John Mayall, pioneering British blues musician, dies at 90

I am deeply saddened by the news of John Mayall’s passing at the age of 90. The godfather of British blues and bandleader whose influence on rock music cannot be overstated, Mayall’s legacy extends far beyond his native England. His long-running group, the Bluesbreakers, was a breeding ground for some of the biggest talents in rock history, including Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, and Mick Fleetwood.

John Mayall, known as the British blues pioneer and founder of the influential Bluesbreakers band, passed away at his California residence on Monday. His family announced the sad news on his official Facebook page. Mayall, who was 90 years old, played a pivotal role in nurturing musical greats such as Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, and Mick Fleetwood during his lengthy tenure with the Bluesbreakers.

John’s health problems led to the end of his touring career and ultimately resulted in his death, according to the statement without specifying a particular cause.

Mayall, who had been touring up until 2022, was scheduled to be honored at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in October with the Musical Influence Award. According to the hall’s website, Mayall was praised for his “raw uniqueness” and “unmistakable voice and approach” to blues music. He consistently pushed the boundaries and expanded the genre.

He shared with The Times in 1990 that the blues have been an endless wellspring of inspiration for him. It’s truly inexhaustible.

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A musician versed in guitar, keyboards, vocals, harmonica, and songwriting, Mayall has left behind a vast discography and performed countless shows throughout his over-fifty-year career. However, he is most iconic for contributing to the 1960s blues resurgence, paving the way for Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and Fleetwood Mac to achieve pop stardom.

The 1966 LP “Blues Breakers,” where Clapton played the guitar role (shortly after quitting the Yardbirds), is renowned as a blues masterpiece and has made it to Rolling Stone’s esteemed collection of the 500 best albums ever recorded.

Mayall was born in Manchester, England, in 1933, and grew up nearby with a father who enjoyed collecting records and playing music as a pastime. At just three years old, Mayall became captivated by the music of the Mills Brothers, as he shared with The Times later on. Following his discharge from the British Army in his early twenties, he established his first band for personal enjoyment.

At age 30, he had relocated to London with the intention of advancing his music career. He discovered a vibrant blues scene there which he referred to in an interview with The Times as “the southern counterpart to the northern pop-rock phenomenon spearheaded by the Beatles.” Notable musicians who were drawn to the Bluesbreakers besides Clapton included Peter Green, who later established Fleetwood Mac; Jack Bruce, who collaborated with Clapton in Cream; and Aynsley Dunbar, who drummed for Frank Zappa, among others.

In 1969, Mayall relocated to Los Angeles and dedicated the ’70s to broadening his musical skills into jazz. However, he reinstated the Bluesbreakers in the mid-’80s and resumed performing an average of 120 shows per year. (Or) Starting from 1969, Mayall settled in Los Angeles and focused on exploring jazz music throughout the ’70s. Yet, around the mid-’80s, he revived the Bluesbreakers and maintained a busy schedule with approximately 120 live performances annually.

He told The Times, “I had to limit the number, or else I wouldn’t have any personal life left. And having a good work-life balance is crucial for me.”

Mayall is mourned by his large and loving family, which includes six children – Gaz, Jason, Red, Ben, Zak, and Samson; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is further cherished by his former spouses, Pamela and Maggie, his dedicated secretary, Jane, and his dearest friends.

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2024-07-26 14:11