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John Mayall

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

John Mayall was an English blues and rock musician, writer and producer. He was born in Macclesfield in 1933 and grew up in Cheadle Hulme. His father played guitar in local pubs. Mayall taught himself to play piano, guitar and harmonica, inspired by American blues musicians such as Lead Belly, Albert Ammons and Pinetop Smith. During his national service in Korea he bought his first electric guitar in Japan. Back in England he studied at the art school in Manchester and worked as a designer. Meanwhile he played with local musicians, including in the Powerhouse Four and the Blues Syndicate.

Music and breakthrough

At the urging of Alexis Korner he became a professional musician in 1963 and moved to London. There he formed John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, who played at the Marquee Club, with John McVie on bass among others. Over the years some of the most famous blues and blues-rock musicians of all would play in the group. His design experience came in handy for the sleeves of his albums.

Influence

Mayall was often called the godfather of British blues. His career spanned almost seven decades and he remained active until his death in 2024, at the age of ninety. In that year he was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His importance lies above all in his work as a talent scout and bandleader: his Bluesbreakers became a training ground from which many British rock guitarists emerged, and he helped give American blues a British audience.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Hideaway and notice the guitar: how does the instrumental melody run through the blues, and how does the band leave room for the soloist?

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: ArtistsBlues rock