S Poddar
British blues legend John Mayall, renowned for his influential band the Bluesbreakers, passed away at 90. He died peacefully at his California home, surrounded by family.
Mayall, whose band served as a launching pad for stars like Eric Clapton, was lauded for his tireless dedication to music. His family shared on Instagram, “Health issues that ended his epic touring career have finally brought peace to one of the world’s greatest road warriors. John Mayall gave us 90 years of inspiring and entertaining efforts.”
Born in Macclesfield and raised in Manchester, Mayall founded the Bluesbreakers in the 1960s. He played a pivotal role in the blues revival among white musicians in England and earned the title “godfather of British blues.” In a 2014 Guardian interview, Mayall noted that while America’s music scene was racially segregated, Europe and England embraced black blues artists, attracting audiences that ignored them in the US.
The Bluesbreakers’ 1966 album, featuring guitarist Eric Clapton, garnered critical acclaim and established the group as one of the world’s most influential blues bands. Mayall’s band also nurtured talents like Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood, as well as the Rolling Stones’ Mick Taylor, underscoring his knack for recognizing exceptional talent.
Mayall relocated to Los Angeles in 1969, continuing to lead bands, release numerous albums, and tour extensively across the US and Europe. His contributions to music earned him an OBE in 2005.
He is survived by his six children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. The family expressed gratitude to his fans and the many band members who supported and loved Mayall over the past six decades.
Mayall’s legacy lives on through the countless musicians he inspired and the timeless music he created.
