Blues Legend John Mayall Dies at 90

John Mayall, the iconic blues guitarist and founder of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, passed away on Monday at the age of 90, according to Vanity Fair.

Born in Macclesfield, England in 1933, Mayall was a self-taught musician who played the piano, guitars, and harmonica from a young age. After graduating from the Manchester College of Art, he balanced his time between art and music, playing with local musicians. In 1963, he formed the Bluesbreakers with drummer Peter Ward, bassist John McVie (who later joined Fleetwood Mac), and guitarist Bernie Watson. The group was instrumental in bringing the sound of American Delta blues—artists like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Elmore James—to English audiences. In 1965, Eric Clapton, having left the Yardbirds, joined the ensemble.

Reflecting on the 1960s, Mayall told The Guardian in 2014, “The blues fitted in with the early ’60s, the social way of life at the time. Things were changing anyway – in fashion, art, political views… It happened here, rather than in America, because at the time, the scene in America was racially segregated – over there, never the twain would meet. In Europe, however – not just England – the Black blues began to be heard by an audience that was not listening to them in America. We discovered Elmore James, Freddie King, JB Lenoir, and they spoke to our feelings, our life stories and that was it. Hooked.”

The Bluesbreakers saw numerous lineup changes over the years, with notable musicians like Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones, and Jack Bruce of Cream among its members. Throughout these changes, Mayall remained a constant presence.

“I had certain ideas and I needed to go out and find the right people to realize them,” Mayall said in 2014. “I was a bandleader in that traditional role, as well as a frontman. I used my ears to pick out what I thought would work, and I suppose that in the long term the careers of the people involved show that I managed to pick out some pretty special people.”

The Bluesbreakers remained active until 1970 before going on a 12-year hiatus. In 1982, they returned with the announcement of the “Return of the Bluesbreakers.” The band eventually dissolved for good in 2008, but Mayall continued his musical journey, recording and performing.

Throughout his career, both with the Bluesbreakers and as a solo artist, Mayall released 35 studio albums and 34 live albums. His most recent studio album, “The Sun Is Shining Down,” was released in 2022. In 2024, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the musical influence category.

Looking back on his storied career in a 2022 interview with Blues Blast Magazine, Mayall said, “I don’t really have any favorites. I’ve just enjoyed playing with different people because of what they bring to the palette. I’ve been very lucky that people enjoyed the music I’ve played, so all of my memories have a special place.”

Watch John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers Perform in 1970