Paul McCartney has joined the many respected musicians who have paid tribute to British blues pioneer John Mayall, who died Monday, July 22, at age 90.
McCartney posted a heartfelt homage to Mayall on his official website and social media pages. In the note, the Beatles legend reflected on how Mayall introduced him to the music of many American blues artists, as well as helping him develop an appreciation for a soon-to-be-famous British guitarist.
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“In the 1960’s we would meet at one of the late-night music clubs and often go back to his house where he had a huge and glorious collection of records,” McCartney recalled. “During these moments he became a mentor and would educate me on a lot of the blues guitarists playing at the time.”
Sir Paul continued, “I would lounge back in the armchair, and he would play tracks by people like BB King, Buddy Guy, Albert King and many other great players. He would then play me tracks by Eric Clapton who was later in his band The Bluesbreakers. The more he played the more I could see the links between all these great guitarists.”
[RELATED: Eric Clapton Pays Homage to His “Mentor” and “Surrogate Father” John Mayall; Others Salute Late U.K. Blues Legend]
McCartney noted that he found his interactions with Mayall to be “very entertaining” and “a great education,” as he had the opportunity to appreciate “the similarities between these stunning players.”
McCartney concluded his homage by saying, “John was a lovely, down to earth man from the North of England so we found it easy to relate to each other and I will always thank him for his love of music, the blues and his willingness to turn others on to what he knew. Thanks John, love you!”
More About John Mayall
Mayall was most famous as the leader of his group The Bluesbreakers, which during the 1960s served as a proving ground for some of the most respected British rock musicians of the era. Among the music artists who played with the band were Clapton; future Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor; future Journey and Jefferson Starship drummer Aynsley Dunbar; and future Fleetwood Mac members Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, and John McVie.
After disbanding The Bluesbreakers, Mayall continued to tour and record as a solo artist until his passing. Mayall’s death came three months after it was announced that he will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in conjunction with receiving the institution’s Musical Excellence honor. The 2024 Rock Hall ceremony will be held October 19 in Cleveland.
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