GODFATHER of the British blues John Mayall has died aged 90.
Mayall was surrounded by his family at his home in California where his six children grieve the loss of their father. But who are they and what do we know about them?
Musician John Mayall OBE – whose influential band the Bluesbreakers was a springboard for stars including Eric Clapton – died at his home in California on Monday, 21 July, 2024.
Mayall is survived by his six children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, the family statement said.
“He is also surrounded with love by his previous wives, Pamela and Maggie, his devoted secretary, Jane, and his close friends,” it added.
“We, the Mayall family, cannot thank his fans and long list of band members enough for the support and love we were blessed to experience secondhand over the last six decades.”
Garry ‘Gaz’ Mayall is the eldest son of the blues legend John Mayall.
He moved to London with his dad in 1962 and he now lives in Kensal Green, West London.
Gaz is part of a ska band The Trojans and after a few guest appearances at the Two-Tone club, Oxford Street in 1979, decided to start a club of his own.
In summer 1980 he set up Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues; London’s longest running club night. The establishment is said to be a favourite of Meghan Markle growing up.
To pay homage to the 30th anniversary of the club night, a book called Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues was released.
Being the first-born son of a musician came with many benefits. Gaz attended almost every pop & rock festival throughout the sixties as a child.
He is been lifelong fan of reggae and began collecting ska records when he was 17-years-old.
It is estimated that he owns over 10,000 records.
Jason Mayall, ‘The Cumbia Kid’ is a Dj and the director of Smash corporation.
Established in 1984, Smash promotes concerts and headline tours with the aim of introducing an array of acts from around the globe to Japanese audiences.
Smash’s summer festival began in 1997, and is Asia’s biggest outdoor festival, held annually in the mountains of Naeba, Niigata.
Jason has also booked several tours for Japanese artists in the UK, namely the amazing Shibusashirazu and formidable Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra shows at Glastonbury.
John’s son spends a lot of his time in Colombia championing “Cumbia”, the traditional dance music of Columbia.
Tracey Mayall is the daughter of the blues legend, and his first wife Pamela.
Tracey shared her fathers love of music and had a particular skill for robotic dancing.
In the early 1980’s she was part of a dance group called Sketch, that was made up of her and Dee and Fritz, the two boys.
She later left the group and they renamed themselves Flex.
Benedict ‘Big Ben’ Mayall is a Nigerian bass player.
He is the adopted son of John Mayall and Pamela.
Ben occasionally featured in his brothers band The Trojans, notably a reggae song entitled ‘Earth First,’ that was released in 1997.
Zak Mayall is a skateboarder from California.
On his Instagram @sk8erdun he shared a heartfelt message following his fathers death.
He wrote: “With a heavy heart I say age is just a number but all things must come to an end.
“He lived by his own rules rigid and set in his ways from when he was a young adult who was rocketed to stardom until he stepped off the stage 2 years ago.
“90 is a number that can’t convey the richness of his life experience, 40 I’ve been along for the ride.
“I personally reassured him of his impact on every one of my friends that was his fan as well as on the rest of my enormous family that has blossomed in his legacy.
“Goodnight Bluesman 1933 – 2024.”
Samson is John’s youngest son who he shared with his second wife Maggie Parker.
Samson’s mum is also a blues musician.
In 1978, Maggie met John and joined his backing band. They later married and had two sons together, Samson and his elder brother Zak.
Samson shares his birth date with his legendary father.
In an extract taken from November 29, 1994 entry in John’s journal he wrote: “My best birthday of 61 years because the decision we’d made was it was to be Samson’s birthday as well.”
