bush awarded King the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his musical contributions.