‘The Godfather’ passed away this morning leaving fans in tears.
British blues legend John Mayall has passed away at the age of 90.
Known as the “Godfather of British Blues,” Mayall was instrumental in creating a style of urban rhythm and blues in the UK influenced by Chicago blues, significantly contributing to the genre’s revival in the late 1960s. His influential band, the Bluesbreakers, was a breeding ground for numerous legendary musicians, including Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Peter Green, Jack Bruce, and Mick Taylor.
Mayall’s Instagram page announced his death on Monday at his home in California, stating, “Health problems that ended John’s epic touring career have finally brought peace to one of the world’s greatest road warriors.”
Fleetwood Mac members John McVie, Peter Green, and Mick Fleetwood all played in his band at different times, along with other notable musicians like Clapton, Bruce (later of Cream), and Taylor (Rolling Stones). Mayall’s band became a launching pad for many musicians who went on to achieve significant fame.
Mayall once said in interviews that he wasn’t specifically seeking talent but played music for the love of it, inspired by the records his father played. “I’m a band leader, and I know what I want my band to play. Also, I want them to be good friends of mine,” he told the Southern Vermont Review.
His dedication to music was evident as he continued to perform well into his late 80s, despite never having a hit record, winning a Grammy, or being featured in Rolling Stone. Mayall was nominated for a Grammy for the song “Wake Up Call,” which featured Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples, Mick Taylor, and Albert Collins. He received another nomination in 2022 for his album “The Sun Is Shining Down.”
In 2005, he was honored with the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the British government. His 1966 album “Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton” is considered one of the greatest British blues albums, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
Born on November 29, 1933, in Macclesfield, near Manchester, Mayall was influenced by his father’s guitar and banjo playing and developed a deep interest in boogie-woogie piano records. He taught himself to play the piano, guitar, and harmonica, developing a unique, strained singing voice.
Mayall’s 1967 album “Blues Alone” saw him playing all the instruments, except for the drums, which were handled by Keef Hartley. He moved to London in 1962 to immerse himself in the burgeoning blues scene led by Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies, attracting the attention of musicians like Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Eric Burdon.
Eric Clapton, who joined the Bluesbreakers in 1965 after leaving the Yardbirds, praised Mayall’s extensive collection of records and his hospitality, which allowed Clapton to launch his own career. Mayall encouraged Clapton to sing and helped Peter Green hone his songwriting skills.
In 1968, Mayall’s album “Blues from Laurel Canyon” marked a move to the US and a shift in direction. He disbanded the Bluesbreakers and began working with a new lineup, leading to the release of “The Turning Point” in 1969, one of his most popular albums, featuring the fan-favorite song “Room to Move.”
Despite personal struggles in the 1970s, including battling alcoholism, Mayall continued to tour extensively. He eventually overcame his drinking problem and reformed the Bluesbreakers in 1982, but disbanded them again in 2008, leading the John Mayall Band by 2013.
Mayall divorced his second wife Maggie in 2011 after 30 years of marriage, with whom he had two sons.
John Mayall’s legacy as a pivotal figure in the blues genre remains strong, with his influence felt through the many musicians who played with him and went on to shape the music world.