British Blues Pioneer John Mayall Passes Away Aged 90

The ‘Godfather of British Blues’ was set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this October.

The ‘Godfather of British Blues’, John Mayall, has sadly passed away. He was 90 years old. News of his passing was shared by his family via a statement on social media.

“It is with heavy hearts that we bear the news that John Mayall passed away peacefully in his California home yesterday, July 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. 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 ninety years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain.”

READ MORE: Support Act Launches ‘Help A Mate’ Appeal for Legendary Drummer James Baker

John Mayall was a singer, songwriter and musician who helped transform blues and jazz during the 60s. He collaborated with a wide range of artists across his eight-decade career, including Eric Clapton, Patti Smith, Canned Heat’s Larry Taylor and Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood.

Born in Cheshire, Mayall first tasted success after moving to London in the early 60s and forming the blues guitar band John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. The group was a revolving door of talented musicians, with Clapton, Fleetwood, John McVie and future Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor all performing alongside Mayall as part of the Bluesbreakers at some stage during the 60s.

The 70s saw Mayall swap England for the States where he spent the next 15 years playing and recording with local musicians and big names like aforementioned Smith, Jesse Ed Davis, Harvey Madel and more. He began playing more jazz-orientated music during this period, producing a record for Albert King and releasing his own live album, Jazz Blues Fusion.

Mayall reformed the Bluesbreakers in the 80s and continued to record and tour with the band until calling it quits in 2008, deciding to go solo so he had more time to collaborate with other musicians on a variety of projects.

Across his decorated career, Mayall released over 30 albums, including the seminal 60s blues record, Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton, a universally praised album many credit with influencing the blues genre. His last LP was 2022s The Sun Is Shining Down, another critically acclaimed album.