John Mayall, British Blues-Rock Legend, Passes Away at 90

John Mayall, renowned as the “godfather of the British blues,” has passed away at the age of 90 at his California home.

Known for his influential bands during the late ’60s and early ’70s, he played a crucial role in the development of blues and rock music. His death was confirmed by a statement from his family on social media.

He was set to be honored with the Musical Influence Award at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in October, alongside Alexis Korner and Big Mama Thornton.

The family’s initial statement did not specify the cause of John Mayall’s death but mentioned recent health setbacks.

“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 his loving family,” the statement read.

“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.”

More About John Mayall

Well, John Mayall, known for his jazz-inflected tenor vocals and influence from Mose Allison, led his band, the Blues Breakers, on keyboards, harmonica, and guitar. He was a prolific songwriter and played a crucial role in launching the careers of legends like Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor.

In America, he was widely recognized for the song “Room to Move,” a hit on FM radio in the early ’70s. Mayall’s final concert, which he concluded with “Room to Move,” was held on March 26, 2022, at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California.

“John Mayall, he was the master of it,” said B.B. King, saying that if it weren’t for him and other British musicians of his prime era putting their own spin on the blues, “a lot of us Black musicians in America would still be catchin’ the hell that we caught long before.”

Musicians attested to what it meant to play with Mayall.

“As far as being a blues-guitar sideman, the Bluesbreakers gig is the pinnacle. That’s Mount Everest,” said Walter Trout.

“You could play with B.B. King or Buddy Guy, but you’re just gonna play chords all night. This guy features you. You get to play solos. He yells your name after every song, brings you to the front of the stage, and lets you sing. He creates a place for you in the world.”

“The reason I choose musicians is what they bring to the table, and I enjoy their work, and I want to give them an opportunity to express themselves because that’s what I hired them for,” Mayall said in a 2016 interview with Blues Blast.

“So I enjoy their playing and fortunately, being a bandleader, I get to choose who I want to play with. So, I indulge my own musical enjoyment. … Improvisation is the main thing. You have your structure of the musical piece, and then you embellish it in whatever direction that evening’s performance entails.

So, it’s always been the bedrock of everything I’ve done. The whole idea is to create music as you’re playing.

The improvisational thing is the main part of it. You’re exploring the music.”

John Mayall began his professional career in London during the early ’60s, performing alongside prominent Brit-blues figures like Alexis Korner, Cyril Davies, and Graham Bond. His bands featured top talent, including Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor, who each played pivotal roles during their tenures.

Clapton left to form Cream with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker; Green went on to create Fleetwood Mac with Mick Fleetwood and John McVie; and Taylor, recommended by Mayall, replaced Brian Jones in the Rolling Stones.

Despite often being overshadowed by his remarkable sidemen, Mayall’s influence on the blues scene was profound.

John Mayall is survived by his six children—Gaz, Jason, Red, Ben, Zak, and Samson—along with seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The announcement also acknowledged the support of his former wives, Pamela and Maggie, and his devoted secretary, Jane.