John Mayall, the newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer whose group the Blues Breakers helped produce many British music legends, including Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor and several future members of Fleetwood Mac, died Monday in California. He was 90.
John Mayall, tireless and influential British blues pioneer, dies at age 90
His family posted a statement on social media confirming the news, but gave few details beyond citing "health issues."
"It is with heavy hearts that we must share the news that John Mayall passed away peacefully yesterday, July 22, 2024, at his California home surrounded by his loving family," the Instagram post reads. "Health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally brought peace to one of the world's greatest road warriors."
Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mayall, who has been heralded as "The Godfather of British Blues," had a love of American blues and jazz — and a gift for spotting young talent. In a 2014 interview with The Guardian, he said of the blues, "[It's] always been about that raw honesty with which [it] expresses our experiences in life, something that all comes together in this music, in the words as well. Something that's connected to us, something that's common to our experiences." He added, "To be honest, I don't think anyone really knows what it is. I just can't stop playing it."
