admin November 21, 2023

Pioneer of British blues dies aged 90

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July 24, 2024
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Mayall performing onstage in Greenwich Village, New York City, in 1979

Getty Images English Blues and Rock musician John Mayall performs onstage at Greenwich Village's Bottom Line nightclub, New York, New York, January 23, 1979. Mostly obscured in the background are Ruben Alvarez, on drums, and Harvey Mandel, on guitar. — Mayall performing onstage in Greenwich Village, New York City, in 1979

British blues musician John Mayall OBE – whose influential band the Bluesbreakers was a springboard for stars including Eric Clapton – has died aged 90.

The songwriter died at his home in California on Monday surrounded by his family, a statement on his Instagram page said.

“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,” it said.

“John Mayall gave us 90 years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain,” the statement added.

Mayall, who was born in Macclesfield and grew up in Manchester, founded the Bluesbreakers in the 1960s.

He was credited with helping to develop a blues revival among white musicians in England – and has been described as the “godfather of British blues”.

Mayall told the Guardian in 2014 that “at the time, the scene in America was racially segregated” – but in Europe and England “the black blues began to be heard by an audience that was not listening to them in America”.

After their 1966 album featuring guitarist Clapton, the Bluesbreakers were acclaimed by music critics as one of the world’s most influential blues bands.

The group also became a training ground for other famous rock musicians including Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood, as well as Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones – cementing Mayall’s reputation as a “serious talent magnet”.

He told the Guardian he “managed to pick out some pretty special people”, choosing band members based on the specific sound he was after.

From left to right – John Mayall, Hughie Flint, Eric Clapton, John McVie – as the Bluesbreakers in 1966

Getty Images LONDON - 1966: Rock band the "Bluesbreakers" pose for a portrait in 1966 in London, England. L-R: John Mayall, Hughie Flint, Eric Clapton, John McVie. — From left to right – John Mayall, Hughie Flint, Eric Clapton, John McVie – as the Bluesbreakers in 1966

Mayall moved to Los Angeles in 1969 and continued to lead bands, release dozens of albums and tour throughout the US and Europe, according to his biography on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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 family statement said.

“He is also surrounded with love by his previous wives, Pamela and Maggie, his devoted secretary, Jane, and his close friends,” it added.

“We, the Mayall family, cannot thank his fans and long-list of bandmembers enough for the support and love we were blessed to experience secondhand over the last six decades.”