Thursday, 26 September, 2002, 11:29 GMT 12:29 UK

White has long suffered from high blood pressure

Veteran soul singer Barry White is undergoing dialysis after suffering kidney failure, his record company has said. The crooner, known for his deep, smooth voice, has suffered years of high blood pressure and is now hoping to get a kidney transplant.

Once stabilised, he will be a candidate for a kidney transplant Island Def Jam Music Group His family requested that only basic details of his condition be released.

"Doctors confirm that Barry White has a history of hypertension [high blood pressure], which has led to a decline of kidney function," a statement from Island Def Jam Music Group said.

Past problems

"He has started a course of maintenance dialysis therapy. Once stabilised, he will be a candidate for a kidney transplant."

It is not known whether White, 58, is being treated in hospital or at home.

In 1995, White was admitted to hospital for hypertension, which was put down to a busy tour schedule.

He went to hospital again in 1999, when the cancellation of a number of shows was also blamed on high blood pressure.

Global star

Affectionately dubbed "The Love Man" and "The Walrus of Love", White's music has become a stereotypical soundtrack for seduction.

In a career spanning 30 years, he has sold more than 100 million albums around the world.

He created the Love Unlimited Orchestra in 1972 and the following year, they made the single that is considered by many critics the first genuine disco hit - Love's Theme.

A string of hits followed over the next few years, including You're the First, the Last, My Everything, and Can't Get Enough of Your Love Babe.

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2002