Blues Pioneer John Mayall, Influential British Musician, Dies at 90

LONDON (AP) — John Mayall, the British blues musician renowned for his influential band the Bluesbreakers, has passed away at the age of 90.

According to a statement posted on Mayall’s Instagram page, he died on Monday at his home in California. “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,” the post read.

John Mayall is credited with shaping the English approach to urban, Chicago-style rhythm and blues, playing a pivotal role in the blues revival of the late 1960s. The Bluesbreakers served as a training ground for many future superstars, including Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones, and members of Canned Heat.

Despite his role in the careers of such luminaries, Mayall always maintained that he was not a talent scout but played for the love of music, inspired by his father’s 78-rpm records.

“I’m a band leader and I know what I want to play in my band — who can be good friends of mine,” Mayall once explained in an interview. “It’s definitely a family. It’s a small kind of thing really.”

Though he never achieved the fame of his illustrious protégés, Mayall was still performing in his late 80s, delivering his unique take on Chicago blues. He was candid about his lack of mainstream recognition.

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

Known for his blues harmonica and keyboard playing, Mayall did receive a Grammy nomination for “Wake Up Call,” featuring guest artists like Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples, Mick Taylor, and Albert Collins. Another nomination came in 2022 for his album “The Sun Is Shining Down.” He was also honored in Britain with an OBE in 2005.

In 2024, Mayall was selected for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class. His 1966 album “Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton” is considered one of the best British blues albums.

When queried about his motivation for continuing to play music, Mayall replied, “It’s just for the love of the music,” in an interview with Hawaii Public Radio. “I just get together with these guys and we have a workout.”

Born on Nov. 29, 1933, in Macclesfield near Manchester, England, Mayall once humorously remarked, “The only reason I was born in Macclesfield was because my father was a drinker, and that’s where his favorite pub was.”

His father’s music collection deeply influenced Mayall, who learned to play the piano one hand at a time and later became proficient on guitar and harmonica as well.

Known as the “father of British blues,” Mayall moved to London in 1962 to immerse himself in the nascent blues scene. The Bluesbreakers featured a fluid membership of talented musicians, including Eric Clapton, who joined in 1965.

Clapton, reflecting on his time with Mayall, once said, “He had the most incredible collection of records I had ever seen.” Mayall’s encouragement helped shape Clapton and other musicians’ careers.

After Clapton and other notable members departed, Mayall continued to adapt and evolve his music. His 1968 album “Blues from Laurel Canyon” marked his move to the United States, followed by “The Turning Point” in 1969, which garnered considerable success.

Despite personal and professional ups and downs, Mayall maintained a rigorous performance schedule. He admitted to battling alcoholism in the 1970s, leading to an incident that resulted in a shattered heel.

Recovering in the 1980s, Mayall reformed the Bluesbreakers with Mick Taylor and John McVie, but the lineup continued to evolve. By 2013, Mayall was leading the John Mayall Band.

Mayall’s personal life saw him married twice, with two sons from his second marriage to Maggie, which ended in 2011 after 30 years.