Blues legend Long John Baldry's hospitalization in Canada is being paid for by singer Rod Stewart, whom Baldry discovered, The Mirror reports.

ADVERTISEMENT

Baldry, 64, was hospitalized in London until last month with lung problems, and Stewart reportedly spent a lot of time at his bedside. Baldry returned to Vancouver, where he lives, but soon required hospitalization at Vancouver General Hospital.

"He has been in the hospital since the end of March when he was admitted with respiratory-related problems," hospital spokesman told the newspaper. "He is in intensive care where his condition is stable."

Baldry discovered Stewart in the 1960s when he heard him singing to himself at midnight at a London subway station. He offered Stewart the chance to join his band The Hoochie Coochie Men and he jumped at the chance.

Baldry also gave Elton John his first break in music when he used the piano player's backing band Bluesology.