Country singer Ray Price hospitalized

HOUSTON, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Ray Price was recovering at a hospital in Houston Thursday from surgery to remove blockage in his main artery, a spokesman for the country singer said.

Price, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the recipient of the 2004 Aademy of Country Music Pioneer Award, was hospitalized Thursday, said publicist Kirt Webster.

"Price was flown from his home in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, to a hospital in Houston suffering from chest pain," said Webster. "Additional tests revealed blockage in Price's main artery."

Price -- whose hits include "For the Good Times" and "Crazy Arms" -- recently finished work on a new album, "My Old Friend," featuring tunes made popular by legendary country singers.