(RepublicanPress.org) Blues Icon John Mayall, who is famous for his work with the Bluesbreakers, has passed away at the age of 90. Mayall’s first release with the Bluesbreakers was in 1966 alongside legendary guitarist Eric Clapton. Clapton joined the band after leaving the Yardbirds and before starting the psychedelic rock group Cream. Mayall is known for his blues keyboard and harmonica talents that were showcased on 35 studio albums over the last six decades.
The Bluesbreakers was a starting point for several iconic blues and rock musicians over the years. In addition to Clapton, the Bluesbreakers also had Jack Bruce, who went on to be the lead singer and bassist for Cream. Mick Fleetwood, Peter Green, and John McVie also played with the Bluesbreakers before forming Fleetwood Mac. Mick Taylor also played with the Bluesbreakers on four albums from 1966 to 1969.
When Brian Jones split with the Rolling Stones in 1969, Mayall recommended to the group that they should take Mick Taylor as his replacement. Taylor played on four studio albums for the Rolling Stones, including “Exile on Main Street” and “Sticky Fingers.”
Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones frontman, posted a tribute to the late Mayall and said he always had a great eye for young, talented musicians. Jagger credited Mayall for a new era of the Rolling Stones after they hired Mick Taylor. Walter Trout, another former Bluesbreakers guitarist, said that Mayall was his musical mentor. Trout saw Mayall during his 90th birthday celebration in November and didn’t realize it would be one of the last times he would see his musical mentor in person.
Clapton released a video tribute to honor his fallen musical mentor and credited him for reviving his musical career. Clapton said he was on the verge of quitting music when Mayall brought him into his house. Clapton said Mayall taught him everything that he knows and he did his research in Mayall’s record collection. He said he will miss him and hopes to see him on the other side.
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