British blues and rock pioneer John Mayall has died aged 90.
Mayall was a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who was often hailed as “The Godfather of British Blues”.
He was also known for his love of American blues, and jazz as well as taking a chance on young talent, who he often gave a platform to via his band the Blue Breakers.
This band was a springboard to the career for several musicians who would go on to become household names, including Eric Clapton, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Peter Green, Jack Bruce, Aynsley Dunbar, as well as future Rolling Stones’ guitarist Mick Taylor.
Mayall also returned to America in the 1970s, where he collaborated with Paul Butterfield, Patti Smith, as well as Canned Heat’s Larry Taylor, and Harvey Mandel, as well as Rick Vito, Jesse Ed Davis, Freebo and others.
“heavy hearts”
John Mayall’s death was confirmed via a statement shared on Facebook by his family.
It read: “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”.
John Mayall was subsequently awarded an OBE in 2005, following a career which saw him record and release over 30 albums as a member of the band and solo artist.
His last recording was released in 2022, with ‘The Sun Is Shining Down’.
Following his death, a series of tributes were paid to Mayall, including his bandmate Walter Trout.
“He is and will always be my musical mentor, my greatest supporter, and an incredible talent. We just lost a giant. I loved him like a father, and I always will”, he wrote.
Musician Shemekia Copeland also paid tribute to Mayall: “Remembering John Mayall. We toured together many times and as much as he was a legendary musician, he was also a kind and gracious man and he will be missed”.
