John Mayall, often hailed as the Godfather of British Blues, passed away on Monday at the age of 90. As the leader of the influential band the Bluesbreakers, Mayall played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of renowned musicians such as Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones.
The Bluesbreakers, under Mayall’s guidance, not only influenced a generation of musicians but also played a significant role in the formation of two iconic bands: Cream and Fleetwood Mac. Cream, featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce (formerly of the Bluesbreakers), and Ginger Baker, and Fleetwood Mac, initiated by Peter Green (who succeeded Clapton in the Bluesbreakers), were direct beneficiaries of Mayall’s mentorship and musical legacy.
The news of Mayall’s passing was confirmed on his official Facebook page: “It is with heavy hearts that we bear the news that John Mayall passed away peacefully in his California home on July 22, 2024, surrounded by loving family. Health issues that curtailed John’s epic touring career have finally granted him peace. John Mayall devoted ninety years to educating, inspiring, and entertaining countless fans worldwide.”
Reflecting on the essence of blues in a 2014 interview with The Guardian, Mayall emphasized its enduring significance: “[Blues] is about – and it’s always been about – that raw honesty with which [it expresses] our experiences in life, something which all comes together in this music, in the words as well. Something that is connected to us, common to our experiences.”
A recipient of the OBE (Officer of the British Empire), a two-time Grammy nominee, and a recent inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, John Mayall is survived by his six children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is remembered fondly by his former wives Pamela and Maggie, his secretary Jane, and his close friends.
In concluding remarks from the same Guardian interview, Mayall mused on his lifelong passion for blues: “To be honest, I don’t think anyone really knows exactly what it is. I just can’t stop playing it.”
May his legacy and love for the blues continue to resonate through generations.
