(LibertyInsider.org) – Rock legends like Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, and Mick Fleetwood paid tribute to John Mayall, nicknamed the Godfather of British Blues, after he died at the age of 90 at his home in California on July 22. While the performer never achieved solo fame, he nurtured the growth of younger artists who dominated the Blues and Rock during the ‘60s and beyond. Officiandos considered him such an influence that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame planned to induct him in an October ceremony.
Eric Clapton, visibly shaken by the news of the artist’s death, described how Mayall found him and took him under his wing while he was still a teen. He described himself as disillusioned at the time with the commercialization of his music and ready to quit. Clapton credited his friend as a mentor and father figure who taught him the Chicago Blues and other techniques, rejuvenated his love for music, and helped him develop his signature style.
Eric Clapton on the verge of tears lamenting the loss of one of his greatest influences, John Mayall.
It is sad to see how more and more pioneers and legends of rock are leaving us.
Rest in Peace Mayall. pic.twitter.com/RM8GSGFM8A
— 🎸 Rock History 🎸 (@historyrock_) July 25, 2024
Mayall had a knack for fostering young musicians interested in the Blues. His progressive blues-jazz style led the younger musicians to develop a bluesy rock sound that dominated the late ‘60s and most of the ‘70s.
In 1963, he started a band called the Bluesbreakers, featuring a rotating cadre of talent that included Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Peter Green, who later formed Fleetwood Mac. Other musicians who played in the Bluesbreakers included Clapton, Mick Taylor, Jack Bruce, Aynsley Dunbar, Ernie Watts, and Rick Vito. These artists went on to bands like the Rolling Stones, Cream, Journey, Jefferson Starship, and Fleetwood Mac.
Mayall was an accomplished musician on keyboards, harmonica, and guitar. He sang as the frontman for the Bluesbreakers, although he also provided plenty of opportunities for other performers to showcase their vocal skills. The post below shows Taylor on guitar with Mayall playing keyboards at the artist’s 2003 70th birthday celebration concert.
Mick Taylor🎶🎸 w/ John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers pic.twitter.com/pC83QrX1O1
— bluesharp (@bluezharp) May 12, 2024
Born in 1933 in Macclesfield, United Kingdom (UK), Mayall moved to London in 1963 to focus on his musical career. From 1963 until 1969, he influenced most of the musicians he worked with, demanding high standards and ousting those who couldn’t meet them. He moved to Laurel Canyon near Los Angeles, California, in 1969. He lived in the Los Angeles area until his death but lived for stints in the UK.
Mayall leaves behind his six children, including five sons, Samson, Zak, Ben, Jason, and Gaz, one daughter, Tracey, aka “Red,” six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A statement from the family on Mayall’s website also mentioned that two ex-wives, Pamela and Maggie, his long-time secretary, Jane, and his close friends “surrounded” him “with love.” The family thanked band members for their love and support over the artist’s 60-year career.
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