John Mayall: The Blues Crusader

The first detailed biography of a true icon in the world of blues music illuminates his life and career, and also provides insights into the development of his many fellow musicians This comprehensive biography by a true blues aficionado follows the young Mayall from the early days of jamming in his tree house as a teenager to the vast tours he undertakes today. Even die-hard blues fans will find plenty of undiscovered anecdotes and stories here, as the book covers all phases of the Mayall’s career and not just the 1960s. John Mayall is the Godfather of British blues. A pioneering musician, blues promoter, and talent scout for more than 50 years, his uncanny knack of picking young, talented musicians and then nurturing them in his bands is the stuff of legend. Under his guidance as leader and sometimes father figure, his groups developed into a blues school of learning par excellence. Many young members became huge stars later on, among them brilliant musicians such as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Jack Bruce, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Mick Taylor, and drummer Jon Hiseman. In Mayall’s bands, an incredible 130 musicians have done their apprenticeship and earned their spurs. Bands like Cream, Fleetwood Mac, and Colosseum would never have existed without his inspiration and guidance. Showing no signs of slowing down, John Mayall has an amazing back catalog totalling some 86 albums—including the acclaimed A Special Life from 2014—and has played more than 5,000 live concerts all over the world. He is still rated as one of the most influential and respected figures in the international blues and rock scene.