RIP! I saw him quite a few times back in the day. The first time was with Mick Taylor. John Mayall was one of the most black blues dedicated men that England produced.
Again!?
“One of the rare recordings of Eric Clapton playing live with Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. It was recorded at the Flamingo Club London on 17 March 1966. The other players were Mayall on organ, Hughie Flint on drums, and future Cream bandmate, Jack Bruce on electric bass:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az7sLKGOUe8
I listened to some of his music when I was in my teens.
He was good.
Didn’t know he was a Korean era vet.
Some personal thoughts from Eric Clapton about his mentor...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cujG_O4KA4
He was one of the champions of keeping the blues going. Mentor to guitar greats and someone to keep the memories of long lost blues people alive.
I have around 90% of his many cds. All the London, ABC, Silvertone and most others.
Long time fan.
I love his first album, John Mayall plays John Mayall, which was recorded live in a club in London in late 1964 called Klooks Kleek.
This album was never released in its original form in America. Confusingly, it was included as the second disc in a 1973 double compilation album called Down the Line.... which I found on vinyl recently dirt cheap. The original British release fetches a lot of money.
https://youtu.be/-8UycaLS_Fg?si=CXGpJ_fqU3fZzMli
For those who need an introduction, the John Mayall 70th Birthday Concert is a great one. Extended versions of songs and fine solos. Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Chris Barber in great musical shape in an exciting evening of the blues.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/70th_Birthday_Concert_(John_Mayall_%26_the_Bluesbreaker_album)
RIP JM.