John Mayer
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John Clayton Mayer (International Phonetic Alphabet|surname pronunciation: See inogolo:pronunciation of John Mayer.) (born October 16, 1977) is an United States|American singer-songwriter. Originally from Connecticut, he attended Berklee College of Music before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1998, where he refined his skills and gained a following. His first two studio albums, Room for Squares and Heavier Things, did well commercially, achieving multi-platinum status. In 2003, he won a Best Male Pop Vocal Performance Grammy Award for "Your Body Is a Wonderland".
Mayer began his career performing mainly acoustic rock music|rock and pop music|pop, but gradually began a transition towards the blues genre in 2005 by collaborating with renowned blues artists such as B. B. King and Eric Clapton, and by forming the John Mayer Trio. The blues influence can be heard on his album Continuum (album)|Continuum, released in September 2006. At the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007 Mayer won Best Pop Vocal Album for Continuum and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Waiting on the World to Change". Mayer's career pursuits have extended to stand-up comedy, design, and writing; he has written pieces for magazines, most notably for Esquire (magazine)|Esquire. He is also involved in philanthropy|philanthropic activities through his "Back to You" fund and his concern over global warming.
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[edit] Early life
John Mayer was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Margaret (an English teacher) and Richard (a high school principal).No byline (October 7, 2002), "It's Hip to Be Square". People. 58 (15):107 He grew up in nearby Fairfield, Connecticut|Fairfield, the second of three sons. Ruth Shaut (ELLE)(2006)."Blues Brother" J-mayer.org. Retrieved on 2006-08-03. There, he became friends with future tennis star James Blake.Pratt, Devin (2006). "Tennis's Nice Guy Breaks Down the Season" FHMUs.com. Retrieved on 2007-05-30. Mayer attended the former Fairfield Warde High School|Fairfield High School, although he was enrolled in the Center for Global Studies at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk, Connecticut for his junior year. (Then known as the Center for Japanese Studies Abroad, it is a magnet school|magnet program for students wanting to learn Japanese. Eliscu, Jenny (November 27, 2003), "Songs in the Key of Mayer". Rolling Stone. (936): 52-56) Mayer listened to pop music as a child. During an appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, he said that he had played the clarinet for a while in middle school, with minor success. After watching the Marty McFly character's (Michael J. Fox) guitar performance in Back to The Future, he became fascinated with the instrument.Sound Stage staff writer (2005). "John Mayer with special guest Buddy Guy" PBS.org. Retrieved on May 31, 2007. Subsequently, at the age of thirteen, his father rented one for him. (2005). "Men Of The Week: Entertainment - John Mayer" AskMen.com. Retrieved on April 12, 2006.
Soon after getting his guitar, his neighbor gave him a Stevie Ray Vaughan cassette, which began Mayer’s intense love of the blues. (2006) "Mon Nov 6: Telecom; Spam Attack; John Mayer" TVNZ online. Retrieved on December 6, 2006. Despite the reservations of his parents, Mayer became consumed with playing the guitar,Mather, John; Hedegaard, Erik (March 2008), "The Wonder of John Mayer Land". Best Life. vol unknown (3):140 and after two years of practice, he started playing at blues Bar (establishment)|bars and other venues in the area, while in high school. In addition to performing alone, he was in a band called Villanova Junction with Tim Procaccini, Joe Beleznay, and Rich Wolf. Wallace, William (2005). "Joe Beleznay wants to be the ball" TweedMag.com. Retrieved on October 30, 2006.
When Mayer was seventeen, he was stricken with a cardiac arrhythmia that sent him to the hospital for a weekend. Reflecting on the incident, Mayer said, “That was the moment the songwriter in me was born,” and he penned his first lyrics the night he got home. Hiatt, Brian (September 21, 2006), "My Big Mouth Strikes Again". Rolling Stone. (1009): 66-70 Shortly thereafter, he began suffering from crippling panic attacks, and even now he keeps Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug, with him. "John Mayer". Melissa and Sid. 2008-03-31. After graduation, he worked for fifteen months at a gas station until he saved up enough money to buy his first proper guitar—a 1996 Stevie Ray Vaughan signature Stratocaster.No byline (2007). "John Mayer: Five Fun Facts" People.com Retrieved 2007-11-28
[edit] Career
[edit] Early career
Mayer enrolled in the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, at the age of nineteen. After two semesters, he chose to cut his studies short, and at the urging of his college friend and Atlanta native, Clay Cook, the two moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Small, Mark (2005). "John Mayer '98: Running with the Big Dogs" Berklee.edu. Retrieved on April 23, 2007. Quickly making a name for their two-man band, LoFi Masters, they began their career in earnest there, frequenting the local coffee house and club circuit in venues like Eddie's Attic|Eddie’s Attic. Cook has said, however, that they began to experience musical differences due to Mayer’s desire to take the duo in more of a pop direction.Guthrie, Blake (2003). "Mayer of Atlanta: John Mayer plays Philips Arena, and all I got was this lousy cover story" CreativeLoafing.com. Retrieved on February 17, 2007. The two parted ways, and Mayer embarked on a solo career.
With the help of local producer and engineer Glenn Matullo, Mayer recorded the independent EP Inside Wants Out. Cook is also cited as the co-writer of many of the songs from the EP, most notably, Mayer's first commercial single release, "No Such Thing (John Mayer song)|No Such Thing". The EP includes only eight songs, all with Mayer on lead vocals and guitars, with the exception of “Comfortable” in which Mayer only recorded the vocals. For the opening track, “Back To You”, a full band was enlisted, including the EP’s co-producer David LaBruyere|David "DeLa" LaBruyere on bass guitars. Alter, Gaby (2007). "Tour Profile: John Mayer" MixOline.com. Retrieved on April 23, 2007. Mayer and LaBruyere then began to tour throughout Georgia and the surrounding states.
[edit] Major label success
Mayer’s reputation began to build, and a March 2000 appearance at South by Southwest brought him to the attention of "launch" label, Aware Records.Proefrock, Stacia (2005). "Biography" AllMusicGuide.com. Retrieved on April 23, 2007. After including him in the Aware Festival concerts and having his songs included on Aware compilations, in early 2001, Aware released Mayer’s internet-only album entitled, Room for Squares. During that time, Aware inked a deal with Columbia Records that gave Columbia first pick in signing Aware artists, and so in September of the same year, Columbia remixed and re-released Room for Squares.No byline. "A Brief History" AwareRecords.com. Retrieved on June 12, 2007. As part of the major label "debut", the album's artwork was updated, and the track "3x5" was added. The re-release also included reworked studio versions of the first four songs from his indie album, Inside Wants Out.Back, Alan (2001). "John Mayer carves out his own niche with national debut album" Nique.net. Retrieved on June 22, 2007.
By the end of 2002, Room for Squares had spawned several radio hits, including “No Such Thing”, “Your Body Is a Wonderland”, and ultimately, “Why Georgia”. In 2003, Mayer won a Grammy for Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance|Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for “Your Body Is a Wonderland”. In his acceptance speech he remarked, “This is very, very fast, and I promise to catch up.”Bream, Jon (2007). "Win or lose, John Mayer says his work keeps him happy" Star-Ecentral.com. Retrieved on April 23, 2007. He also figuratively referred to himself as being sixteen, a remark that many mistook to mean that he was only sixteen years old at the time.Serpick, Evan (February 2007), "Grammy Preview: John Mayer", Rolling Stone Volume unknown: 32
In 2003, Mayer released a live CD and DVD of a concert in Birmingham, Alabama entitled, Any Given Thursday. The concert featured songs previously not recorded, such as "Man on the Side" (co-written with Cook) and "Something's Missing", which later appeared on Heavier Things. The concert also included "Covered In Rain". According to the accompanying DVD documentary, this song is "part two" of the song "City Love", which features the line "covered in rain". Commercially, the album quickly peaked at number seventeen on the Billboard 200 chart. The CD/DVD received conservative, although consistent, praise, with critics torn between his pop-idol image, and (at the time) emerging guitar prowess. Erik Crawford (of All Music Guide) asked "Is he the consummate guitar hero exemplified when he plays a cover of Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'Lenny', or is he the teen idol that the pubescent girls shriek for after he plays 'Your Body Is a Wonderland?'"Crawford, Erik (2003). "Review" AllMusic.com. Retrieved on June 8, 2007.Medsker, David (2003). [Word Removedml "Love me, love me, say that you love me..."] Pop Matters. Retrieved on June 8, 2007.
Heavier Things, Mayer's second album, was released in 2003 to generally favorable reviews. Rolling Stone, All Music Guide and Blender (magazine)|Blender all gave positive, although reserved, feedback. PopMatters said that it "doesn't have as many drawbacks as one might assume".MacNeil, Jason (2003). "Heavier Things" MetaCritic.com. Retrieved on June 4, 2007. The album was commercially successful, and while it did not sell as well as Room for Squares, it peaked at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. Mayer earned his first number one single with the song "Daughters (John Mayer song)|Daughters" as well as a 2005 Grammy for Song of the Year, beating out fellow contenders Alicia Keys and Kanye West. He dedicated the award to his grandmother, Annie Hoffman, who died in May 2004. He also won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, beating Elvis Costello, Prince (musician)|Prince, and Seal (musician)|Seal for the award. At the 37th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2006, Mayer was honored with the Hal David Starlight Award.(2006). John Mayer SongWritersHallofFame.org. Retrieved on September 29, 2006.
Mayer again recorded live concerts across seven nights of his U.S. tour in 2004. These recordings were released to the iTunes music store under the title as/is, indicating that the errors were included along with the good moments. A few months later, a "best of" CD was compiled from the as/is nights. The album included a previously unreleased cover of Marvin Gaye's song "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)", featuring a solo from Mayer's support act — jazz and blues turntablist, DJ Logic. All the album covers of the as/is releases feature drawings of anthropomorphic bunnies.Bio JohnMayer.com. Retrieved on June 25, 2007.
With increased exposure, Mayer's talent came into demand in other areas. Steve Jobs invited Mayer to perform during the keynote address of Apple Inc.|Apple's annual Macworld Conference & Expo, in January 2004, as Jobs introduced the software application GarageBand.Deitrich, Andy (2004). "Making music for the non-musically inclined" ArsTechnica.com. Retrieved on June 12, 2007. The gig led to Mayer becoming a fixture of the event. He rejoined Jobs on stage for a solo performance at Macworld 2007, following the announcement of the iPhone.Krazit, Tom (2007). "Live Macworld coverage" News.com. Retrieved on June 12, 2007. Additionally, in 2004, Mayer had a one-shot half-hour comedy special on VH1, entitled John Mayer Has a TV Show, with antics including wearing a bear suit and anonymously teasing concertgoers in the parking lot outside one of his concerts. Mayer has also done endorsements, such as a Volkswagen commercial for the Beetle's guitar outlet and for the BlackBerry|BlackBerry Curve.VDubsRock official site(2006). VDubsRock.com. Retrieved on January 23, 2007.
[edit] Change in musical direction
Mayer began to collaborate extensively, often working with artists outside of his own genre. He appeared on Common's song "Go!" and on Kanye West's "Bittersweet Poetry". Following these collaborations, Mayer received praise from rap heavyweights Jay-Z and Nelly.Rodriguez, Jason (2007). "Shawty's Story: Lloyd Says He Stole From Usher, Loves John Mayer" MTV.com. Retrieved on April 16, 2007. When asked about his presence in the hip hop community, Mayer said, "It's not music out there right now. That's why, to me, hip-hop is where rock used to be."Moss, Corey (2005) "John Mayer Plans To 'Close Up Shop On Acoustic Sensitive'" MTV.com. Retrieved on April 12, 2006.
It was around this time that Mayer began hinting a change in his musical interests, announcing that he was "closing up shop on acoustic sensitivity." In 2005, he began a string of collaborations with various blues artists, including Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, as well as jazz artist John Scofield. He also went on tour with legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, which included a show at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee|Manchester, Tennessee. These collaborations led to recordings with several of these artists, namely, Clapton (Back Home (Eric Clapton album)|Back Home, Crossroads Guitar Festival), Guy (Bring 'Em In (Buddy Guy album)|Bring 'Em In), Scofield (That's What I Say (John Scofield album)|That's What I Say), and King (80 (album)|80). Although Mayer has maintained a reputation for being a sensitive singer-songwriter, he has also gained distinction as an accomplished guitarist, influenced by the likes of the above artists, as well as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray, and Freddie King. Fricke, David (February 22, 2007). "The New Guitar Gods" Rolling Stone. (1020): 39-47
[edit] John Mayer Trio
In the spring of 2005, Mayer formed the John Mayer Trio with bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan (drummer)|Steve Jordan, both of whom he had met through previous studio sessions. The trio played a combination of blues and rock music. In October 2005, the Trio opened for The Rolling Stones during a sold-out club tour of their own,Moss Corey (2005). "John Mayer Trio Geek Out With Live Album, Rolling Stones Jokes" MTV.com. Retrieved on June 8, 2007. and that November, released a live album called Try! (John Mayer Trio album)|Try! The band took a break in mid-2006. In September 2006, Mayer announced plans for the Trio to begin work on a future studio album. Mayer, John (2006). "The Continuum Super Blog" JohnMayer.com Blog. Retrieved on December 12, 2006.
[edit] Continuum and beyond
Mayer's latest album, entitled Continuum (album)|Continuum, was released on September 12 2006, and was produced by Mayer himself and Steve Jordan. Mayer suggested the album was intended to combine his signature pop music with the feel, sound, groove, and sensibilities of the blues. In that vein, two of the tracks from his trio release Try! — the funky "Vultures" and the blues centerpiece "Gravity" — also were included on Continuum.
The first single from Continuum was "Waiting on the World to Change," which debuted on The Ron and Fez Show. The song was the third most downloaded song of the week on the iTunes Store|iTunes Music Store following its release on July 11, 2006, and debuted at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100|Billboard Hot 100 Chart. On August 23, 2006, Mayer debuted the entire album on the Los Angeles radio station KYSR|Star 98.7, giving commentary on each track.Mayer, John (2006). "Continuum First Listen" JohnMayer.com. Retrieved on June 8, 2007. A subsequent version was released the next day on the Clear Channel Communications|Clear Channel Music website as a streaming sneak preview. On September 21, 2006, Mayer appeared on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation|CSI, playing "Waiting on the World to Change" and "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room". The song, "Gravity", was featured on the television series House (TV series)|House in the episode "Cane & Able" and Numb3rs. He recorded a session for the British program Live From Abbey Road at Abbey Road Studios on October 22, 2006.
On December 7, 2006, Mayer was nominated for five 2007 Grammys, including "Album of the Year". The John Mayer Trio also received a nomination for their album, Try!. He won two: Best Pop Song with Vocal for "Waiting on the World to Change" and Best Pop Album for Continuum. Mayer remixed an acoustic version of his single, "Waiting on the World to Change" with vocal additions from fellow musician Ben Harper. In preparation for recording Continuum, Mayer had booked the Village Recorder in Los Angeles to record five demo acoustic versions of his songs with veteran musician Robbie McIntosh. These recordings became The Village Sessions, an EP released on December 12, 2006. As usual, Mayer oversaw the artwork of the release.No byline (2006). "'The Village Sessions' Released Today" JohnMayer.com. Retrieved on June 8, 2007.
On November 20, 2007, the re-issue of Continuum became available online and in stores. The release contains a bonus disc of six live songs from his 2007 tour: five from Continuum and a cover of the Ray Charles song "I Don't Need No Doctor".JohnMayer.org staff (November 14, 2007). ("CONTINUUM (SPECIAL EDITION) TO BE RELEASED ON NOVEMBER 20; INCLUDES 6 LIVE TRACKS AND NEW SINGLE, "SAY"" JohnMayer.com Retrieved 2007-11-19 His new single, "Say," also became available through iTunes. On December 6, 2007, "Belief" was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal for the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. He accompanied Alicia Keys on guitar on her song "No One (Alicia Keys song)|No One" at the ceremony.
In February 2008, Mayer hosted a three-day Caribbean cruise ship event that included performances with various musicians including David Ryan Harris and Brett Dennen, among others. The event was called "The Mayercraft Carrier" and was held aboard the cruise ship known as the Carnival Victory. A follow up Cruise titled "Mayercraft Carrier 2" has already been arranged March 27-March 31|31, 2009 on the Carnival Splendor and will set sail from Long Beach, CA.
On July 1, 2008,Mayer will release his first live recording since The Village Sessions—Where The Light Is—directed by Danny Clinch. The DVD features Mayer performing a live acoustic set, a Trio set, and a band set in concert at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. The film will be released in three formats: 2 CD, DVD, and Blu-ray disc.No byline (2008-04-30). "'WHERE THE LIGHT IS' LIVE CD/DVD WILL BE RELEASED ON 7/1/08". JohnMayer.com (Retrieved on 2008-06-18)
[edit] Other projects
[edit] Philanthropic activities
In 2002, Mayer began the "Back To You" Fund, a non-profit organization that focuses on fundraising in the areas of health care, education, the arts, and talent development. The foundation raises funds through the auction of exclusive John Mayer items, such as plectrums, t-shirts, and signed CDs, made available on Mayer's auction site. The auctions have been successful, with some tickets selling for more than seventeen times their face value.No byline (2006). The Official John Mayer Auction Site JohnMayerAuction.com. Retrieved on April 23, 2007."John Mayer" BusinessHere.com. Retrieved on April 23, 2007.
In an April 2007 blog entry, Mayer announced a new effort to help reverse global warming, dubbed "Another Kind of Green" (originally "Light Green", but changed because of copyright concerns).Mayer, John (2007). (NOT) Waiting on the World to Change - Entry no. 2" JohnMayer.com. Retrieved on May 11, 2007. (archived link) Mayer regards his proposal as a mid-ranged approach to being ecologically aware: neither fearful nor ambivalent about global warming.Mayer, John (2007). "(Not) Waiting on the World to Change - Entry no. 1" JohnMayer.com. Retrieved on May 1, 2007. (archived link) In this vein, while generally maintaining his lifestyle, he is gradually designing and implementing "products that are cheap, easy alternatives to cut down on plastics," and encouraging others to do the same through his blog. He has also converted his tour bus to bio-diesel fuel. Mayer is partnering with Incase Designs|Incase to produce items such a reusable grocery tote and water bottles. Mayer also participated at the Live Earth concert, New York City|East Rutherford, New Jersey location of the Live Earth project, a musical rally to support awareness for global warming held on July 7, 2007.Kilgore, Kim (2007). "More cities added to John Mayer's itinerary". Retrieved on May 1, 2007. Beginning in the summer of 2007, the environmental advocacy group Reverb has set up informational booths and helped his crew conserve energy on his tour dates.No byline (2007). "Reverb On Tour This Summer With John Mayer!" Reverb Rock.org. Retrieved on May 21, 2007.
Mayer has performed at a number of benefits and telethons for charity throughout his career. In response to the Virginia Tech massacre, Mayer (along with Dave Matthews Band, Phil Vassar, and NaS) performed a free concert at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium on September 6, 2007.Virginia Tech (August 1, 2006).A Concert For Virginia Tech. On December 8, 2007, Mayer hosted the First Annual Charity Revue. He performed an acoustic set, with the John Mayer Trio followed by a performance with his tour band. The proceeds of this concert will be donated to Toys for Tots, Inner City Arts, and the Los Angeles Mission.Mayer, John. NEW SHOW: 1ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY CHARITY REVUE ON DECEMBER 8 AT NOKIA THEATRE LA LIVE. Published November 14, 2007 by JohnMayer.com. Retrieved 2007-11-27. This concert is set to be released as a DVD to be directed by Danny Clinch; it has not been announced whether the DVD proceeds will go to charity or not.Mayer, John. DVD Shoot. Published November 26, 2007 by JohnMayer.com. Retrieved 27 November, 2007. (archived link)
[edit] Design
In a Rolling Stone interview, Mayer recalled that after former Columbia Records head, Don Ienner, panned Continuum, he briefly considered quitting music and studying design full time. Mayer's interest in design, however, had long manifested itself in a number of ways. In 2003, Martin Guitars gave Mayer his own signature model acoustic guitar called the OM-28 John Mayer.(2003). "John Mayer Receives Signature Martin [Word Removeduitar"]. Retrieved on January 29, 2007. The guitar was limited to a run of only 404, an Atlanta area code. Sounding Board Newsletter contributor (2003). "John Mayer Signature OM" MartinGuitar.com. Retrieved on January 29, 2007. This model was followed by the release of two Fender Musical Instruments Corporation|Fender signature Stratocaster electric guitars, beginning in 2005. A third Stratocaster, finished in charcoal frost metallic paint with a racing stripe, was also a limited-release, with only 100 guitars made. In August 2006, Fender started manufacturing SERIES II John Mayer Stratocasters. The new Olympic white with mint green pickguard and cream plastics replaced the shoreline gold model.Mayer, John (2006). "The New JM Signature Strat Colorway" JohnMayer.com. Retrieved on January 30, 2007. In January 2007, Two Rock collaborated with Mayer on custom-designed amps. Only 25 (all signed by Mayer himself) were made available to the public.Mayer, John (2007). "Two-Rock Signature Amp Demo" JohnMayer.com. Retrieved on May 10, 2007.No byline (2007). "John Mayer Signature" Two-Rock.com. Retrieved on May 10, 2007. June 2007 saw the release of the "album art" guitar, with the Continuum motif repeated on the face of the instrument,Mayer, John (2007). "WIn This Guitar" Honeyee.com. Retrieved on June 11, 2007. as well as a 500-run John Mayer signature Fender Statocaster in Cypress-Mica. Included with the limited Cypress-Mica model was the INCSvsJM gig bag that Mayer collaborated on with Incase designs. Not surprisingly, Mayer is a passionate collector of guitars, and in 2006 his collection was estimated at more than 200.
In addition to guitars, Mayer's handiwork ranges from T-shirts, guitar totes and, most dear to his heart, sneakers. In August 2006, Mayer started JMltd, a minor clothing line of Mayer-themed merchandise that he has designed. The products are currently available online through his website store.
[edit] Writing
With the June 1, 2004, issue of Esquire (magazine)|Esquire, Mayer began a column called, "Music Lessons with John Mayer". Each article featured a lesson and his (often humorous) take on various topics, both of personal and popular interest. In the August 2005 issue, he invited readers to create music for orphaned lyrics he had written. Mayer, John (September 2005), "The Giveaway: John Mayer's Songwriting Contest" Esquire. 144 (3):80 The winner was Tim Fagan of L.A., as announced in the following January's issue.Mayer, John (January 2006), "Tim Fagan Is A Winner". Esquire. 145 (1):38
Mayer has been active online, and has maintained four blogs: a MySpace page, a blog at his official site, another at Honeyee.com, as well as a photoblog at StunningNikon.com. Although they primarily deal with career-related matters, they also contain jokes, comedic videos, his convictions, and his personal activities; they occasionally overlap in content. He is noted for writing the blogs himself, and not through a publicist. His official blog's entry for 2008-01-23 contained a graphic that read, "Done & Dusted & Self Conscious & Back to Work." followed by the quote "There is danger in theoretical speculation of battle, in prejudice, in false reasoning, in pride, in wiktionary:braggadocio|braggadocio. There is one safe resource, the return to nature.."; all the previous blog entries were deleted.Mayer, John (2008-01-23), Untitled JohnMayer.com. Retrieved 2008-01-31 He has since changed the contents of the blog entry several times.
Stand-up comedy is a growing hobby of Mayer's. He makes regular, although random, appearances at the famed Comedy Cellar when he is in New York. He says that although it is risky, it helps him write better.
[edit] Touring
Despite being principally a solo musician, Mayer has toured with many groups, including Maroon 5,Dansby, Andrew (2004). "Mayer, Maroon 5 Hit the Road" Rolling Stone. Retrieved on April 12, 2006. Guster, Howie Day, Mat Kearney, Counting Crows,Dansby, Andrew (2003). "Mayer, Crows to Tour " Rolling Stone. Retrieved on April 12, 2006. Ben Folds, The Wallflowers, Teitur, Mayer, John (2004). "Music Lessons with John Mayer" FindArticles.com. Retrieved on January 28, 2007. Brett Dennen and Sheryl Crow. Crow and Mayer, who had just previously appeared on the Cars (soundtrack)|Cars Soundtrack together, co-headlined a tour that ran from August to October 2006.AP (2006). "Crow, Mayer Teaming For Tour" Billboard.com. Retrieved on May 31, 2007. Shortly thereafter, he began promoting Continuum in Europe with his band, as he has yet to reach the popularity abroad that he enjoys in North America.Sinclair, David (2007). "John Mayer: My Atlantic crossing" Belfast Telegraph online. Retrieved on January 28, 2007. Beyond this, other international dates included United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The initial North American leg wrapped on February 28, 2007, with a show at Madison Square Garden, a performance which the New York Post described as "career-defining."Aquilante, Dan (2007). "Mayer: A Player On Big Stage" Nypost.com. Retrieved on March 2, 2007. Mayer's 2007 live touring band consisted of: |- |
- David Ryan Harris: guitar and backing vocals
- Robbie McIntosh: guitar
- David LaBruyere: bass
- J.J. Johnson: drums
|
- Bob Reynolds: saxophones and flutes
- Brad Mason: trumpet and flugel horn
- Tim Bradshaw: keyboards, organ, and vocals
|}
Previous members of Mayer's live band include: |- |
- Michael Chaves: guitars, keyboards and backing vocals
- Stephen Chopek: drums and percussion
- Onree Gill: keyboards
- Kevin Lovejoy: keyboards
- Matt Mangano: guitar and vocals
|
- Ricky Peterson: keyboards, organ, and vocals
- Chuck McKinnon: trumpet and flugel horn
- Chris Karlic: saxophones and flutes
- Erik Jekabson: trumpet
|}
Mayer allows audio taping at most of his live performances, and he also allows for the non-commercial trading of those recordings. He does this to give fans the opportunity to recreate the live experience, and to encourage fan interaction.General Information Local 83: Listener's Union. Retrieved on June 25, 2007.
On April 8, 2008 his official website announced the dates for the first leg of the summer 2008 U.S. tour. Most dates include performances by Colbie Caillat and Brett Dennen.
Tour dates for the second leg of his 2008 summer U.S. tour were announced on May 29, 2008. OneRepublic and Paramore will replace Caillat and Dennen in the opening slots.
[edit] Personal life
Mayer has a number of tattoos. These include: "Home" and "Life" (from the song title) on the back of his left and right arms respectively, "77" (his year of birth) on the left side of his chest, and a koi-like fish on his right shoulder. His entire left arm is covered in a sleeve tattoo that he acquired gradually, ending in April 2008; it includes: "SRV" (for his idol Stevie Ray Vaughan) on his shoulder, a decorated rectangle on his biceps, a dragon-like figure on his inner arm, and various other floral designs. In 2003, he got a tattoo of three squares on his right forearm, which, he has explained, he will fill in gradually. Collis, Clark (2003). "Dear Superstar: John Mayer" Blender.com. Retrieved on November 2, 2006. As of 2008, two are filled. No byline (2007). "Jessica and John Get Carried Away" HollyScoop.com. Retrieved on June 22, 2007.
He is an avid collector of watches and owns timepieces costing into the tens of thousands of dollars.Lieberman, Bari (2007). [Word Removedml?sourcedomain=www.thehurricaneonline.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com "The Mayer of Grammy-ville"] The Hurricane Online. Retrieved on January 25, 2007.Mayer, John (2006). "CHRONOMETER LOVE/THE HOTTEST WATCH OF '07" Honeyee.com. Retrieved on April 25, 2007. Mayer also has an extensive collection of sneakers, estimated (as of 2006|in 2006) at more than 200 pairs. Mayer, John (2006). "Perks" JohnMayer.com/blog. Retrieved on January 4, 2007.
Mayer dated Jennifer Love Hewitt briefly in 2002. In a comedy routine in May 2006, he joked they never consummated their relationship; he later apologized to her for the raunchy routine. (2006). "Mayer Apologises To Hewitt" ContactMusic.com. Retrieved on January 5, 2006. Despite rumors to the contrary, Mayer did not date Heidi Klum in 2003. Mayer dated Jessica Simpson for about nine months, beginning in the summer of 2006. Rumors started in August of that year with a People magazine article, but kicked into high gear when Mayer and Simpson spent New Year's holiday together in New York City, both attending Christina Aguilera's New Year's Eve party. No byline (2007). [Word Removedml "Simpson, Mayer Ring In New Year Together"] CBSNews.com. Retrieved on June 13, 2007. On the red carpet of the 49th Annual Grammy Awards|2007 Grammy Awards, Ryan Seacrest asked Mayer about his relationship with Simpson, but Mayer cryptically responded in Japanese. Despite some initially conflicting translations, he said, "Jessica is a lovely woman, and I'm glad to be with her."Malkin, Marc (2007). "Mayer & Simpson's Post-Grammy PDA" E! online. Retrieved on February 12, 2007. Simpson also accompanied Mayer for several dates of his 2007 Continuum tour, and the two went on a trip to Rome in March of that year.Warech, Jon (2007). "Jessica Simpson & John Mayer Hit Miami" People.com. Retrieved on January 23, 2007.Splash News correspondent (2007). "Jessica Simpson will tour with John Mayer for next two and a half weeks" SAWF.org. Retrieved on January 26, 2007.Norman, Pete, et al (2007) [Word Removedml "Jessica and John's Roman Romance"] TeenPeople.com. Retrieved on March 15, 2007. However, the couple split in May 2007. No byline (2007). "Is it over for Jessica Simpson, John Mayer?" MSNBC.com. Retrieved on May 21, 2007. He began dating actress Minka Kelly in September 2007,No byline. (October 1, 2007) "HAND IN HAND" People.com. Retrieved October 1, 2007 although the two broke up before the year's end.Garcia, Jennifer (January 9, 2008), "John Mayer and Minka Kelly Quietly Split" People.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-10 Mayer is currently dating Jennifer Aniston.Marx, Linda (April 26, 2008), "Jennifer Aniston On the Town with John Mayer" People.com. Retrieved on 2008-04-28
Mayer splits his time between his home in the Los Angeles suburbs (with his roommate and sound engineer, Chad Franscoviak) and his apartment in the New York City neighborhood of SoHo.
[edit] Solo discography
Please note that all release dates are the U.S. release date.
[edit] Albums
- Inside Wants Out (EP), Indie release September 24, 1999, Major label release August 2, 2002
- Room for Squares, Released September 18, 2001
- Any Given Thursday (Live CD & DVD), Released February 11, 2003
- Heavier Things, Released September 9, 2003
- As/Is (Live CD), Released October 19, 2004
- Continuum (album)|Continuum, Released September 12, 2006
- The Village Sessions (EP), Released December 12, 2006
- Where the Light Is (DVD), Released on July 1, 2008
[edit] Singles
- "No Such Thing (John Mayer song)|No Such Thing" (2002)
- "Your Body Is a Wonderland" (2002)
- "Why Georgia" (2003)
- "Bigger Than My Body" (2004)
- "Clarity (song)|Clarity" (2004)
- "Daughters (John Mayer song)|Daughters" (2004)
- "Who Did You Think I Was" (2005)
- "Waiting on the World to Change" (2006)
- "Belief (John Mayer song)|Belief" (2006)
- "Gravity (John Mayer song)|Gravity" (2006)
- "Dreaming With a Broken Heart" (2007)
- "Say (song)|Say" (2007)
[edit] Selected collaborations
Please note that all release dates are relative to the country of origin.
- "City Love" (2003) – Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival
- "Hard to Thrill" (2005)- Eric Clapton and JJ Cale Road to Escondido (Mayer contributes guitar)
- "Streetcorner Symphony" (2005) — Rob Thomas (musician)|Rob Thomas's …Something to Be (Mayer contributes guitar and backing vocals)
- "Go (Common song)|Go" (2005) – Common (rapper)|Common's Be (Common album)|Be
- "I've Got Dreams To Remember" (2005) – "Bring 'Em In" (duet with Buddy Guy)
- "I Don't Need No Doctor" (2005) – John Scofield's That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles
- "Hummingbird" (2005) – B.B. King's 80 (album)|80
- "Stitched Up" (2005) – Herbie Hancock's Possibilities
- "Baby Hold On" (2006) – Dixie Chicks' Taking the Long Way (Mayer contributes guitar)
- "I Hope" (2006) – Dixie Chicks' Taking the Long Way (Mayer contributes guitar)
- "Route 66 (song)|Route 66" (2006) – Cars (soundtrack)|Cars: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
- "Bittersweet Poetry" (2007) — Kanye West's Graduation (album)|Graduation (Mayer contributes vocals with Keyshia Cole)
- "Lesson Learned" (2007) — Alicia Keys's As I AmMayer, John (July 19, 2007) "W/ Alicia Keys" JohnMayer.com. Retrieved July 23, 2007.
- "Beat It" (Cover) (2008) — Fall Out Boy(2008-02-28), "Listen To "Beat It" featuring John Mayer" FallOutBoyRock.com. Retrieved on 2008-02-29
[edit] Awards
| Year | Award | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 50th Annual Grammy Awards |
|
| 2007 | 35th Annual American Music Awards |
|
| 23rd Annual TEC Awards |
| |
| 49th Annual Grammy Awards |
| |
| 2006 | Dundies from the NBC Television Show "The Office (US TV series)|The Office" |
|
| 2005 | 33rd annual American Music Awards |
|
| World Music Awards |
| |
| People's Choice Awards |
| |
| 47th annual Grammy Awards |
| |
| 2004 | BDS Certified Spin Awards March 2004 recipients |
|
| 2003 | 20th Annual ASCAP Awards |
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| 31st Annual American Music Awards |
| |
| 15th Annual Boston Music Awards |
| |
| 45th Annual Grammy Awards |
| |
| MTV Video Music Awards |
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| Radio Music Awards |
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| Teen People Awards |
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| Danish Music Awards |
| |
| 2002 | MTV Video Music Awards |
|
| Orville H. Gibson Guitar Awards |
| |
| VH1 Big in 2002 Awards |
| |
| Pollstar Concert Industry Awards |
|
[edit] References
- Edwards, G. (2006) Is Tiny Dancer Really Elton's Little John?, New York: Random House|Crown Publishing Group. ISBN 0-307346-03-X
[edit] External links
- Official
- Official John Mayer site
- Official John Mayer Fan Club - Local-83.com
- John Mayer Auction site
- Official John Mayer Trio site
- Mayer's MySpace page
- Mayer's blog at Honeyee.com
- Mayer's photoblog at StunningNikon.com
- Written by Mayer
- Segment on Jimi Hendrix that Mayer wrote for Rolling Stone
- Segment on Brett Dennen, that Mayer wrote for Rolling Stone
- "Music Lessons with John Mayer", database of Mayer's Esquire column at Esquire.com
- General
- Comprehensive John Mayer guitar tabs
- "Square pegged", Mayer's first feature article in 2001, from Creative Loafing
- Rolling Stone Q&A Podcast: John Mayer, from December 2005: (listen) (transcript)
- Iceberg Radio interview with John Mayer from September 2006: Listen: (32K) (64K)
- John Mayer Exclusive Performance and Behind the Scenes footage on AOL Sessions
- "John Mayer's Soft-Sell 'World'", NPR Morning Edition interview from March 2007. (listen) (read)
- Nikon Podcast #3: "Exclusive Interview with John Mayer"
