John Mayall, the godfather of British blues, has died at the age of 90. With his Bluesbreakers, he marked a new era for the genre by launching names like Eric Clapton
John Mayall, a legend of British blues, has passed away at the age of 90.
The news was given by the musician’s family through an official press release.
With his Bluesbreakers, in the 1960s Mayall played a fundamental role in the explosion of the British Invasion and British blues rock, also promoting artists like Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones.
Among the musicians who passed through the ranks of the Bluesbreakers alongside Mayall, besides Clapton and Jack Bruce, who later played with him in Cream, were future Fleetwood Mac members Mick Fleetwood, Peter Green, and John McVie, Mick Taylor – who joined the Stones on Mayall’s suggestion – and Aynsley Dunbar, who would find space in Frank Zappa’s Mother Of Invention, Journey, and Jefferson Starship.
Farewell to John Mayall
In the note shared by Mayall’s family, it is stated that the British musician passed away on Monday, July 22, at his home in California, surrounded by the love of his loved ones.
Mayall had been suffering from health problems for a couple of years that led him to stop his relentless live performances, which he continued despite his age.
“One of the greatest road warriors,” as Mayall is described by his family, underlining his connection with life on tour. “He gave us 90 years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire, and entertain.”
Mayall’s achievements are then mentioned, having been honored with the title of Sir, nominated for a Grammy, and with a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame reserved for next October.
The Influence of John Mayall
The impact that Mayall had on the British blues scene was incredible and fundamental for the success of stars such as Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, and Fleetwood Mac, to the point of earning him the nickname ‘Godfather of British blues’.
Raised in Manchester, Mayall found success with the Bluesbreakers in London in the 1960s before moving to the United States in the following decade, where he collaborated with numerous artists under his own name, before re-adopting the Bluesbreakers tag in the 1980s.
Throughout his career, Mayall recorded over 30 albums, with the latest “The Sun Is Shining Down” released in 2022.
Among the colleagues who paid tribute to Mayall is Mick Jagger, who recalled how it was he who recommended Mick Taylor after the death of Brian Jones, marking the beginning of a new era for the Rolling Stones.