John Mayer

John Clayton Mayer<ref name=allmusicbio>Template:Cite web</ref> (Template:IPAc-en Template:Respell; born October 16, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, but he left for Atlanta in 1997 with fellow guitarist Clay Cook, with whom he formed the short-lived rock duo Lo-Fi Masters. After their split, Mayer continued to play at local clubs, refining his skills and gaining a minor following. He performed at the 2000 South by Southwest festival, and was subsequently signed by Aware Records, an imprint of Columbia Records through which he released his debut extended play (EP), Inside Wants Out (1999). His first two studio albums—Room for Squares (2001) and Heavier Things (2003)—were both met with critical and commercial success; the former spawned the single "Your Body Is a Wonderland", which won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards, while the latter peaked atop the Billboard 200.

By 2005, Mayer had moved away from the acoustic music that characterized his early records, and further delved into the blues and rock music that had originally influenced him. Forming the John Mayer Trio, he released the live album Try! (2005) and his third studio album, Continuum (2006). The latter was met with positive critical reception and was nominated for Album of the Year, and won both Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for its single "Waiting on the World to Change" at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. It was followed by Battle Studies (2009), which marked his return to pop.

After having several controversial incidents with the media, Mayer withdrew from public life in 2010 and drew inspiration from the 1970s pop music of Laurel Canyon for the sound of his fifth studio album, Born and Raised (2012). Discovery of a granuloma on his vocal cords delayed the release of the album until May 2012, and forced him to cancel its accompanying tour. Despite favorable reception and becoming his second release to peak atop the Billboard 200, the album was less commercially successful than his previous work. Mayer recovered in January 2013 and released his sixth studio album, Paradise Valley in August of that year, which peaked at number two on the chart and incorporated country, folk, and Americana influences. His seventh album, The Search for Everything (2017) was a loose concept album based around themes of a romantic break-up. His eighth, Sob Rock (2021), was inspired by 1980s soft rock music.

Outside of his solo career, Mayer has produced and provided music for various artists spanning multiple genres, such as Frank Ocean, Kanye West, Travis Scott, Alicia Keys, Jack Harlow, Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, Harry Styles, Daniel Caesar, Khalid, Jhené Aiko, and Barbra Streisand, among others. In 2015, three former members of the Grateful Dead joined with Mayer and two other musicians to form the band Dead & Company.<ref name=deadtour/> It was the latest of several reunions of the band's surviving members since Jerry Garcia's death in 1995.<ref name= NYT-Launch16>Template:Cite press release</ref><ref name= Nev11.27.A>Template:Cite news</ref> Mayer's secondary career pursuits extend to television hosting, comedy, and writing; he has authored columns for magazines such as Esquire. He supports various causes and has performed at charity benefits. He is a watch aficionado (with a collection he values in the "tens of millions" of dollars), contributing to the watch site Hodinkee, has been on the jury at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, and was appointed as the Creative Conduit of Audemars Piguet in 2024.<ref name=wrist>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":1" /> By 2014, he had sold a total of over 20 million albums worldwide.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

Early life

Mayer was born on October 16, 1977, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.<ref name=allmusicbio /> His father, Richard Mayer (b. 1927), was principal at Central High School in Bridgeport, and his mother, Margaret (née Hoffman; b. 1947), was a middle-school English teacher.<ref name="eliscu">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name= hip>Template:Cite journal</ref> He grew up in nearby Fairfield, the middle child between older half-sister Rachel,<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> older brother Carl, and younger brother Ben.<ref name=Brothers>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> His father is Jewish, and Mayer has said that he "relates" to Judaism.<ref name="Playboy">Template:Cite web</ref> As an elementary school student, Mayer became close friends with future tennis star James Blake, and they played Nintendo together weekday afternoons after school for three years.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> He attended the Center for Global Studies at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk for his junior year (then known as the Center for Japanese Studies Abroad, a magnet program for learning Japanese).<ref name= "eliscu" />

After watching Michael J. Fox's guitar performance as Marty McFly in Back to the Future, Mayer became fascinated with the instrument.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> When he turned 13 years old, his father rented one for him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=AskMen>Template:Cite web</ref> A neighbor gave Mayer a Stevie Ray Vaughan cassette, which cultivated Mayer's love of blues music.<ref name=CU>Template:Cite news</ref>Template:Cref According to Mayer, his fascination with Vaughan started a "genealogical hunt" that led him to other blues guitarists, including Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Freddie King, Albert King, Otis Rush, and Lightnin' Hopkins.<ref name=RSGG>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Mayer started taking lessons from a local guitar shop owner, Al Ferrante, and soon became consumed.<ref name=Hedegaard>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name=Mather>Template:Cite web</ref> His singular focus concerned his parents, and they twice took him to see a psychiatrist, who determined him to be healthy.<ref name=Hedegaard/><ref name=Mather/> Mayer says that his parents' contentious marriage led him to "disappear and create my own world I could believe in".<ref name=Hedegaard/> After two years of practice, he started playing at bars and other venues, while still in high school.<ref name=AskMen /> In addition to performing solo, he was a member of a band called Villanova Junction (named for a Jimi Hendrix song) with Tim Procaccini, Joe Beleznay, and Rich Wolf.<ref name=Hedegaard/><ref name=TW>Template:Cite web</ref>

When Mayer was 17, he was stricken with cardiac dysrhythmia and was hospitalized 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 left the hospital.<ref name=RS06>Hiatt, Brian (September 21, 2006), "My Big Mouth Strikes Again". Rolling Stone (1009): pp. 66–70.</ref> Shortly thereafter, he began suffering from panic attacks, and says he feared having to enter a mental institution.<ref name=Hedegaard/> He continues to manage such episodes with anti-anxiety medication.<ref name=RS06/><ref name=MandS>Template:Cite web</ref>

Career

Early career (1996–1999)

Template:See also Mayer considered skipping college to pursue music, but his parents dissuaded him.<ref name=Hedegaard/> He enrolled at the Berklee College of Music in 1997 at age 19.<ref name=ELLE>Ruth Shaut (2006), "Blues Brother". Elle. (250-251):104.</ref> At the urging of his college friend Clay Cook, they left Berklee after two semesters and moved to Atlanta; there, they formed a two-man band called LoFi Masters, and began performing in local coffee houses and club venues such as Eddie's Attic.<ref name=Berklee>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=AskMen/> According to Cook, they experienced musical differences due to Mayer's desire to move more towards pop music.<ref name=MOA>Template:Cite news</ref> The two parted ways and Mayer embarked on a solo career.<ref name=Berklee/>

With the help of local producer and engineer Glenn Matullo, Mayer recorded the independent EP Inside Wants Out. The EP includes eight songs with Mayer on lead vocals and guitars. For the opening track, "Back To You", a full band was enlisted, including the EP's co-producer David "DeLa" LaBruyere on bass guitars.<ref name=MO>Template:Cite web</ref> Cook had co-written many of the album's songs, including its first commercial single release, "No Such Thing"; however, his only performance contribution was backing vocals on the song "Comfortable".<ref name=MOA/>

Major label and commercial success (2000–2004)

Mayer and LaBruyere performed throughout Georgia and nearby states.<ref name="Graham">Template:Cite web</ref> Also, as his career coincided with the then-nascent internet music market, Mayer benefited from an online following.<ref name=hay>Hay, Carla (April 6, 2002), "Aware/Columbia's John Mayer Makes 'Room For Squares' A Hit". Billboard. 114 (14):22.</ref> Mayer came to the attention of Gregg Latterman at Aware Records through an acquaintance of Mayer's, a lawyer, who sent Aware his EP.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=Mather/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In early 2001, after including him in Aware Festival concerts and his songs on Aware compilations, Aware released Mayer's internet-only album, Room for Squares. During this time, Aware concluded a deal with Columbia Records that gave Columbia first pick in signing Aware artists.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September, Columbia remixed and re-released Room for Squares.<ref name=malindanewman>Template:Cite magazine</ref> As part of the major label "debut", the album's artwork was updated, and the track "3x5" was added. The re-release included reworked studio versions of the first four songs from Inside Wants Out.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

By the end of 2002, Room for Squares had spawned several radio hits, including "No Such Thing", "Your Body Is a Wonderland", and "Why Georgia". It also received general praise critically, and Mayer drew comparisons to Dave Matthews.<ref name= Berklee/><ref name=malindanewman/> In 2003, Mayer won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Your Body Is a Wonderland".<ref name=Grammyverification>Template:Cite web</ref> In his acceptance speech he remarked, "This is very, very fast, and I promise to catch up."<ref name=Mather/> He also figuratively referred to himself as being 16, a remark that many mistook to mean that he was 16 years old at the time.<ref name=RSG07>Serpick, Evan (February 2007), "Grammy Preview: John Mayer", Rolling Stone, Volume unknown: p. 32.</ref>

In February 2003, Mayer released a live CD and DVD of a concert in Birmingham, Alabama titled Any Given Thursday, which included songs previously not recorded, such as "Man on the Side", "Something's Missing", and "Covered in Rain". Commercially, the album peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart.<ref name="Amazon - Any Given Thursday">Template:Cite web</ref> Its accompanying DVD release received conservative—although consistent—praise, with critics torn between his pop-idol image, and (at the time) emerging guitar prowess.<ref name=EW>Browne, David (March 14, 2003), "Strummer Time" Template:Webarchive. Entertainment Weekly. (700):62.</ref> Erik Crawford of AllMusic asked, "Is [Mayer] 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'?"<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Medsker, David (2003). "Love me, love me, say that you love me..." Pop Matters. Retrieved June 8, 2007. Template:Webarchive</ref> That summer, Mayer went on the road with Counting Crows in a tour that spanned 42 dates between July 7 and September 2.<ref>Ault, Susanne (July 12, 2003), "Mayer, Crows Take Their Guitars On The Road". Billboard. 115 (28):15.</ref>

Heavier Things, Mayer's second album, was released in 2003 to generally favorable reviews. Rolling Stone, Allmusic, and Blender all gave positive, although reserved, feedback.<ref> MacNeil, Jason (2003). "Heavier Things" Template:Webarchive Metacritic. Retrieved June 4, 2007. </ref> 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. The song "Daughters" won the 2005 Grammy for Song of the Year,<ref name=Grammyverification/> and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart<ref>"John Mayer Chart History – Adult Pop Songs Template:Webarchive. Retrieved February 28, 2016.</ref> and No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.<ref>"John Mayer Chart History – Hot 100 Template:Webarchive. Retrieved February 28, 2016.</ref> He dedicated the award to his grandmother, Annie Hoffman, who had died in May 2004.<ref>(May 21–22, 2004), "Annie J. Hoffman-Obituary" Template:Webarchive. Legacy.com. Retrieved August 2, 2015.</ref> He also won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. On February 9, 2009, Mayer told Ellen DeGeneres that he thought he should not have won the Grammy for Song of the year because he thought that Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You" was the better song. Because of this, he removed the top half of the Grammy and gave it to Keys, and kept the bottom part for himself. At the 37th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2006, Mayer received the Hal David Starlight Award.<ref>(2006) John Mayer. Song Writers Hall of Fame. Retrieved September 29, 2006. Template:Webarchive</ref>

Mayer again recorded live concerts across seven nights of his U.S. tour in 2004. These recordings were released to the iTunes 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 supporting act—jazz and blues turntablist DJ Logic. The album covers of the As/Is releases feature drawings of anthropomorphic bunnies.<ref>Bio JohnMayer.com. Retrieved June 25, 2007. Template:Webarchive</ref>

Change in musical direction (2005–2008)

Template:See also As early as 2002, Chris Willman with Entertainment Weekly said that Mayer was "more historically savvy, and more ambitious than you'd guess from the unforced earnestness of [Room for] SquaresTemplate:-".<ref name=willman>Willman, Chris (August 9, 2002), "Meet John Dough". Entertainment Weekly. (666):36.</ref> However, Mayer was largely associated with the Adult Contemporary and singer-songwriter genres.<ref name=willman/> Fame allowed him access to his early influences, and he began collaborating with blues and jazz artists. He accompanied Buddy Guy in a concert at the Irving Plaza in December 2003.<ref>Fricke, David (February 5, 2004), "Buddy Guy/John Mayer". Rolling Stone. (941):68.</ref> He toured with jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, including a show at the Bonnaroo Music Festival.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> He also performed on commercial releases, namely, with Eric Clapton (Back Home, Crossroads Guitar Festival), Buddy Guy (Bring 'Em In), John Scofield (That's What I Say), and B.B. King (80). Although Mayer maintained his reputation as a singer-songwriter, he gained distinction as a guitarist.

Following the conclusion of his Heavier Things tour, Mayer began working with artists, including those from other genres of music. His voice was sampled on the song "Go" by rapper Common, and he appeared on a hidden track called "Bittersweet Poetry" from the Kanye West album Graduation.Template:Cref The collaborations drew praise from rap heavyweights Jay-Z and Nelly.<ref>Rodriguez, Jason (April 13, 2007). "Shawty's Story: Lloyd Says He Stole From Usher, Loves John Mayer" Template:Webarchive MTV. Retrieved April 16, 2007.</ref> 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."<ref name=trio>Moss, Corey (January 5, 2005) "John Mayer Plans To 'Close Up Shop On Acoustic Sensitive'" Template:Webarchive. MTV. Retrieved April 12, 2006.</ref>

Around this time Mayer announced that he was "closing up shop on acoustic sensitivity".<ref name=trio/> In the spring of 2005, Mayer formed the John Mayer Trio with bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan, both of whom he had met through studio sessions. The trio combined blues and rock music. In October 2005, they opened for the Rolling Stones<ref>Moss Corey (September 16, 2005). "John Mayer Trio Geek Out With Live Album, Rolling Stones Jokes" Template:Webarchive. MTV. Retrieved June 8, 2007.</ref> and that November released a live album called Try! The band took a break in mid-2006.Template:Clear

Mayer performing in San Jose, California, in June 2007

Mayer's third studio album, Continuum, was released on September 12, 2006, produced by Mayer and Steve Jordan. Mayer suggested the album was intended to combine blues and pop. In that vein, two of the tracks from his Trio release Try!—"Vultures" and "Gravity"—were included on Continuum.<ref name=ELLE/> Despite his excitement, 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.<ref name=RS06/> Columbia Records believed that there weren't any "hits" on the album<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and as a result of that, Columbia got Mayer to make "Waiting on the World to Change". John Mayer admitted on the Bobby Bones Show that it's the song he dislikes performing live the most.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>

In May 2006, Mayer contributed a cover of the song "Route 66" for the Pixar animated film Cars (2006). Mayer's rendition garnered a nomination at the 49th Grammy Awards for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance.

The first single from Continuum was "Waiting on the World to Change", which debuted on The Ron and Fez Show. On August 23, 2006, Mayer debuted the entire album on the Los Angeles radio station Star 98.7, offering commentary on each track.<ref>Mayer, John (2006). "Continuum First Listen" JohnMayer.com. Retrieved June 8, 2007. Template:Webarchive</ref> A subsequent version was released the next day on the Clear Channel Music website as a streaming sneak preview. On September 21, 2006, Mayer appeared on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in the episode "Built to Kill, Part 1", playing "Waiting on the World to Change" and "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room". The song "Gravity" was featured on the television series House, in the episode "Cane & Able" and Numb3rs.

On December 7, 2006, Mayer was nominated for five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Trio received a nomination for Try!. He won two: Best Pop Song with Vocal for "Waiting on the World to Change" and Best Pop Album for Continuum.<ref name=Grammyverification/> 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 Continuum, Mayer had booked the Village Recorder in Los Angeles to record five 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.<ref>"'The Village Sessions' Released Today". JohnMayer.com. Retrieved June 8, 2007. Template:Webarchive</ref> The initial North American Continuum tour ended on February 28, 2007, with a show at Madison Square Garden.Template:Citation needed

On November 20, 2007, the re-issue of Continuum became available online and in stores. The release contained 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".<ref>JohnMayer.org staff "Continuum (special edition) to be released on November 20; includes 6 live tracks and new single, Say". Retrieved November 19, 2007. Template:Webarchive</ref> 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" at the ceremony.<ref>Tyrangiel, Josh Template:Cite journal</ref> Additionally, he was selected by the editors of Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2007, listed among artists and entertainers.<ref name=time100>Tyrangiel, Josh (May 14, 2007) "John Mayer" Template:Webarchive Time 169 (20): p. 140.</ref>

In February 2008, Mayer hosted a three-day Caribbean cruise event that included performances with various musicians including David Ryan Harris, Brett Dennen, Colbie Caillat, and Dave Barnes, among others. The event was called "The Mayercraft Carrier" and was held aboard the cruise ship known as the Carnival Victory.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A follow-up cruise titled "Mayercraft Carrier 2" sailed from Los Angeles March 27–31, 2009, on the Carnival Splendor.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On July 1, 2008, Mayer released Where the Light Is, a live concert film of Mayer's performance at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on December 8, 2007.<ref name="RS where the light is">Template:Cite magazine</ref> The film was directed by Danny Clinch.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It features Mayer opening with an acoustic set, followed by a blues set with the Trio and concluded by a full set with the band from the Continuum album.<ref name="billboard blackberry">Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Battle Studies (2009)

Template:Main Australian artist Guy Sebastian invited Mayer to collaborate on three songs from his 2009 album Like It Like That.<ref>Cashmere, Paul (August 3, 2009), "Guy Sebastian Album To Be Released In October" Template:Webarchive. Undercover Music News. Retrieved August 4, 2009.</ref> Mayer also played guitar on the title track of Crosby Loggins' debut LP, Time to Move.<ref>Newman-Bremang, Kathleen (May 12, 2009), "Crosby Loggins Nabs John Mayer, Kara DioGuardi For Debut Album'Rock the Cradle' winner plans to drop Time to Move in July" Template:Webarchive. MTV. Retrieved June 24, 2009.</ref>

On July 7, 2009, Mayer performed an instrumental guitar version of Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" at Jackson's televised memorial service.<ref>Powers, Ann; Martens, Todd (July 7, 2009), "Michael Jackson memorial: John Mayer performs 'Human Nature'" Template:Webarchive. Los Angeles Times blog. Retrieved July 8, 2009.</ref> He co-wrote "World of Chances" with Demi Lovato for Lovato's second album Here We Go Again, released later that month.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

After the overwhelming success of Continuum, Mayer confessed to be intimidated with beginning on a follow-up. However, he stated, "I think it got a lot easier when I realized that no matter what I do, it's not going to be Continuum, good or bad."<ref name=micktaylor/> On November 17, 2009, Mayer's fourth studio album, Battle Studies, debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart.<ref>SISARIO, BEN (November 26, 2009), "John Mayer Is No. 1 in Pre-Holiday Week". The New York Times. :2.</ref> The first single, "Who Says", was released on September 24, 2009, in advance of the album, followed on October 19 by "Heartbreak Warfare" and "Half of My Heart" on June 21, 2010. The accompanying arena tour grossed Template:USD45 million.<ref name=DIEHL/> Despite the album's commercial success, critics reactions were mixed. Some reviews glowed, calling it his "most adventurous",<ref>Graff, Gary (November 14, 2009), "Battle Studies". Billboard. 121 (45):32.</ref><ref>Arnold, Chuck (November 30, 2009), "Battle Studies". People.72 (22): p. 49.</ref> others called the album "safe" and noted that "Mayer the singer-songwriter and Mayer the man about town sometimes seem disconnected, like they don't even belong in the same body".<ref name=Hedegaard/><ref>Jerry Shriver; Elysa Gardner; Edna Gundersen (November 17, 2009), "Albums". USA Today.</ref><ref>Greenblatt, Leah (November 20, 2009), "Battle Studies". Entertainment Weekly. (1076):84.</ref><ref>Keefe, Jonathan (November 22, 2009), "John Mayer – Battle Studies" Template:Webarchive. Slant. Retrieved February 8, 2010.</ref> Mayer admitted to Rolling Stone that he thought Battle Studies was not his best album.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Personal troubles and hiatus (2010–2013)

Template:Quote box Following two revealing and highly controversial magazine interviews in February 2010 with Rolling Stone and Playboy magazines,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Mayer withdrew from public life and ceased giving interviews. While still on tour for Battle Studies, he began work in earnest on his fifth studio album—which drew on the popular music of Laurel Canyon in the early 1970s.<ref name=sniping>Wood, Mikael (August 15, 2013), "Musical sniping, a la John Mayer and Taylor Swift" Template:Webarchive. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 25, 2015.</ref> Around this time, he began to experience vocal problems, and sought medical assistance.<ref name=DIEHL>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On September 16, 2011, he posted on his blog that his next record, Born and Raised, would be delayed due to treatment he was receiving for a granuloma discovered on his vocal cords.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Mayer described the event as a "temporary setback" and added that the album was entirely finished except for a few vocal tracks.<ref>Levy, Daniel S. (October 3, 2011), "Passages".People. 76 (13):76.</ref> A month later, on October 20, 2011, Mayer posted, "I had surgery this afternoon to remove it and am now on complete vocal rest for a month or more," during which he planned to "travel the country, look, and listen".<ref>Fowler, Brandi (October 23, 2011), "John Mayer Has Surgery to Heal Vocal Cords" Template:Webarchive. E!. Retrieved March 23, 2015.</ref> However, the surgery did not work as expected, and he had to undergo another one that August.<ref name= "mayer silent" /><ref name=patrickdoyle>Doyle, Patrick (January 30, 2013), Q&A: John Mayer on His New Voice, Summer Tour and Dating Katy Perry Template:Webarchive. Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 19, 2015.</ref> During his travels, he visited and fell in love with Bozeman, Montana, where he bought a house and re-settled in the spring of 2012.<ref name="ellen">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Missoula Independent">Browning, Skylar (May 15, 2012), "John Mayer now lives in Montana" Template:Webarchive. Missoula Independent. Retrieved June 1, 2012.</ref><ref name="CBS Sunday morning">Template:Cite web</ref>

Mayer on stage with the Rolling Stones at the Prudential Center, New Jersey, on December 13, 2012

With his treatments complete, Mayer finished the vocals on Born and Raised,<ref name=DIEHL /> and the album's first single, "Shadow Days", was released on February 27, 2012. The following day, he released the track listing for the album, announcing that it would be released on May 22 of that year.<ref name="born and raised track listing">Template:Cite web</ref> He described it as his "most honest" album,<ref name="ellen" /> and begin booking dates at more "intimate" venues than for Battle Studies.<ref name=DIEHL/> He also accepted an invitation to appear at the South by Southwest festival.<ref name=DIEHL /> However, the granuloma returned, and on March 9, 2012, Mayer announced that he had been forced to cancel his tour and refrain from all singing indefinitely.<ref>Oldenburg, Ann (March 9, 2012), "John Mayer cancels tour, takes 'indefinite hiatus'" Template:Webarchive. USA Today. Retrieved March 18, 2015.</ref> Even so, Born and Raised was released as scheduled, and entered the Billboard 200 chart at number one, selling 219,000 copies in its first week.<ref name=DIEHL /> It also received generally positive critical feedback; Rolling Stone rated it number 17 on its list of the 50 Best Albums of 2012,<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and People magazine called it "a shimmering album".<ref>Arnold, Chuck (May 28, 2012), "John Mayer's "Born and Raised" Is a Perfect Road Trip Album: Review" Template:Webarchive, People. 77 (22):47.</ref> Meanwhile, Mayer brought a new focus to his guitar playing and, fearing that his vocal cords had been permanently damaged, tried to come to terms with a possible future as a session musician.<ref name=DIEHL /> Determined to be cured, he sought help from the UCLA Voice Center.<ref name=DIEHL/> That September, otolaryngologist Dr. Gerald Berke paralyzed Mayer's vocal cords with a series of high-dose Botox injections, hoping that they would allow the granuloma to heal.<ref name=DIEHL/> Mayer's vocal rest extended to several months and,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> unable to even talk, his performances were limited to accompanying other artists on guitar. He appeared in September 2012 on Saturday Night Live, where he joined musical guest Frank Ocean.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He played with the Rolling Stones in New Jersey in December 2012.<ref name=DIEHL/>

By January 2013, Mayer had recovered sufficiently enough to perform at a benefit concert in Bozeman, after almost two years without singing publicly.<ref name="benefitconcert">Template:Cite web</ref> In April 2013, he made an appearance at the Crossroads Guitar Festival,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and at the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where he inducted the late Albert King.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> A show at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater in Alabama on April 25, 2013, followed by a set at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival the next day, marked his first full-length concerts since his health troubles.<ref name= DIEHL/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Hughes Cobb, Mark (April 26, 2013), "John Mayer starts off season at Tuscaloosa Amphitheater" Template:Webarchive, Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved March 20, 2015.</ref>

Paradise Valley, Dead & Company, The Search for Everything (2013–2018)

Mayer performing at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on December 17, 2013

In June 2013, Mayer announced that he was finishing work on his sixth album, Paradise Valley.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Primary source inline Produced by Don Was, the album features "low-key folk-rock tunes".<ref name=sniping/><ref name=Vozick>Vozick-Levinson, Simon (September 12, 2013), "John Mayer Swears He's Done With the Fame Game Template:Webarchive". Rolling Stone. (1191):16.</ref> He collaborated with Frank Ocean on the song "Wildfire Pt. 2",<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and with Katy Perry on "Who You Love".<ref name=ParadiseNow>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The latter song would go on to become the album's third single, and an accompanying music video was released on December 17.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On June 18, 2013, he released a lyric video for the album's first single, "Paper Doll", on his official YouTube page.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> The album was released August 20, 2013,<ref>Danton, Eric R (August 13, 2013), "Listen to John Mayer's 'Paradise Valley' Now" Template:Webarchive. Retrieved March 23, 2015.</ref> and—meeting with positive reviews<ref name=metacritic>Template:Cite web</ref>—debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 145,560 copies in the United States.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mayer embarked on a tour, his first in three years, in support of Born and Raised and Paradise Valley. The American leg of the tour ran from July to December 2013 with Interscope recording artist Phillip Phillips serving as the supporting act.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The tour visited Australia in April 2014.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

During a concert in Adelaide, Mayer covered the Beyoncé song "XO" .<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> One month later, on May 22, he released a studio version of the song on his SoundCloud account.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was made available for digital download by Columbia Records on May 27, 2014, through the iTunes Store.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> For the week ending June 1, 2014, Mayer's version debuted at number 90 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 13 on the US Hot Rock Songs chart.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On the Canadian Hot 100, "XO" peaked at a position of 76.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The single also peaked at number 81 on the Australian Singles Chart (its debut week),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and at number 95 on the Dutch Singles Chart.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the UK, it peaked at 115 on the UK singles chart.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mayer recorded the song "Come Rain or Come Shine" as a duet with Barbra Streisand for her album Partners, released in September 2014.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In February 2015, Mayer performed alongside Ed Sheeran at the Grammy Awards.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> As of March, Mayer said he was taking break from working on a "deeply personal new album".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mayer also recounted that in 2011 he happened upon a song by the Grateful Dead while listening to Pandora, and that soon the band's music was all he would listen to.<ref name=deadtour>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In February 2015, while guest hosting The Late Late Show, Mayer invited Grateful Dead guitar player Bob Weir to join him in a studio performance. While Weir, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann (surviving members of the Grateful Dead) were preparing for their Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead tour with Trey Anastasio, Mayer began practicing the band's catalog of songs. That August, Mayer, Weir, Kreutzmann, and Hart formed the group Dead & Company, along with Jeff Chimenti and Oteil Burbridge, and began a fall tour in the United States.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The tour was well received (Billboard called it "magical"),<ref name= NYT-Launch16/> and they continued to tour the US into 2016.<ref name=NYT-Launch16/> Although Lesh has declined to join Dead & Company, Mayer also performed with Phil Lesh and Friends at Terrapin Crossroads in 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

As a result of his touring with Dead & Company, Mayer postponed working on his next studio album until January 2016, with plans to finish it by the end of the year.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On November 17, 2016, Mayer released "Love on the Weekend" as the lead single from his EP The Search for Everything: Wave One, which was then released on January 20, 2017.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> A second EP, The Search for Everything: Wave Two, was released on February 24, 2017, along with the single "Still Feel Like Your Man". The album The Search for Everything was released on April 14, 2017, and was promoted by a third single titled "In the Blood", released on May 1, 2017,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and by The Search for Everything World Tour from March to October of the same year.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Mayer also continued touring with Dead & Company during the summer<ref name=Dead2017>Template:Cite web</ref> and fall<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> of 2017. On December 5, during the Fall Tour, his appendix burst, resulting in an emergency appendectomy<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the postponement of the remaining tour dates to February 2018.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In January 2018, Dead & Company announced their Dead & Company Summer Tour 2018.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Sob Rock (2018–present)

Template:Main On May 10, 2018, Mayer released the single "New Light", co-produced by No I.D. and Mayer himself.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music on the release day, he announced "more new music" for 2018.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During his performance at the iHeartRadio Theater on October 24, 2018, he premiered a song titled "I Guess I Just Feel Like".<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On December 12, 2018, he announced a world tour for 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mayer released two singles in 2019; the previously played "I Guess I Just Feel Like" on February 22, and "Carry Me Away" on September 6.

During an episode of John Mayer's show "Current Mood" on March 15, 2020, he revealed that he was in the process of writing and recording songs for a new album.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In early 2021, he stated that the album was completely finished as he began posting snippets of new songs on TikTok ahead of release.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In an interview with Kerwin Frost, Mayer hinted at an April release for the album.<ref>Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:CitationTemplate:Cbignore</ref> Later, the date was pushed back. On June 1, 2021, Mayer officially announced his eighth album, Sob Rock, and on June 4, released the lead single "Last Train Home" along with an accompanying music video. The album was released on July 16, 2021, as well as a music video for the song, "Shot in the Dark". The track list included previously released singles "New Light", "I Guess I Just Feel Like" and "Carry Me Away". "Carry Me Away" was slightly reworked production-wise to fit the album's 1980s aesthetic.

Touring

Mayer began touring as a solo artist in 2001.<ref>Shaw, Lucy (February 28, 2002), "ON THE ROAD". Rolling Stone. (890):25.</ref> While his early records were largely acoustic, early reviewers noted his unexpected electric "guitar heroics" during live performances.<ref name="gavinedwards">Edwards, Gavin (August 22, 2002), "John Mayer". Rolling Stone. (903):28.</ref>

Mayer has toured North America, Europe and Australia<ref name="BT">Sinclair, David (2007). "John Mayer: My Atlantic crossing" Template:Webarchive The Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved January 28, 2007.</ref> with many musical groups, including Maroon 5,<ref name=RS>Dansby, Andrew (2004). "Mayer, Maroon 5 Hit the Road", Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 12, 2006.</ref><ref name="summer 2004">Template:Cite web</ref> Counting Crows,<ref name=RoSt>Dansby, Andrew (2003). "Mayer, Crows to Tour " Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 12, 2006.</ref><ref name="Mayer Crows">Template:Cite magazine</ref> Ben Folds, the Wallflowers, Sheryl Crow, Colbie Caillat and Train.<ref name="Mayer Crow">AP staff (June 15, 2006). "Crow, Mayer Teaming For Tour" Template:Webarchive. Billboard. Retrieved May 31, 2007.</ref> In 2010, Mayer and Keith Urban performed at a CMT Crossroads concert a medley of their songs and a rendition of George Michael's single "Faith".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This performance led to Urban and Mayer teaming up again for future performances, including at the 2010 CMT Music Awards.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Mayer allows audio taping and non-commercial trading of those recordings at most of his live performances.<ref name="Local83">General Information Local 83: Listener's Union. Retrieved June 25, 2007. Template:Webarchive</ref> Mayer often shows up at small venues unannounced (or with little advance notice) for surprise concerts—occasionally for free or without accepting the performance fee.<ref>NME New York staff (October 15, 2007), "John Mayer plays tiny surprise show in New York" Template:Webarchive. NME. Retrieved January 18, 2011.</ref><ref>Kaplan, Michelle (December 6, 2010), "John Mayer's Surprise Appearance". Yeah New York. Retrieved January 18, 2011. Template:Webarchive</ref>Template:Unreliable source?<ref>(August 9, 2009), "Secret Show Tonight 8/9/09 at LA'S Troubadour!"'. JohnMayer.com. Retrieved January 18, 2011. Template:Webarchive</ref> He has made appearances throughout the Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York areas, including shows at the Laugh Factory,<ref name="contactmusic">WENN (June 15, 2006). "Mayer Apologises To Hewitt" Template:Webarchive. ContactMusic.com. Retrieved March 23, 2015.</ref> Eddie's Attic,<ref>Swartz, Kristi E., et al. (September 8, 2010), "John Mayer plays surprise Eddie's Attic show Tuesday" Template:Webarchive. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved January 18, 2011.</ref> and the Village Underground.Template:Citation needed After a public campaign by their senior class president, Mayer performed a surprise three-song set at the 2004 Pennsbury High School senior prom.<ref>Scaggs, Austin and Sheffield, Rob (June 24, 2004), "Your Prom Is a Wonderland". Rolling Stone. (951):60.</ref> In June 2015, Mayer appeared as a guest for two nights with Phil Lesh and Friends at Terrapin Crossroads, recreating the Grateful Dead's notable May 8 and June 9, 1977, concerts.<ref>(June 13, 2015), "John Mayer Helps Phil Lesh Recreate Cornell '77 Show at Terrapin Crossroads" Template:Webarchive. Jam Bands. Retrieved June 16, 2015.</ref><ref>(June 14, 2015), "John Mayer Again Joins Phil Lesh & Friends" Template:Webarchive. Jam Base. Retrieved June 16, 2015</ref>

Concert tour locations of John Mayer as of March 2025, showing countries where he has performed live.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Headlining

• Room for Squares Tour (2002)<ref name="summer 2002">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Heavier Things Tour (2003–2004)
• John Mayer 2004 Summer Tour (2004)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="summer 2004" />
• Continuum Tour (2006–2007)<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
• John Mayer 2008 Summer Tour (2008)
• Battle Studies World Tour (2009–2010)
• Born and Raised World Tour (2013–2014)
• The Search for Everything World Tour (2017)
• John Mayer 2019 World Tour (2019)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
• Sob Rock Tour (2022)
• Solo Tour (2023)

Co-headlining

• John Mayer/Guster Summer Tour (2002)<ref name="summer 2002" />
• John Mayer/Counting Crows Summer Tour (2003)<ref name="Mayer Crows" />
• John Mayer/Sheryl Crow Tour (2006)<ref name="Mayer Crow" />

Opening act

• Sting European Tour (2004)<ref name="summer 2004" />

Touring with Dead & Company

Mayer joined each annual Tour in the years 2015 to the present.

Other ventures

Dead & Company

Template:Main Since 2015, Mayer has been touring with Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. Founding bassist Phil Lesh had notably declined to participate in the project, although he did perform with Mayer on a few occasions since Dead & Company began.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The role of bassist in Dead & Company has instead been played by Oteil Burbridge of the Allman Brothers Band. Jeff Chimenti, who has toured with the various spin-offs of the Dead since the 1990s, is the group's keyboardist.

Although Mayer had been familiar with the music of the Grateful Dead since at least high school, he began to develop a strong interest in their music in 2011 after hearing their song "Althea" by chance on Pandora radio. In 2015, while the Dead's Fare Thee Well shows with Trey Anastasio were also being planned, Mayer performed "Althea" with Weir on The Late Late Show, along with "Truckin'". Weir was impressed with Mayer's take on the material and began planning to work with him after the Fare Thee Well shows, despite them being billed as something of finale for the band and its legacy. Weir discussed the genesis of the band and his thoughts about working with Mayer in an interview with Rolling Stone in 2016:

The thought of pop singer Mayer stepping in for Jerry Garcia was met with some initial skepticism by both fans and music critics, but the shows have since been well received.<ref name="uproxx">Template:Cite web</ref> The band continues to tour 2022 and has considered recording a studio album consisting of songs from the Grateful Dead catalog and potentially some originals. In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Lesh praised the band's performances and explained his decision not to take part: Template:Blockquote

Author

With the June 2004 issue of Esquire, Mayer began a column called "Music Lessons with John Mayer".<ref>Newman, Melinda (April 17, 2004), "John Mayer Tries Hand At New Instrument". Billboard. 116 (16):13.</ref> Each article featured a lesson and his views 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.<ref name=contest>Mayer, John (September 2005), "The Giveaway: John Mayer's Songwriting Contest" Template:Webarchive Esquire. 144 (3):80.</ref> The winner was Tim Fagan of Los Angeles as announced in the following January's issue.<ref name=winner>Mayer, John (January 2006), "Tim Fagan Is A Winner" Template:Webarchive. Esquire. 145 (1): p. 38.</ref>

As social media gained momentum in the 2000s, Mayer became increasingly active online, and maintained five blogs: a Myspace page, a blog at his official site, another at Honeyee.com, one at tumblr, and a photoblog at StunningNikon.com. He was particularly prolific on Twitter, where he was noted for authoring his own posts, and he amassed 3.7 million followers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=MandS/> Although his posts often dealt with career-related matters, they also included jokes, videos, photos, and eventually what he called the "maintenance of vapor"—or misguided, personal responses to the media.<ref name=DIEHL/> On January 23, 2008, he posted the quote "There is danger in theoretical speculation of battle, in prejudice, in false reasoning, in pride, in braggadocio. There is one safe resource, the return to nature.";Template:Cref all the previous blog entries were deleted.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On September 14, 2010, he deleted his personal Twitter account.<ref name=DIEHL/>

In the mid-2000s, he did comedy sporadically,<ref name="Daly">Daly, Steven (December 2009), "John Mayer Thinks With His Pick" Template:Webarchive. Details. Retrieved February 8, 2010.</ref> making random appearances at the famed Comedy Cellar in New York and at other venues.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He stated that it helped him write better, but that increased media attention made him too careful in his technique.<ref name=RS06/> He has since said he has no plans to return to it.<ref name=patrickdoyle/>

Watch collector

Mayer is an avid collector of watches, a pastime that he says keeps him "sane". His collection—which he values in the "tens of millions" of dollars<ref name=wrist/>—includes a Patek Philippe with a Sky Moon Tourbillion, a Rolex GMT Master 116710 BLNR, and an IWC Big Pilot Ref 5002, his signature watch.<ref name=wrist/><ref>Clymer, Benjamin and Holloway, Will (September 25, 2013), "Talking Watches With John Mayer" Template:Webarchive. Hodinkee. Retrieved March 25, 2015.</ref> He has also served as a juror at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, a competition rewarding timepieces that champion the values of Swiss-made watches<ref name=wrist/> and writes a column for the horology website Hodinkee.<ref>Williams, Alex (December 20, 2013), "The High Priest of Horology" Template:Webarchive. The New York Times. Retrieved March 24, 2015.</ref> In his column for January 16, 2015, he wrote an open letter to the watch brand IWC, encouraging it to "embrace [its] heritage, scale the product line down in terms of model variants, and simplify the design language".<ref>Mayer, John (January 16, 2015), "An Open Letter To IWC, From John Mayer" Template:Webarchive. Hodinkee. Retrieved March 24, 2015.</ref> IWC replied, defending the changes they've made over the years, saying, "We have a wonderful past, it is true—but in admiring what we achieved thus far, we hope you will feel encouraged to look forward to what we achieve in the future".<ref>(January 17, 2015), "An Open Letter To John Mayer, From IWC" Template:Webarchive. Hondikee. Retrieved May 4, 2015.</ref>

In March 2024, Mayer was appointed with the title of "Creative Conduit" at Audemars Piguet, to help facilitate the connection between the watch brand and collectors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Primary source inline In addition to the new role, Mayer and AP also announced a new limited-edition collaborative Perpetual Calendar Royal Oak model (Ref. 26574BC.OO.1220BC.02), dubbed the "John Mayer" and designed by its namesake.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It features a "Crystal Sky" faceted blue dial, a white-gold case and bracelet, and is limited to 200 pieces.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>

Current Mood

During an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show in September 2018, Mayer showed a trailer for his new Instagram Live show.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> The show, entitled Current Mood, debuted on his IGTV account on Sunday evening on September 30, 2018. Episodes have continued to air on that schedule on a weekly basis.<ref name="Burks">Template:Cite web</ref> Guests have included Maggie Rogers, Halsey, B.J. Novak, Dave Chappelle, Charlie Puth, Finneas, Cazzie David, and Thundercat.<ref name="Catucci">Template:Cite magazine</ref> Mayer's latest season of Current Mood began on Sunday November 18, 2019, with guest Shawn Mendes and surprise feature with Camila Cabello on his first episode. For Current Mood Mayer coined notable jingles including "Camila Camendes", "CVS Bag", and "Drone Shot of My Yacht".

Life with John Mayer

In October 2023, Mayer announced a new real-time satellite radio channel on Sirius XM, titled "Life with John Mayer".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Primary source inline<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The year-round channel features music curated by Mayer, including Mayer's classics, collaborations, and never released material, along with selected music from all genres.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In November 2024, Mayer began an interview series on the channel called "How's Life," featuring conversations with fellow musicians.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Billy Joel was the first guest, followed by Shawn Mendes, and Maren Morris.

Appearances in the media

In 2004, Mayer hosted a one-shot, half-hour comedy special on VH1 titled John Mayer Has a TV Show, with antics including wearing a bear suit while anonymously teasing concertgoers in the parking lot outside one of his concerts.

January 2005, left to right: David Ryan Harris, John Mayer and Steve Jobs at Macworld 11, San Francisco Moscone Center

Steve Jobs invited Mayer to perform during Apple's annual keynote address at the Macworld Conference & Expo in January 2004 as Jobs introduced the music production software GarageBand.<ref>Deitrich, Andy (February 2, 2004) "Making music for the non-musically inclined" Template:Webarchive. Ars Technica. Retrieved June 12, 2007.</ref> Mayer became a fixture of the event, including at the 2007 iPhone announcement.<ref>Krazit, Tom (January 9, 2007). "Live Macworld coverage". CNET. Retrieved June 12, 2007.</ref> Volkswagen concluded a deal with instrument manufacturer First Act to include a GarageMaster electric guitar that was playable through the stereo system of six of their 2007 models; Mayer (along with Slash and Christopher Guest) were selected to endorse the campaign and were featured playing the guitar in ads.<ref name=VWR>Billboard staff (October 3, 2006), "Volkswagen Cars To Feature First Act Guitars" Template:Webarchive. Billboard. Retrieved March 25, 2015.</ref> Mayer used and endorsed the BlackBerry Curve.

Mayer made many appearances on talk shows and other television programs, most notably on a Chappelle's Show comedy skit, the Late Show with David Letterman and on the final episode of Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Mayer appeared with Rob Dyrdek in the MTV show Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory. Mayer wrote the theme song to the OWN network show Rollin' with Zach, which features Zach Anner.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> CBS invited him to guest host The Late Late Show in early 2015 on three dates, February 4–6, after the retirement of Craig Ferguson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He appeared as a guest star on the fourth episode of the tenth season of the TruTV show Impractical Jokers in 2023.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Mayer makes a cameo as a truck driver in the 2014 comedy horror film Zombeavers.<ref>Zeitchik, Steven (April 21, 2014), ""Tribeca 2014: 'Zombeavers,' 'Sharknado's' newest friend" Template:Webarchive. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 20, 2015.</ref> In the 2015 film Get Hard, he played a version of himself who is disgusted with the "monetization of the creative process".<ref name=Mallenbaum>Mallenbaum, Carly (March 30, 2015), "John Mayer: The king of the cameo" Template:Webarchive. USA Today. Retrieved April 9, 2015.</ref> Mayer also had a small role in the 2022 film Vengeance, playing a friend of the lead character.

Instruments and equipment

John Mayer is a guitar collector and has collaborated with elite guitar companies to design his own instruments. He owns over 200 guitars.<ref name=RS06/>

In 2003, Martin Guitars gave Mayer his own signature model acoustic guitar called the OM-28 John Mayer.<ref name=OM-28>(2003). "John Mayer Receives Signature Martin OM Guitar" Template:Webarchive. Retrieved January 29, 2007.</ref> The guitar was limited to a run of only 404, an Atlanta area code.<ref name=martin>Sounding Board Newsletter contributor (2003) "John Mayer Signature OM" Template:Webarchive Martin Guitar. Retrieved March 25, 2015</ref> This model was followed by the release of two 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 January 2006, Martin Guitars released the Martin OMJM John Mayer acoustic guitar. The guitar was intended to have many of the attributes of the Martin OM-28 John Mayer but with a more affordable price tag.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In August 2006, Fender started manufacturing SERIES II John Mayer Stratocasters.Template:Citation needed

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,<ref>"John Mayer Signature" Two-Rock. Retrieved May 10, 2007. Template:Webarchive</ref> along with a 500-run John Mayer signature Fender Stratocaster in Cypress-Mica. Included in the limited Cypress-Mica model was the INCSvsJM gig bag, on which Mayer collaborated on the in-case designs. In 2006, Mayer was estimated to have more than 200 guitars in his personal collection.<ref name=RS06/>

Mayer playing his signature Black1 Stratocaster in 2008

John Mayer's most iconic guitar is the "Black1". Conceived after the Heavier Things tour, Mayer went to Fender Custom Shop with the desire to build a guitar.<ref name=micktaylor/> He was inspired by guitars of famous players the likes of Rory Gallagher and Stevie Ray Vaughan.<ref name="youtube.com">Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> He sought out masterbuilder John Cruz to help devise the design. In essence, Mayer wanted an all-black version of Stevie Ray Vaughan's "First Wife" Stratocaster.<ref>Archived at GhostarchiveTemplate:Cbignore and the Wayback MachineTemplate:Cbignore: Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> The guitar is heavily "relic'd" to specs very similar to the guitar used by Stevie Ray Vaughan. The Black1 includes a mint pickguard, custom wound pickups, gold hardware, and gold tuners from the SRV Tribute Stratocaster. It was the principal guitar on the Continuum album. It was notably used on tracks such as "I Don't Trust Myself With Loving You", and "Bold as Love".<ref name="youtube.com"/> The Black1 has become a trademark to Mayer's music.

The Fender Custom Shop made a limited run of 83 replica Black1 Stratocasters, all of which were sold within 24 hours.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Each one was carefully relic'd by John Cruz. In 2010, Fender announced a production model of Mayer's Black1 guitar.<ref name=micktaylor>Taylor, Mick (May 21, 2010), "John Mayer interview" Template:Webarchive. Music Radar. March 29, 2015.</ref> Un-relic'd production versions of the guitar were produced for a limited run of 500 worldwide.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In addition, full production signature Stratocasters were produced in three-tone sunburst and Olympic White finishes.

In 2014, John Mayer announced that he was no longer a Fender Artist.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As a result, his signature line of guitars was pulled from production. In 2015, Mayer announced that he was collaborating with PRS Guitars. In March 2016, Mayer and PRS revealed their collaborative project, the Super Eagle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This was a limited release from PRS's Private Stock line of instruments and each guitar features ultra-grade woods, abalone inlay, JCF Audio preamps, and a hand-signed sticker by glass-artist David Smith. Only 100 were produced, each retailing for over $10,000.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In January 2017 at the NAMM Show, PRS and Mayer announced the J-MOD 100 signature amp.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In June 2017, the Super Eagle II was revealed, limited to 120 instruments.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

In January 2018, Martin Guitar announced the limited-release (45 instruments) John Mayer Signature D-45, with list price $14,999.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In March 2018, Mayer's signature Silver Sky model was released by PRS, available in four colors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> While Music Trade called the Silver Sky "derivative", it said that all the elements were "designed from the ground up" and built with "attention to detail".<ref name="gaining">Template:Cite journal</ref> While acknowledging its similarity to a Stratocaster, Matt Blackett of Guitar Player magazine ultimately said, "The Silver Sky absolutely delivers on the promise of being a damn-near-perfect version of this type of guitar." The magazine named its "Editor's Pick".<ref name="blackett">Template:Cite journal</ref>

Mayer owns multiple Dumble amplifiers, a highly exclusive brand of amps that only a handful of guitarists—including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robben Ford, and Carlos Santana—are known to play on a regular basis.<ref name="Owen">Template:Cite web</ref> In particular, Mayer owns the Dumbleland Special model used by Stevie Ray Vaughan to record his album Texas Flood. He used this amp during his performance for Vaughan's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which he called a "special thing".<ref name="Owen"/> For his album Sob Rock, Mayer recorded with a Fractal Axe-Fx digital amp modeler alongside his Dumble amps.<ref name="Breathnach">Template:Cite web</ref> Mayer has been credited for renewing industry interest in the Marshall Bluesbreaker overdrive pedal after he started using one for live performances. While unpopular during its brief production run in the early 1990s, the attention generated by Mayer's use of the Bluesbreaker led to Marshall reissuing the entire line of effects pedals it was part of.<ref name="Purvis">Template:Cite web</ref>

Reception

Mayer was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone (No. 1020) in February 2007, along with John Frusciante and Derek Trucks, in an issue lauding the "New Guitar Gods". The cover nicknamed him Slowhand Jr., a reference to Eric Clapton.<ref name=RSGG/> Critics, however, often pointed to how safe they felt Mayer's music was. Chris Richards, in a review of a 2017 concert, declared Mayer is "an amazing guitar player", albeit doing so "through clenched teeth". Richards went on to say that his talent as a guitarist did not make him exempt from criticism of "his pillow-soft songcraft, the dull sentimentality of his lyrics, or that cuckoo-racist interview he gave to Playboy back in 2010".<ref name="richards">Template:Cite news</ref> Music writer Steve Baltin commented on this dichotomy, saying that Mayer is "one of the sharpest and savviest musical minds you will ever encounter", and added: "While many have found reasons to dislike Mayer since the beginning of his career, he is a consummate musician's musician, an artist who has been embraced by Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder and Buddy Guy among others."<ref name="baltin">Template:Cite web</ref>

Mayer's inclusion in the line-up of Dead & Company was criticised by Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, who had previously played several shows with The Grateful Dead. Speaking during an interview with Howard Stern, Robinson was quoted as saying that "everything that Jerry Garcia ever talked about or stood for, John Mayer is the antithesis", and that while "Jerry was one of the most unique musicians in the world [...] here's John Mayer playing everyone else's licks".<ref name="leenewcomb">Template:Cite web</ref> In response, Mayer said in an interview with Rolling Stone that he "care[s] about this band too much to give that [comment] life", and that he was "done debating [his] own merits".<ref name="ming">Template:Cite web</ref>

Personal life

On his third episode of Current Mood, Mayer revealed he had been sober since 2016.<ref name=Catucci /> He stopped drinking after having what he says was a six-day hangover after Drake's 30th birthday party.<ref name="drake">Template:Cite web</ref> Mayer maintains close relationships with his father and siblings and embraces a domestic role when he is not on tour.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In March 2014, Mayer sued watch dealer Robert Maron for $656,000 when he discovered that seven of the $5 million in watches he purchased from the dealer contained counterfeit parts.<ref>People staff (March 29, 2014), "THE Action". Billboard. 126 (11):3</ref><ref>James (March 20, 2014), "The Horology World Holds Its BreathOver John Mayer Fake Watch Story" Template:Webarchive. Retrieved March 24, 2015.</ref> He dropped the action in May 2015, releasing a statement that asserted that research restored his "belief that Bob Maron is an expert on Rolex watches and confirmed that Bob Maron never sold him a counterfeit watch."<ref name="WOLF">Template:Cite web</ref>

Mayer was a friend of the late comedian and actor Bob Saget, and when Saget unexpectedly died in an Orlando, Florida, hotel room in January 2022, Mayer had Saget's body flown back to Los Angeles on a private jet.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Likewise, he and Jeff Ross retrieved Saget's car, which was parked at Los Angeles International Airport.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Relationships

Mayer has been romantically involved with Jennifer Love Hewitt,<ref name="contactmusic"/> Jessica Simpson,<ref name=InsiderEmbarrased>Template:Cite web</ref> Minka Kelly,<ref name=eastland>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Jennifer Aniston,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Katy Perry,<ref name=RedHarper>Template:Cite magazine</ref> and Taylor Swift.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

Mayer's relationship with Jessica Simpson coincided with behavior changes that significantly increased his tabloid exposure.<ref name="Playboy" /><ref name="Mather" /><ref name="ownwordsone">Template:Cite magazine</ref> Early in his career, he had expressed his resolve to completely avoid drugs, alcohol, clubbing, "red-carpet" events, dating celebrities, and anything that he felt would detract the focus from his music.<ref name="guthrie">Template:Cite news</ref> In later interviews Mayer alluded to experiencing an extreme "anxiety bender" episode in his twenties that motivated him to be less reclusive.<ref name="Hedegaard" /><ref name="Mather" /> In 2006, he first mentioned that he had begun using marijuana.<ref name="RS06" /> He began making appearances at clubs in Los Angeles and New York City, and Simpson became the first in a string of famous girlfriends, including Jennifer Aniston and Minka Kelly.<ref name="eastland" /> By 2007, his personal life had become regular fodder for the gossip media and, as a result, Mayer made efforts to control his public image. His online presence increased,Template:Citation needed he began to stage pranks for the paparazzi,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> and he hosted a segment for the gossip show TMZ.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In early 2010, Mayer gave a controversial interview to Playboy magazine<ref name="outrage">Template:Cite news</ref> in which he revealed sexually explicit details about his former girlfriends Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Aniston—calling his relationship with the former "sexual napalm".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=InsiderEmbarrased/> In response to a question about whether black women were interested in him, he said, "My dick is sort of like a white supremacist. I've got a Benetton heart and a fuckin' David Duke cock. I'm going to start dating separately from my dick."<ref name="Playboy" /> He also used the word "nigger" in the interview. This set off accusations in the media of him being a misogynist, kiss-and-tell ex-boyfriend, and racist.<ref>Herrera, Monica (February 10, 2010). "John Mayer's Sexually, Racially Charged Playboy Interview Sparks Outrage" Template:Webarchive. Billboard. Retrieved February 10, 2010.</ref> He apologized via Twitter for his use of the word "nigger", saying, "It was arrogant of me to think I could intellectualize ... a word that is so emotionally charged".<ref>Herrera, Monica (February 10, 2010), "Playboy Interview Template:Webarchive. Billboard. Retrieved March 23, 2015.</ref> He also tearfully apologized to his band and fans at his concert in Nashville later that night.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> In the following two years, he left New York and retreated from the media.<ref name="sniping" /> Reflecting on that time in a May 2012 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, he said:

"I lost my head for a little while and I did a couple of dumb interviews and it kind of woke me up...It was a violent crash into being an adult. For a couple of years, it was just figuring it all out, and I'm glad I actually stayed out of the spotlight."<ref name="ellen" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift performed vocals for the song "Half of My Heart" on Mayer's November 2009 album Battle Studies.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Rumors began to circulate in the media that the two were a couple, an assertion that neither addressed. However, Swift released a song called "Dear John" in 2010, which was widely believed to be about her relationship with him. In June 2012, Mayer criticized the song, saying she never contacted him and that "it's abusing your talent to rub your hands together and go, 'Wait till he gets a load of this!Template:' "<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The song "Paper Doll" was reported to be a response.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In the March 21, 2019, episode of Current Mood, however, Mayer said:

"When 'Paper Doll' came out, 100% of the people believed it was about somebody. ... But the song was not about that person and I could never tell anybody, 'That's not true,' because then I would be breaking my rule that songwriters don't say who the songs are about or not about."<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>

While in a relationship with Katy Perry, Mayer recorded and co-wrote a duet with her titled "Who You Love" for his album Paradise Valley. The song was released on August 12, 2013.<ref>"Who You Love" with John Mayer:

• Template:Cite magazine
• Template:Cite web
• Template:Cite web</ref> The cover for the single was revealed amongst a photo shoot of the couple shot by Mario Sorrenti for Vanity Fair magazine.<ref name="VanityFair">Template:Cite magazine</ref> They performed the song together at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on December 17, 2013, which was the last night of Mayer's Born and Raised World Tour.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Their relationship ended in 2014.<ref name=RedHarper/>

Philanthropy

In 2002, Mayer created the "Back to You" Fund, a nonprofit organization that focuses on fundraising in the areas of health care, education, the arts and talent development. The foundation auctions exclusive John Mayer items, such as guitar picks, T-shirts and signed CDs. The auctions have been successful, with some tickets selling for more than 17 times their face value.<ref>Template:Usurped, John Mayer Auction. Retrieved April 23, 2007. </ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Mayer participated at the East Rutherford, New Jersey, location of the Live Earth project, a musical rally to support awareness for climate change held July 7, 2007.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Mayer performed at a number of benefits and telethons for charity throughout his career. He has participated in benefits for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In response to the Virginia Tech shooting, Mayer (along with Dave Matthews Band, Phil Vassar, and Nas) performed a free concert at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium on September 6, 2007.<ref name=vt.edu>Template:Cite web</ref> followed by an appearance with Rob Thomas at the Annual Holiday Concert at Blythedale Children's Hospital in Valhalla that winter.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On December 8, 2007, Mayer hosted the first annual Charity Revue, a tradition he has continued each year. Charities who have benefited from the concerts include Toys for Tots, Inner City Arts and the Los Angeles Mission.<ref name=announce>Template:Cite web</ref> CDs and DVDs of the first concert were released as Where the Light Is in July 2008.<ref name="RS where the light is"/><ref name="billboard blackberry"/> Mayer appeared on Songs for Tibet: The Art of Peace, a celebrity initiative to support Tibet and the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Mayer (along with Keith Urban) headlined Tiger Jam 2011 in Las Vegas to help raise around $750,000 for the Tiger Woods Foundation.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> In January 2013, Mayer participated with Zac Brown in a benefit concert in Bozeman, Montana where they raised more than $100,000 for firefighters who battled a wildfire in the summer of 2012 in Paradise Valley that destroyed 12,000 acres.<ref name= "benefitconcert"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2017, John established a scholarship fund honoring his father Richard's 90th birthday. The fund provides 4-year college scholarships to Bridgeport public high school seniors pursuing education degrees (teaching or administration). Recipients must demonstrate community service leadership, maintain a 2.5 GPA, and have financial need.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On March 1, 2019, Mayer established the Heart and Armor Foundation in support of veterans of war.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He has been actively involved in initiatives to help returning veterans for about 12 years.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Discography

• Room for Squares (2001)
• Heavier Things (2003)
• Continuum (2006)
• Battle Studies (2009)
• Born and Raised (2012)
• Paradise Valley (2013)
• The Search for Everything (2017)
• Sob Rock (2021)

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Mayer has won seven awards from nineteen nominations.<ref name=Grammyverification/>

Year	Awardee	Category	Result
2003	Himself	Best New Artist	Template:Nom
	"Your Body Is a Wonderland"	Best Male Pop Vocal Performance	Template:Won
2005	"Daughters"	Song of the Year	Template:Won
		Best Male Pop Vocal Performance	Template:Won
2007	Continuum	Album of the Year	Template:Nom
		Best Pop Vocal Album	Template:Won
	Try!	Best Rock Album	Template:Nom
	"Waiting on the World to Change"	Best Male Pop Vocal Performance	Template:Won
	"Route 66"	Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance	Template:Nom
2008	"Belief"	Best Male Pop Vocal Performance	Template:Nom
2009	"Say"		Template:Won
		Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media	Template:Nom
	"Gravity"	Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance	Template:Won
	"Lesson Learned"	Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals	Template:Nom
	Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles	Best Long Form Music Video	Template:Nom
2011	Battle Studies	Best Pop Vocal Album	Template:Nom
	"Half of My Heart"	Best Male Pop Vocal Performance	Template:Nom
	"Crossroads"	Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance	Template:Nom
2013	Channel Orange (featured artist)	Album of the Year	Template:Nom

Other awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category
2002	MTV Video Music Awards	Best New Artist in a Video for "No Such Thing" – nominated
	Orville H. Gibson Guitar Awards	Les Paul Horizon Award (Most Promising Up and Coming Guitarist)
	VH1 Big in 2002 Awards	Can't Get You Out of My Head Award for "No Such Thing"
	Pollstar Concert Industry Awards	Best New Artist Tour
2003	20th Annual ASCAP Awards	Most Performed Songs – "No Such Thing" (shared with Clay Cook)<ref>(May 21, 2003), Most Performed Song Template:Webarchive. ASCAP. Retrieved March 29, 2015.</ref> Awarded to songwriters and publishers of the most performed songs in the ASCAP repertory for the award period.
	31st Annual American Music Awards	Favorite Male Artist – Pop or Rock 'n Roll Music
	15th Annual Boston Music Awards	Act of the Year<ref>Macone, Steven (2003). "Local musicians honored at BMAs" Template:Webarchive. Daily Free Press. Retrieved March 25, 2015.</ref> Male Vocalist of the Year Song of the Year for "Your Body Is a Wonderland"
	MTV Video Music Awards	Best Male Video
	Radio Music Awards	Modern Adult Contemporary Radio Artist of the Year Best Hook-Up Song for "Your Body Is a Wonderland"
	Teen People Awards	Choice Music – Male Artist Choice Music – Album for Any Given Thursday
	Danish Music Awards	Best New Artist
2004	BDS Certified Spin Awards March 2004 recipients	Reached 100,000 spins for "Why Georgia"
2005	33rd annual American Music Awards	Adult Contemporary: Favorite Artist
	World Music Awards	World's Best Selling Rock Act
	People's Choice Awards	Favorite Male Artist
2006	ASCAP Awards	Most Performed Songs – "Daughters"<ref>(May 22, 2006), Most Performed Songs Template:Webarchive. ASCAP. Retrieved March 29, 2015.</ref>
2007	35th Annual American Music Awards	Adult Contemporary Music – nominated
	23rd Annual TEC Awards	Tour Sound Production (for the Continuum Tour) Record Production/Single or Track (for production on "Waiting on the World to Change") Record Production/Album (from production on Continuum)
2009	ASCAP Awards	Most Performed Songs – "Say"<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

See also

• Annual John Mayer Holiday Charity Revue

References

Works cited

• Edwards, G. (2006). Is Tiny Dancer Really Elton's Little John? New York: Crown Publishing Group. Template:ISBN.

External links

• Template:Official website
• Template:YouTube