John Mayall, the figure often hailed as the father of British blues, died at his home in California on July 22, 2024, at the age of 90. His family announced his death on social media, citing recent health issues but not providing a specific cause of death. They said, “John Mayall gave us ninety years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire, and entertain.”
Mayall was a significant figure in music, his band the Bluesbreakers serving as a springboard for several prominent rock musicians such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, and Mick Taylor. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which was set to induct him in October under the Musical Influence Award, lauded his contribution to the evolution of the blues genre.
Mayall was born on November 29, 1933, in Macclesfield, England, and developed a love for American jazz and blues due to his father’s record collection. After serving in the military and studying graphic design at Manchester College of Art, he moved to London in the early 1960s. It was there that he formed the Bluesbreakers, the group that would become famous for its rotating roster of skilled musicians. Clapton’s stint with the Bluesbreakers, especially on the 1966 album “Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton,” is often credited with elevating his career and cementing his status as a guitar virtuoso.
Mayall was known for his extraordinary ability to nurture and showcase musicians. Guitarist Walter Trout said, “Being a blues-guitar sideman with the Bluesbreakers is the ultimate achievement. It’s like reaching Mount Everest…He gives you a place to shine.”
In the 1970s, Mayall relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he continued to innovate and collaborate with American blues artists. Despite losing his home and belongings in a fire in 1979, Mayall’s passion for music remained undeterred. He continued to record and tour well into his 80s, performing his final concert on March 26, 2022, at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, California.
In a 2016 interview with Blues Blast magazine, Mayall discussed his approach to music and leading a band. He explained that he chose musicians for what they could contribute, and he wanted to allow them to express themselves. He added, “The concept is to create music as you play. Improvisation is central. It’s about exploring the music.”
Mayall’s legacy includes a rich discography marked by innovation and collaboration. His final studio album, “The Sun Is Shining Down,” which was released in 2022, received high praise. Thom Jurek of allmusic.com wrote, “Hopefully, life goes according to plan, and Mayall gets to deliver many more recordings before he’s done because ‘The Sun Is Shining Down’ sounds hungry and vital. Mayall delivers these rough-and-ready blues like a champ.”
Reflecting on his upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a Musical Influencer Award in April, alongside Alexis Korner who had mentored him early in his career, Mayall noted his outsider status and his commitment to following his own path in music.
Mayall is survived by his six children—Gaz, Jason, Red, Ben, Zak, and Samson—seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His death announcement also recognized the support of his former wives, Pamela and Maggie, and his devoted secretary, Jane.