British music pioneer John Mayall has died, aged 90
The Bluesbreakers lead was known as the “father of British blues” after the release of his 1967 album, Blues Alone.
Mayall died, aged 90, at his home in California, a post published to his Instagram page on 23 July confirmed.
“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,” the post said.
Mayall was credited with fostering talent including Eric Clapton and Mick Fleetwood, who both played in the Bluesbreakers before leaving to form their own bands, Cream and Fleetwood Mac respectively.
Others who passed through the Bluesbreakers on their way to greater fame included John McVie and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac; Mick Taylor, who went on to spend five years with the Rolling Stones; and Canned Heat’s Harvey Mandel and Larry Taylor.
Mayall often emphasised his interest lay in making music, not creating stars.
“I’m a band leader and I know what I want to play in my band – who can be good friends of mine,” he told the Southern Vermont Review. “It’s definitely a family. It’s a small kind of thing really.”
In another interview, he explained he was comfortable remaining out of mainstream popularity.
“I’ve never had a hit record, I never won a Grammy Award, and Rolling Stone has never done a piece about me,” he told the Santa Barbara Independent in 2013. “I’m still an underground performer.”
