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BeyondGeography

(40,544 posts)
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 08:46 PM Jul 2024

British blues legend John Mayall dies at 90


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Musician John Mayall, often referred to the “godfather of the British blues,” whose bands of the late ’60s and early ‘70s featured some of the most notable rock instrumentalists of the era, died Monday at home in California, according to a statement posted by his family on his social media accounts. He was 90.

Among the fans and organizations posting condolences was the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which was set to induct him into its ranks in October. Although he was not part of the standard voting round, the hall’s committee had selected him this year to be ushered in under the Musical Influence Award, along with Alexis Korner and Big Mama Thornton.

No cause of death was given in the family’s initial statement, although it did refer to Mayall’s recent health setbacks. “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 read. “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.”

Mayall, whose keening, jazz-inflected tenor vocals reflected the heavy influence of the American singer Mose Allison, fronted his group – known variously as the Blues Breakers or Bluebreakers in its earliest incarnation – on keyboards, harmonica and occasional guitar, and penned dozens of original songs. Among the players he brought into his bands were such legends as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, Jack Bruce, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood and Aynsley Dunbar.


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Silent Type

(10,470 posts)
1. Darn. He more or less discovered, or introduced us to, some great guitarists. His bands were legend.
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 08:50 PM
Jul 2024

stopdiggin

(14,013 posts)
4. the way it was told to me
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 09:27 PM
Jul 2024

(from a couple different sources) Is that the Blue Breakers were essentially an effort (ongoing) to push 'new' people to the front of the stage (and into the spotlight). John usually very content to stay pretty much in the background ... And that's in large part what I witnessed with the single show I was able to attend.

We could use more guys ....

calguy

(5,937 posts)
5. Saw him in Seattle maybe five years ago
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 09:41 PM
Jul 2024

He looked old enough to need a walker, but when his excellent band started playing, he was rocking right with them. One of the best shows I've seen.

LeftInTX

(32,811 posts)
7. How is it someone who looks like him is 90?
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 09:44 PM
Jul 2024

But then, so are Gloria Steinem and Willie Nelson.

DFW

(58,480 posts)
10. I saw him in a tiny venue in Truro, MA eleven years ago
Wed Jul 24, 2024, 09:36 AM
Jul 2024

I did a double take when I saw the posters. John Mayall? THE John Mayall? In Truro, Cape Cod? But it WAS John Mayall, at age 79, still putting on a great show with a decent band. A living legend.

Celerity

(50,821 posts)
11. JOHN MAYALL - Room To Move - Final Song/ Final Show/ Final Tour /LIVE at the CoachHouse Concert Hall
Wed Jul 24, 2024, 09:44 AM
Jul 2024
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