Renowned British blues musician John Mayall OBE, a seminal figure in the genre whose band the Bluesbreakers served as a launchpad for stars like Eric Clapton, has passed away at the age of 90. Mayall died peacefully at his home in California on Monday, surrounded by family, according to a statement shared on his Instagram page.
The statement highlighted Mayall’s illustrious career, noting, “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.” It continued, “John Mayall gave us 90 years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire, and entertain.”
Born on November 29, 1933, in Macclesfield, Cheshire, John Mayall was introduced to music early on by his father, Murray, a talented guitarist and jazz enthusiast. Drawn to the sounds of Mississippi Delta blues, Mayall immersed himself in music, initially learning the ukulele through a George Formby course and later teaching himself piano.
Mayall’s musical journey was briefly interrupted by National Service, including a tour of duty in Korea, before he attended Manchester College of Art. Known for his unconventional spirit, Mayall built a grand treehouse in his grandparents’ garden where he resided with his fiancée, Pamela. During this time, he continued to develop his musical skills, performing with various local bands and working in a commercial art studio.
In 1956, he formed the Powerhouse Four, which gained local recognition. By 1962, Mayall joined the Blues Syndicate, influenced by Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated. Korner played a pivotal role in Mayall’s career, encouraging him to move to London and pursue music full-time. This move introduced Mayall to key figures in the London club scene and helped him secure important gigs.
Mayall’s band, which later became known as the Bluesbreakers, began performing regularly at the Marquee Club in 1963. The venue was a springboard for many iconic bands, including the Rolling Stones and The Who. Mayall’s business acumen was evident as he meticulously counted audience numbers to ensure fair compensation.
A keen talent scout, Mayall’s lineup included John McVie on bass, who would later co-found Fleetwood Mac. His debut album, John Mayall Plays John Mayall, released in 1965, was a live recording from a West Hampstead R&B club but failed to make a significant impact, leading to the expiration of his short-term contract with Decca.
In a strategic move, Mayall recruited Eric Clapton, who had just left the Yardbirds due to their shift away from blues. Clapton’s presence elevated the Bluesbreakers’ profile, though the band faced frequent lineup changes. Clapton’s unexpected three-month hiatus to Greece in August 1965, along with other disruptions, led to further instability.
Despite these challenges, Mayall’s persistence paid off when he re-signed with Decca in March 1966. The resulting album, Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton, named to capitalize on Clapton’s fame, was well-received, reaching sixth place in the charts and marking a significant commercial breakthrough for Mayall.
John Mayall’s legacy is marked by his profound influence on the blues genre and his role in shaping the careers of some of its most celebrated artists. His passing marks the end of an era for blues music, but his contributions will continue to resonate through the generations he inspired.