Riverside, CA: Medical exam ordered for ailing singer Etta James

A California judge has ordered an independent medical evaluation of ailing Etta James because her son says the "At Last" blues singer may be in serious danger under the care of a $20,000-a-month live-in doctor.

The Riverside County Superior Court judge, who is presiding over control of the 72-year-old singer's $1 million-plus in assets, made the ruling Thursday. She suffers from dementia, leukemia and kidney problems and is under the in-home care of Dr. Elaine James, who is no relation.

The Riverside Press-Enterprise says probate attorney Joseph Deering, who represents the singer's son Donto James, told the judge there are serious concerns about the singer's medical care.

Deering suggested a restraining order against the doctor to halt treatment. The judge instead ordered an immediate independent medical exam.