British blues pioneer dies at 90

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Mayer performing on stage in Greenwich Village, New York City, 1979

Getty Images British blues and rock musician John Mayall performs on stage at the Bottom Line nightclub in Greenwich Village, New York, January 23, 1979. Mostly obscured in the background are drummer Ruben Alvarez and guitarist Harvey Mandel. — Mayer performing on stage in Greenwich Village, New York City, 1979

British blues musician John Mayer OBE has died at the age of 90. His influential band, the Bluesbreakers, was a launching pad for superstars such as Eric Clapton.

The songwriter died on Monday at his home in California surrounded by his family, the statement said on his Instagram page.

“Health issues have forced John to end his epic touring career, but one of the world’s greatest touring warriors has finally found peace,” the statement said.

The statement added: “John Mayer has worked tirelessly to educate, inspire and entertain us for 90 years.”

Mayer, who was born in Macclesfield and grew up in Manchester, founded the band the Bluesbreakers in the 1960s.

He is credited with promoting a blues revival among white British musicians—and Already described Known as the “Godfather of British Blues Music”.

Meyer In an interview with The Guardian in 2014 “At the time, there was racial segregation in the United States” – but in Europe and Britain “black blues music was beginning to be heard by audiences that didn’t hear them in the United States.”

Since the release of their 1966 album featuring guitarist Clapton, the Blues Breakers have been hailed by music critics as one of the most influential blues bands in the world.

The band also became a training ground for other famous rock musicians, including Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, and Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones, thus solidifying Mayall’s Enjoy the reputation of being a “real talent magnet”.

He told The Guardian that he had “managed to pick some very particular people” and chose band members based on the specific sound he was going for.

From left to right: John Mayall, Hughie Flint, Eric Clapton, John McVie, members of the Blues Breakers in 1966

Getty Images London - 1966: Rock Band "Blues Destroyer" Posing for a photograph in London, England, 1966. Left: John Mayer, Hughie Flint, Eric Clapton, John McVie. — From left to right: John Mayall, Hughie Flint, Eric Clapton, John McVie, members of the Blues Breakers in 1966

In 1969, Mayer moved to Los Angeles and continued to lead the band, releasing dozens of albums and touring the United States and Europe. According to his biography by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 2005 he was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Mayer leaves behind six children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, the family statement said.

The report added: “He was also cared for by his ex-wives Pamela and Maggie, his devoted secretary Jane and close friends.”

“We in the Mayer family express endless gratitude to his fans and the many bandmates whose support and love we have had the privilege to feel over the past six decades.”