Day Tripping: November 29

Blues Architect

In 1933, John Mayall was born in Cheshire and spent his childhood listening to his father’s guitar and jazz records. Then he discovered the blues of Lead Belly and Pinetop Smith. So John taught himself to play piano, guitar, and harmonica.

While serving in Korea for the National Service, Mayall went on leave and bought his first electric guitar. He returned to attend art college in 1956 and formed the Powerhouse Four with schoolmate Peter Ward. They played local clubs together until 1962 when John became a member of the Blues Syndicate.

“Check out the albums, … Check out the live performances. That’s the reality of it all. Music is such an energizing thing.”

Three years later, John met Yardbirds guitarist Eric Clapton and the course of his music career turned in a whole new direction. The Bluesbreakers became a driving force in British blues. When Clapton took off for Greece, Peter Green filled in and then Jack Bruce came in as bass player.

When Eric returned, Peter Green moved on and Mayall prepared to record The Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton. The Chicago blues covers became a seminal album in British music history.

After Clapton left for good with Jack Bruce to form Cream, John Mayall carried on in blues. He also groomed some more of the most successful musicians of the rock age.

Today is:

National Lemon Creme Pie Day — not for throwing…much.

Musical Ride

John Lennon was only fined in London court $360 for cannabis possession in 1968 when he told the judge he’s given up weed. In truth, John forgot his stash at home. He was the first Beatle charged with a crime but certainly not the last.

Interesting Notes

In 2004, Godzilla got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Unfotrtunately, the footprint broke the city.

Gone But Not Forgotten

With due respect to the other three, the world lost the youngest, and best Beatle in 2001. George Harrison died of lung cancer at 58. His last moments were shared with his wife, son, and close friend Ravi Shankar.

Notable Births

1949 — Garry Shandling: “Nice guys finish first. If you don’t know that, then you don’t know where the finish line is.”

1955 — Howie Mandel: “I’m from Canada, so Thanksgiving to me is just Thursday with more food. And I’m thankful for that.”

K. Barrett Maria Rattray Maryam Merchant Dr. Mehmet Yildiz Tree Langdon Myriam Ben Salem Phil Truman Chelsea Mandler MAT Terry Mansfield Hollie Petit, Ph.D. Terry Trueman Dr. Preeti Singh John Gruber Bill Abbate James G Brennan ScienceDuuude Marcus Liam Ireland Claire Kelly Noorain Hassan, BMS Amy Pierovich David Acaster Nora Thewriteyard David Perlmutter Joe Luca Holly Kellums Michael Burg, MD Lucy Dan Dave Logan

All previous Day Tripping entries are available at the following links:

The Story Of Day Tripping Through History What’s Past Is Often Present

A comprehensive directory for Day Tripping