John Mayall, influential blues musician, dies aged 90

CNN
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John Mayall, the pioneering blues musician who was recently announced as one of the Honoree of 2024 The iconic rock and roll singer, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 90.

The news was confirmed on Tuesday by Mayall. Verified Facebook Pagewhere a message was posted alongside a photo of the Grammy-nominated musician.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the news that John Mayall passed away peacefully at his home in California yesterday, July 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. The health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally brought peace to one of the world’s greatest road warriors. John Mayall gave us ninety years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain people.”

“Mayall’s raw honesty, connection, community, and performance will continue to influence the music and culture we live in today, and for generations to come,” the post continued.

CNN has reached out to Mayall representatives for more information.

He is called the “Godfather of British Blues” by Rock and Roll Hall of FameA singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader, Mayall was a pioneer of blues music in England during the 1960s. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2005. Mayall was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2016.

“By continually expanding the blues without diluting it, John Mayall had a major influence on rock music,” his biography of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame The website states.

Two-time Grammy nominated artist Born in Cheshire, England, he had an early affinity for American jazz and blues, and taught himself to play piano, guitar and harmonica, according to the Hall of Fame.

In the early 1960s, Mayall brought musicians together to form the rock band Bluesbreakers. Under his leadership, the band’s first album, “Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton,” quickly became a best-selling classic.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1969, Mayall continued to lead bands and release albums throughout the 1970s, and became known for his innovations in jazz, rock, and blues, according to his autobiography. He released dozens of albums and toured throughout the United States and Europe.

During his influential career, Mayall has collaborated with notable musicians including Joe Walsh, Steve Van Zandt, and Alex Lifeson.

“Mayall was known for the many creative musicians he recruited for his Bluesbreakers band – including guitarists Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor; bassists Jack Bruce and John McVie; and drummers Mick Fleetwood and Ainsley Dunbar – and he showed a talent for mentoring talented young musicians and bringing out the best in them,” the Hall of Fame says.

Mayall is survived by six children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, according to a Facebook post.

“Keep the blues playing somewhere, John,” the post read.

This is a developing story and will be updated.