Blues musician Jimmie Vaughan (R) and an unidentified guest arrive at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California, February 13, 2011. REUTERS/Danny Moloshok

Blues guitarist Jimmie Vaughan is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack.

The 61-year-old co-founder of rock band The Fabulous Thunderbirds was admitted to a medical centre in California last week and has since undergone surgery.

He has been forced to pull out of an appearance at the upcoming Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai, India due to the health setback.

A statement released by festival organisers reads: "Jimmie Vaughan was admitted to Pomona Hospital Medical Center on January 23, 2013 with an acute myocardial infraction. He had a coronary angioplasty and stent placement. He is still in the hospital but recovering and has been advised by his cardiologist to rest at home for a month."

The star, who is the older brother of tragic blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan, had been expected to perform at the February festival with his band The Tilt a Whirl, featuring Lou Ann Barton.

Other acts on the bill include Popa Chubby, Walter Trout & The Radicals and the Dana Fuchs Band.