Al Jarreau hospitalized in France

BARCELONETTE, France, July 23 (UPI) -- U.S. singer Al Jarreau fell ill just before he was about to perform in France and was taken to a hospital, where officials said he was in stable condition.

Expatica.com said the 70-year-old Grammy-winning entertainer was due to sing at a festival in the Alpine town of Barcelonette Thursday night when he began experiencing breathing and heart problems.

He was initially hospitalized in critical condition, however, his condition improved Friday. He remains in an intensive care unit and is not expected to leave the facility until Sunday at the earliest, hospital officials told the Web site.

Jarreau has been on tour and has dates scheduled in Germany, Austria and Azerbaijan, as well as in the United States and Japan.