John Mayall, the pioneering British bandleader whose mid-1960s blues ensembles served as incubators for some of the biggest stars of rock’s golden era, died on Monday. He was 90.
The death was confirmed in a statement on Mr. Mayall’s official Facebook page. The statement did not give a cause or specify where he died, saying only that he died “in his California home.”
Though he played piano, organ, guitar and harmonica and sang lead vocals in his own bands with a high, reedy tenor, Mr. Mayall earned his reputation as “the godfather of British blues” not for his own playing or singing but for recruiting and polishing the talents of one gifted young lead guitarist after another.
In his most fertile period, between 1965 and 1969, those budding stars included Eric Clapton, who left to form the band Cream and later became a hugely successful solo artist; Peter Green, who left to found Fleetwood Mac; and Mick Taylor, who was snatched from the Mayall band by the Rolling Stones.
The family tree of Mayall’s artists, especially guitarists, is astounding. Just a few weeks ago, I saw his most recent guitar phenom, Carolyn Wonderland, perform. She paid tribute to him, saying he’s the best (and only) boss she ever had.
Mayall’s family tree, especially of guitarists, is astounding. Just a couple of weeks ago, I saw his most recent guitar phenom, Carolyn Wonderland, perform. She paid tribute to him, saying he is the best (and only) boss she ever had.
Sorry to see him go! Thanks for honoring him.
Here’s my all time fave Mayall cut: Room to Move
Used to watch/listen to his group in the late 60’s early 70s, in the Il Rondo club in Leicester (U.K). Fantastic talented blues, with star players, he kept on ’till the end.
Clapton tribute to Mayall.
Brilliant music was the outcome….