| Born in 1933 and able to pick his way along a guitar neck by the age of 12, John Mayall soon took up the piano, taking inspiration from Boogie Woogie greats like Al Ammons and Pete Johnson. He bought his first electric guitar in approximately 1953 while on leave from service in the British army during the Korean War. He formed "The Powerhouse Four" two years later back in Manchester, England. In 1959, having graduated from college, Mayall found work as a Manchester typographer/graphics artist while gigging and practicing nights. But in '63, he made a move to London due to having heard that Blues was on the rise there; it was at this point that he began forming the Blues Breakers. John McVie was coaxed by Mayall to give up his day job and go on the road. Two years later, Eric Clapton left the Yardbirds and joined Mayall. A parade of stellar musicians cycled through or at least sat in with the Mayall organization from here on, including Jack Bruce, Peter Green, Steve Winwood, Paul Butterfield, Aynsley Dunbar, Sugarcane Harris, Mick Fleetwood, Mick Taylor... and on and on. Dating from 1969, Mayall's signature hit "Room To Move" is still prominent on collections and internet radio blues channels. Mayall has not yet retired. |
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