Mungo Jerry star Ray Dorset has revealed he was rushed to hospital in Bournemouth following a recent surgery.
The singer, 80, rose to fame as a member of the band which recorded the hit song In The Summertime back in 1970.
Sharing a health update on X, Ray praised the NHS staff for taking such good care of him, but then revealed the hilarious moment they began singing his famous song.
He said: ‘Once again I have been taken by ambulance to Bournemouth hospital following my recent surgery.
‘A few minutes ago whilst laying on my back awaiting an ultrasound scan I could hear a few nurses singing In The Summertime.
‘I said to myself ”Oh no I have been recognised,” but I have to admit that I began chuckling despite the discomfort. What a day!’
Mungo Jerry star Ray Dorset has revealed he was rushed to hospital in Bournemouth following a recent surgery
Fans of Ray shared their well-wishes for him in the comments, writing: ‘Hope you are feeling better soon mate, and more to the point that they get to the root cause. Great to see that that song is still alive and kicking after all these years!’
‘I too love the song; wishing you all the best!’
‘Wishing you a speedy recovery.’
In The Summertime, Mungo Jerry’s biggest ever hit, sold six million copies in the first six months after it was released in 1970.
Ray is yet to share further details on his surgery, but he has previously spoken about struggling with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) while touring with the band.
He later shared an update on his health, writing: ‘Thanks again so much for all of the good wishes.
‘I got back from the hospital in the early hours of this morning, & I have to be back tomorrow morning.’
‘All of the staff at the hospital could not have been nicer so massive thanks to all of the staff at the Bournemouth Hospital.’
Mungo Jerry had nine singles make the charts in the UK, including two number ones – In the Summertime and Baby Jump.
While the group has had several lineup changes, Ray has been a consistent member of the band throughout its history.
Ray has previously shared that In The Summertime has earned him ‘silly money’ in royalties over the years, even though it only took 10 minutes to write.
He told The Daily Mail in 2018: ‘That one song which I wrote in just ten minutes, has never gone out of fashion, and been covered by so many artistes, even Billy Idol and Slash [the former Guns N’ Roses guitarist].
‘Actually, I’ve never consciously written a hit song and I still can’t believe how much of a money-spinner it has been, but I’m not complaining – it’s one of those songs that just keeps giving.
‘The royalties from songs still roll in – thankfully, it’s always summer somewhere in the world!’
