John Mayall, the 'Godfather Of British Blues' dies aged 90

24 July 2024, 12:53

John Mayall has died at the age of 90.

The influential guitarist's death was announced by his family via Mayall's Facebook, revealing the news during the early hours of 23rd July.

"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 loving family."

"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."

"John Mayall gave us ninety years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain."

The pioneering guitarist and 'Godfather Of British Blues' completely altered the complexion of British guitar music.

John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers developed a British style of Chicago rhythm and blues, which propelled the blues revival during the late sixties.

Not only was Mayall a trailblazing musician in his own right, he also offered his platform to start the careers of many iconic artists too.

The Bluesbreakers lineup was a revolving door of prodigious musical talent: former members included Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce who went on to form Cream; Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie who went on to form Fleetwood Mac; Mick Taylor who later joined The Rolling Stones, as well as Harvey Mandel and Larry Taylor who formed Canned Heat.

Clapton joined John Mayall's band after quitting The Yardbirds in 1965 citing creative differences, later recalling that Mayall had "the most incredible collection of records".

In a BBC documentary about Mayall in 2003, Clapton admitted that "to a certain extent I have used his hospitality, used his band and his reputation to launch my own career."

"I think he is a great musician. I just admire and respect his steadfastness," he added.

Mayall continued to perform and tour well into his eighties, telling the Guardian: "To be honest, I don’t think anyone really knows exactly what it is. I just can’t stop playing it."

He relocated to Los Angeles in 1969 where he remained until his death, continuing to lead bands brimming with talent despite feeling underappreciated.

In 2013, Mayall told the Santa Barbara Independent: "I’ve never had a hit record, I never won a Grammy Award, and Rolling Stone has never done a piece about me. I’m still an underground performer."

Born in Macclesfield, he grew up in Manchester where he'd develop a love of rhythm and blues, before relocating to London in 1962 to fully immerse in the blues scene.

“The only reason I was born in Macclesfield was because my father was a drinker, and that’s where his favourite pub was," he once said.

John Mayall was appointed an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2005.

He was selected for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, but sadly didn't live to see his initiation at the ceremony which takes place on 19th October 2024.

Mayal is survived by his six children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who added in a family statement:

"He is also surrounded with love by his previous wives, Pamela and Maggie, his devoted secretary, Jane, and his close friends."

"We, the Mayall family, cannot thank his fans and long list of band members enough for the support and love we were blessed to experience secondhand over the last six decades."