John Mayer skyrocketed to fame with his 2001 debut album, Room for Squares. Ever since then, he has been selling out venues to screaming fans who appreciate his bluesy pop. His guitar skills have been compared to those of Eric Clapton. In 2005, he changed direction slightly with the John Mayer Trio, playing more blues and jazz-based music. Even though he has become more reclusive over the last few years, Mayer’s music continues to attract audiences. Read on to find out more about John Mayer, and keep an eye out for part two of our list, coming soon.
Number Fifteen: John Mayer Works with Veterans
John Mayer has been partnering with the NCIRE on The Veterans Health and Integration Program since 2013. The program is designed to help returning veterans ease into civilian life by providing them with resources based on their needs. It also helps to raise public awareness and understanding of what these veterans sacrificed to serve their country.
Number Fourteen: He’s a Dead Head
Mayer has said that he recently became a big fan of The Grateful Dead after hearing one of their songs. In early 2015, he invited Bob Weir to play with him during his three-night gig as guest host of The Late, Late Show, and the two became friends. After the members of The Grateful Dead ended their Fare Thee Well tour, which celebrated 50 years of the Dead, the members linked up with Mayer to start Dead & Company, who are currently on tour. John Mayer had the opportunity to work with Phil Lesh in 2015 as well, making a guest appearance during both nights of his attempt to recreate The Grateful Dead’s May 8 and June 9, 1977, concerts.
Number Thirteen: He Collects Watches
Claiming that it is a pastime that “keeps him sane,” Mayer has a collection of watches that is valued at tens of millions of dollars. His love of timepieces also fuels his column on Hodinke.com and has earned him a juror spot at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
Number Twelve: He Got into Guitar After Watching Back to the Future
John Mayer’s interest in guitar started after seeing Marty McFly play the instrument in the movie. At the age of 13, his father rented him a guitar and he began taking lessons at a local guitar shop.
Number Eleven: Stevie Ray Vaughn Was His Blues Gateway Drug
After receiving a cassette of the blues performer’s music, Mayer became obsessed with blues music. From there, he got into artists such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Otis Rush and others. Over the years, he has been able to collaborate with a number of his guitar heroes, including recording with Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, John Scofield and B.B. King.
Number Ten: He Started Writing Songs After a Trip to the Hospital
At the age of 17, Mayer was diagnosed with cardiac dysrhythmia. After spending a couple of days in the hospital, he wrote his first song the moment he got home.
Number Nine: He Has Collaborated with Hip-Hop Artists
Not known for more than his blues and guitar work, there was a period after Heavier Things where Mayer collaborated on projects with a couple of Hip-Hop artists. In 2006, he worked with Common and Kanye West on Common’s single “Go,” as well as a Japanese bonus track on West’s Graduation, called “Bittersweet Poetry.” Check back for part two of our list of 15 interesting facts about John Mayer, coming soon.