John Mayall, one of the most beloved and influential blues men to come out of Great Britain, passed away on Monday at the age of 90. Mayall’s death was confirmed by a statement that was released on July 23 on his Instagram page. The blues pioneer was known for his deep dedication and passion for the genre of Blues music and is often credit for playing a significant role in the revival of blues music that took place in the 1960s.
“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,” the statement says. “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.”
According to a report from the Daily Caller:
The famous musician was known for his talents with a blues harmonica and keyboard and for his decades-long devotion to his love of music.
“John Mayall gave us ninety years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain,” the social media statement continues.
Mayall was best known for developing The Bluesbreakers, a band whose alumni is loaded with some of music’s most impactful artists. He played with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce, as well as Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac. Mayall also brought in Mick Taylor, who went on to play with the Rolling Stones for five years, as well as Harvey Mandel and Larry Taylor, who went on to gain fame with Canned Heat, according to The AP.
Mayall never rose to independent fame, but those who knew him respected him and were in awe of his skills as a musician and keen eye for talent.
A quote by the blues guitarist that comes from a 2014 interview Mayall did with The Guardian captures how much he truly loved this particular style of music and was shared in the announcement concerning his passing.
“[Blues] is about – and it’s always been about – that raw honesty with which [it expresses] our experiences in life, something which all comes together in this music, in the words as well. Something that is connected to us, common to our experiences,” he said.
The star was an appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire, a two-time Grammy-nominated artist and recent inductee to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His nominations were for “Wake Up Call” and “The Sun Is Shining Down,” according to The AP.
Lots of rock and roll royalty took to social media to share their response to the legend’s death.
"*" indicates required fields
So sad to hear of John Mayall’s passing. He was a great pioneer of British blues and had a wonderful eye for talented young musicians, including Mick Taylor – who he recommended to me after Brian Jones died – ushering in a new era for the Stones. pic.twitter.com/mn0sAu4oI3
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) July 24, 2024
“He was a great pioneer of British blues and had a wonderful eye for talented young musicians, including Mick Taylor – who he recommended to me after Brian Jones died – ushering in a new era for the Stones,” Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger said.
The article then reveals that John is survived by six children, seven grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren, along with previous wives, Pamela and Maggie, his secretary Jane, and a few close friends. What a rich network of loved ones to have. He was definitely a blessed man.
“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,” the statement adds at the end. “Keep on playing the blues somewhere, John. We love you.”