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John Anderson Suffers Heart Attack
He was listed in stable condition at an area hospital Monday, said longtime publicist Jim Della Croce.
Anderson, 48, was scheduled to perform at the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta on Saturday night but was taken to the hospital that afternoon.
“The production group told me he tried to leave the hospital twice because he’d never missed a show before,” said the festival’s director, M. Sharon King.
Anderson had been having chest pains, said Della Croce of Nashville, Tenn.-based The Press Office. The singer had an angioplasty and a stent was placed in his heart during surgery, Della Croce said.
“He’s in good spirits,” the publicist said. “He’s expected to be released sometime today.”
Anderson’s 1983 hit “Swingin” – the largest-selling country single in Warner Bros. history – was named best single of the year by the Country Music Association. His album Seminole Wind went double platinum in 1992.
The video for “Seminole Wind” won Anderson the Blue Sky award for environmental awareness, Della Croce said.
“John is one of those people who is really more than just a country singer,” he said. “He is a good steward of our wildlife habitat.”
“John is really a good, active guy. He’s well-loved by the rock and country world alike.”
In 1993, Anderson, who makes his home in Smithville, Tenn., won an Academy of Country Music Career Achievement award. Smithville is about 56 miles east of Nashville.
“He is regarded as country’s first new traditionalist,” Della Croce said. “For that reason, he’s a very important historical figure in country music.”
Anderson’s touring schedule is suspended for the time being, but he is expected to be back on the road by September 9.