Blues Legend John Mayall Passes Away at 90

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

Born in Macclesfield, England in 1933, Mayall was a self-taught musician, mastering the piano, guitars, and harmonica in his youth. After graduating from the Manchester College of Art, he dabbled in music while working other jobs. In 1963, he formed the Bluesbreakers with drummer Peter Ward, bassist John McVie (who later joined Fleetwood Mac), and guitarist Bernie Watson. Their collaboration was pivotal in bringing the sound of American Delta blues—featuring artists like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Elmore James—to English audiences. In 1965, Eric Clapton, who had just left the Yardbirds, joined the band.

“The blues fitted in with the early ’60s, the social way of life at the time,” Mayall told The Guardian in 2014. “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 band’s lineup saw many changes over the years. Future stars like Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones, and Jack Bruce of Cream were all, at one point, members of the Bluesbreakers. Even with these shifts, Mayall remained constant.

“I had certain ideas and I needed to go out and find the right people to realize them,” he 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 kept releasing albums until 1970, after which they disbanded for 12 years. They reformed in 1982, heralding a “Return of the Bluesbreakers,” but the group eventually dissolved for good in 2008. Despite the band’s end, Mayall continued his musical journey, recording and performing.

Collectively with the Bluesbreakers and as a solo artist, Mayall released an impressive 35 studio albums and 34 live records. His latest studio album, titled The Sun Is Shining Down, came out in 2022. In recognition of his influence on music, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, under the musical influence category.

Looking back on his 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

John Mayall’s enduring legacy in blues music is a testament to his talent and vision. His contributions music will be remembered and cherished by fans across the world.

Source: Vanity Fair