The music world mourns the legendary John Mayall, the “Godfather of British Blues,” who passed away at 90, leaving behind a monumental legacy that shaped rock and blues history. In the mid-1960s, Mayall’s band, the Bluesbreakers, became a launching pad for future superstars, most notably Eric Clapton, who joined in 1965 after leaving The Yardbirds. Their iconic 1966 album, Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (often called the “Beano Album” because Clapton is reading The Beano comic on the cover), revolutionized blues rock with fiery guitar work on tracks like “Hideaway” and “All Your Love.”
Clapton’s searing tone on his Gibson Les Paul through a Marshall amp set a new standard, earning him the nickname “God.” Though Clapton soon left to form Cream, his time with Mayall cemented his legend. Mayall’s relentless mentorship also nurtured other greats like Peter Green (who went on to form Fleetwood Mac), Mick Taylor (later of The Rolling Stones), and Jack Bruce (Cream’s bassist).
Mayall’s influence didn’t stop there—his band was a revolving door of talent, with future members including John McVie and Mick Fleetwood (both of Fleetwood Mac) and even Andy Fraser (of Free). A true workhorse, Mayall released over 60 albums in his lifetime, blending Chicago blues with British innovation. His 1969 live album, The Turning Point, marked a shift toward acoustic blues, proving his versatility. Even in his later years, Mayall toured relentlessly, his harmonica wailing and fingers flying across the keys, always championing the blues.
Eric Clapton, who owes much of his early sound to Mayall, often credited him as a mentor. The two reunited occasionally over the years, including a memorable 2003 performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Mayall’s passing marks the end of an era, but his music—raw, passionate, and timeless—lives on. Rest in power to the man who turned British blues into a global force.