British musical legend John Mayall, known as the godfather of British blues, died peacefully at his home in California on July 22, 2024, at the age of 90. His family announced his death on social media, citing recent health issues but not specifying a cause. “John Mayall peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his devoted family,” the statement read. “Health issues that compelled John to cease his remarkable touring career have finally brought peace to one of the world’s greatest road warriors. John Mayall gave us ninety years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire, and entertain.”
The Bluesbreakers, Mayall’s band, is regarded as a significant platform for some of the most iconic musicians in rock history, such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, and Mick Taylor. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which planned to induct him in October under the Musical Influence Award, acknowledged his pivotal role in the evolution of the blues genre.
Born on November 29, 1933, in Macclesfield, England, Mayall’s passion for American jazz and blues was inspired by his father’s record collection. Following his military service and studies in graphic design at Manchester College of Art, he moved to London in the early 1960s. There he founded the Bluesbreakers, a band famed for its continually changing lineup of gifted musicians. Eric Clapton’s tenure with the Bluesbreakers, particularly his contributions to the 1966 album “Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton,” is widely regarded as a key factor in his rise to fame and his recognition as a guitar legend.
“Being a blues-guitar sideman with the Bluesbreakers is the ultimate achievement. It’s like reaching Mount Everest,” guitarist Walter Trout declared. “Playing with B.B. King or Buddy Guy means you’ll be playing chords all night. But with John, you get to perform solos. He calls out your name after each song, brings you to the front, and lets you sing. He gives you a place to shine.” Mayall’s ability to nurture and spotlight musicians was unparalleled.
In the 1970s, Mayall relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he continued to innovate and partner with American blues artists. His 1970 album “USA Union,” featuring guitarist Harvey Mandel, violinist Don “Sugarcane” Harris, and bassist Larry Taylor, peaked at No. 22 on the charts. Despite a fire in 1979 that destroyed his home and belongings, Mayall’s passion for music remained undiminished. He continued to record and tour well into his 80s, with his final concert on March 26, 2022, at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California.
In a 2016 conversation with Blues Blast magazine, Mayall elucidated his philosophy toward music and band leadership. “The reason I choose musicians is what they bring to the table, and I enjoy their work, and I want to allow them to express themselves because that’s what I hired them for,” he stated. “I take pleasure in their playing, and as a bandleader, I’m lucky enough to select who I want to perform with. This allows me to indulge in my musical enjoyment. … Improvisation is key. You start with the piece’s basic structure and then enhance it based on that night’s performance. This has always been the foundation of my work. The concept is to create music as you play. Improvisation is central. It’s about exploring the music.”
Mayall’s remarkable legacy is marked by a discography filled with innovation and collaboration. His 2019 album “Nobody Told Me,” recorded shortly before a health scare, featured guest appearances from Todd Rundgren, Little Steven Van Zandt, Alex Lifeson, and Joe Bonamassa. Praise was abundant for his final studio album, “The Sun Is Shining Down,” released in 2022. Thom Jurek of allmusic.com wrote, “Hopefully, life goes according to plan, and Mayall gets to deliver many more recordings before he’s done because ‘The Sun Is Shining Down’ sounds hungry and vital. Mayall delivers these rough-and-ready blues like a champ.”
In April 2024, Mayall expressed his delight at his impending induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a Musical Influencer Award, alongside Alexis Korner, who mentored him early in his career. Reflecting on his career, Mayall said, “It’s still something my audience has to develop a taste for, and there aren’t enough of them to get me on the charts or in the news. So, in that regard, I’m still somewhat of an outsider. I follow my path and hope for the best. But we enjoy playing, which is a great position because those in big hit bands are often confined to what made them famous, losing the chance to improvise and explore.”
Mayall leaves behind six children—Gaz, Jason, Red, Ben, Zak, and Samson—seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His death announcement also recognized the support of his previous wives, Pamela and Maggie, and a devoted secretary, Jane.
