R&B singer Angela Northern (Adkisson) suffered a terrifying medical emergency while performing at a popular Memphis nightclub, revealing that doctors discovered a completely blocked artery after she experienced a heart attack on stage.
The frightening incident occurred Friday night, October 9, at B.B. King’s Blues Club on the city’s famous Beale Street, where Northern was entertaining fans when the medical crisis struck.
Fortunately, friends, loved ones and coworkers immediately recognized something was wrong and rushed to help her.
Northern later revealed on Facebook that their quick response helped save her life.
“Last night while on stage at BB King’s I suffered a heart attack,” the singer wrote Saturday.
Doctors discovered that one of her arteries was 100% blocked, requiring an emergency procedure to insert a stent and restore blood flow to her heart.
Northern was initially treated in intensive care at a Memphis hospital before her condition improved enough for her to be transferred out of the ICU.
Reflecting on the frightening ordeal, the singer acknowledged how differently things could have ended.
“So many things could have gone soooo much worse, but I’m sooo grateful that they didn’t,” she wrote, thanking everyone who stepped in during the emergency.
By Monday, October 12, Northern was already back home and sharing another encouraging update with fans.
In a Facebook video, the Memphis-based performer expressed gratitude for surviving the health scare and praised the people who helped her.
“I am at home, and I’m very grateful,” Northern said, explaining that she was thankful to have come through the ordeal practically unscathed.
Remarkably, she also revealed that she had driven herself home from Memphis after being discharged from the hospital.
Even more surprising, Northern said her doctors had cleared her to resume performing just one week after the heart attack.
She announced plans to return to B.B. King’s Blues Club on Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17, along with a scheduled appearance at a fall festival in Brownsville, Tennessee.
“We are going to try it one more time and see what happens,” she told followers.
Northern, who has also performed under the name Angela Adkisson, is a familiar presence in Memphis’s live music scene, particularly along Beale Street, a destination famous for its blues and soul music.
Her medical emergency highlights just how dangerous a completely blocked coronary artery can be. Such blockages can suddenly cut off blood flow to part of the heart, making prompt medical treatment critical to preventing permanent damage or death.
A stent, the small mesh tube doctors placed in Northern’s artery, helps keep the blood vessel open following treatment.
Despite the seriousness of her ordeal, Northern remained upbeat in her latest message, thanking fans for their prayers, phone calls, financial gifts and overwhelming support.
“I appreciate all of you guys checking on me,” she said. “Keep me in your prayers and I’ll see you around.”