John Mayall, a British blues musician known for his influential band the Bluesbreakers that helped propel stars like Eric Clapton to fame, has died at the age of 90. Mayall passed away at his home in California surrounded by his family due to health issues that led to his retirement from touring. The statement on his Instagram page read: “John Mayall gave us 90 years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain.”
Born in Macclesfield and raised in Manchester, Mayall founded the Bluesbreakers during the 1960s and is credited with playing a significant role in the blues revival among white musicians in England. Mayall has been described as the “godfather of British blues” and became famous after the band’s 1966 album that featured Clapton. Furthermore, the Bluesbreakers became a training ground for other famous rock musicians such as Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood, and Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones.
Mayall moved to Los Angeles in 1969 and continued to lead bands, release numerous albums, and tour throughout the US and Europe. He was made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2005. Mayall is survived by his six children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
The blues world has paid tribute to Mayall who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his time. He will be remembered for his significant impact on the blues genre
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