Los Angeles, CA – John Mayall, the influential British blues musician renowned for his role in the 1960s rock scene and his pioneering band, the Bluesbreakers, has passed away at the age of 90. His family confirmed his death on Tuesday, noting that Mayall died peacefully at his California home on Monday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Mayall, celebrated as “the godfather of British blues,” was known for his open-door policy that allowed numerous prominent musicians, including Eric Clapton, to refine their skills alongside him. The statement on his Facebook page praised his contributions: “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 90 years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire, and entertain.”
Mayall’s impact on rock and blues music was profound. His Bluesbreakers band featured members who went on to achieve fame with groups such as Cream, Fleetwood Mac, and the Rolling Stones. Mayall relocated to London in 1963, leaving a career in graphic design to pursue blues music, a genre that was relatively novel in Britain at the time.
His landmark 1966 album, “Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton,” was instrumental in propelling Clapton to fame and popularizing a rawer, more personal form of blues. Mayall’s extensive discography includes influential albums like “Crusade,” “A Hard Road,” and “Blues From Laurel Canyon,” with his most recent release, “The Sun Is Shining Down,” in 2022.
In recognition of his contributions to music, Mayall was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2005.
