Bluesman BB King leaves hospital

Blues legend BB King has been discharged from hospital in Texas after a bout of flu, and his management says he is "back to his old self".

The 81-year-old had a fever after contracting flu and was admitted to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston on Friday.

He had to cancel two concerts in the city, but will now play as scheduled in Fort Worth, Texas on Tuesday.

King, who is diabetic, was reported to be otherwise in good health.

His other Texan concerts in Galveston, Orange and Tyler, which were scheduled over this weekend, will now take place in June, said Tina France, a spokeswoman for King's management company.

King was "feeling fabulous", she said.

Slowing down

King was recently awarded America's highest civilian honour by President George W Bush.

The musician was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a White House ceremony on 15 December.

The 14-times Grammy-winner launched his professional career in 1947.

He is best-known for his hits "Every Day I Have The Blues" and "The Thrill Is Gone", performed on his guitar, Lucille.

In July he performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland for the last time, having played there for more than 20 years.

King gave up touring outside the US last year.