Legendary blues musician John Mayall, has passed away. He was 90.
He is best known as the Godfather of British Blues. On July 23, his death was confirmed on his Facebook page.
“It is with heavy hearts that we bear the news that John Mayall passed away peacefully in his California home yesterday, July 22, 2024, surrounded by loving family. Health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally led to peace for one of this world’s greatest road warriors. John Mayall gave us ninety years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain.”
John Mayall was born on November 29, 1933, in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England. His father, Murray Mayall, was a guitarist and jazz enthusiast, which meant that John grew up surrounded by music. The young Mayall was particularly drawn to the sounds of American blues and jazz.
After completing his education, Mayall attended Manchester College of Art, where he studied graphic design. However, his passion for music never stopped, and he spent much of his free time playing the piano, guitar, and harmonica. In the mid-1950s, he began performing with local bands.
In 1962, Mayall moved to London, determined to pursue a career in music. In 1963, John Mayall formed the Bluesbreakers, a band that would become a cornerstone of the British blues scene. The lineup of the Bluesbreakers changed frequently, but it featured some of the finest musicians of the time. The band’s early years were marked by intensive touring and the release of several singles.
The breakthrough came in 1965 when Eric Clapton joined the Bluesbreakers. Clapton, fresh from his tenure with the Yardbirds, brought a signature guitar style that electrified the band’s sound. Their collaboration resulted in the album “Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton,” released in 1966. The album, often referred to as the “Beano” album due to Clapton reading a Beano comic on the cover, became a landmark in blues rock.
Throughout his career, Mayall worked with musical greats such as Joe Walsh, Steve Van Zandt, Sonny Boy Williamson and John Lee Hooker.
In 2005, John Mayall was honored by Queen Elizabeth II with an appointment to the Order of the British Empire. At the age of 85, he was also inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis. The BBC produced a documentary about his life, and in 2019, he released his autobiography.
Despite numerous changes in the music industry, John Mayall has remained an inventive artist. He continued to release albums and tour well into the 21st century. His dedication to the blues and his ability to adapt to new musical landscapes have earned him a lasting place in music history.
Mayall is survived by his six children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Rest In Peace.
