Rise to Success: Career Highlights of John Mayer
Discover the career path of John Mayer, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
John Mayer is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He briefly studied at Berklee College of Music before relocating to Atlanta, where he formed Lo-Fi Masters. He honed his skills playing local clubs and gained recognition after performing at South by Southwest in 2000. Subsequently, he signed with Aware Records/Columbia Records and released his debut EP, Inside Wants Out (1999). Mayer achieved critical and commercial success with his first two studio albums, Room for Squares (2001) and Heavier Things (2003). "Your Body Is a Wonderland" earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, and Heavier Things reached the top of the Billboard 200.
1997: Enrolled at Berklee College of Music
In 1997, John Mayer enrolled at the Berklee College of Music at age 19, but later left with Clay Cook to form LoFi Masters.
1999: Released Inside Wants Out EP
In 1999, John Mayer released his debut EP, Inside Wants Out, through Aware Records, an imprint of Columbia Records.
2000: Performed at South by Southwest festival
In 2000, John Mayer performed at the South by Southwest festival, leading to his signing with Aware Records.
2001: Released Room for Squares (Internet-only album)
In 2001, Aware Records released John Mayer's internet-only album, Room for Squares. Columbia Records then remixed and re-released it.
2001: Released Room for Squares
In 2001, John Mayer released his first studio album, Room for Squares, which achieved critical and commercial success.
2002: "Back to You" Fund Creation
In 2002, John Mayer created the "Back to You" Fund, a nonprofit organization focusing on health care, education, the arts, and talent development.
2002: Radio Hits and Critical Praise for Room for Squares
In 2002, Room for Squares spawned several radio hits and received critical praise, drawing comparisons to Dave Matthews.
February 2003: Released Any Given Thursday
In February 2003, John Mayer released a live CD and DVD, Any Given Thursday, recorded in Birmingham, Alabama.
December 2003: Accompanied Buddy Guy in concert
In December 2003, John Mayer accompanied Buddy Guy in a concert at the Irving Plaza.
2003: Released Heavier Things
In 2003, John Mayer released his album Heavier Things, which peaked at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.
2003: Won Grammy for Your Body Is a Wonderland
In 2003, John Mayer won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Your Body Is a Wonderland".
2003: OM-28 John Mayer Signature Model
In 2003, Martin Guitars released the OM-28 John Mayer signature model acoustic guitar, limited to 404 units.
January 2004: Macworld Performance
In January 2004, Steve Jobs invited John Mayer to perform during Apple's annual keynote address at the Macworld Conference & Expo as Jobs introduced GarageBand.
June 2004: Music Lessons with John Mayer Column
In June 2004, John Mayer began a column called "Music Lessons with John Mayer" in Esquire magazine.
2004: John Mayer Has a TV Show
In 2004, John Mayer hosted a one-shot, half-hour comedy special on VH1 titled John Mayer Has a TV Show.
2004: Released As/Is series
In 2004, John Mayer recorded live concerts and released them on iTunes under the title As/Is, emphasizing the inclusion of both errors and highlights.
August 2005: Orphaned Lyrics Contest
In August 2005, John Mayer invited readers to create music for orphaned lyrics he had written in Esquire magazine.
October 2005: Opened for The Rolling Stones and released Try!
In October 2005, the John Mayer Trio opened for The Rolling Stones, and in November they released a live album called Try!.
2005: Fender Signature Stratocaster
In 2005, Fender released the first of John Mayer's signature Stratocaster electric guitars.
2005: Moved towards blues and rock music
In 2005, John Mayer shifted away from acoustic music, delving further into blues and rock. He also formed the John Mayer Trio.
2005: Won Grammy for Daughters
In 2005, John Mayer won a Grammy for Song of the Year for "Daughters".
January 2006: Martin OMJM John Mayer Acoustic Guitar Release
In January 2006, Martin Guitars released the Martin OMJM John Mayer acoustic guitar, a more affordable version of the OM-28.
May 2006: Contributed to the Cars soundtrack
In May 2006, John Mayer contributed a cover of "Route 66" to the soundtrack of the Pixar film Cars.
July 11, 2006: Released Waiting on the World to Change
On July 11, 2006, John Mayer released "Waiting on the World to Change", which became the third-most downloaded song on iTunes that week.
August 2006: Series II John Mayer Stratocasters
In August 2006, Fender began manufacturing SERIES II John Mayer Stratocasters.
August 23, 2006: Debuted Continuum on radio
On August 23, 2006, John Mayer debuted the entire album Continuum on Los Angeles radio station Star 98.7.
September 12, 2006: Released Continuum
On September 12, 2006, John Mayer's third studio album, Continuum, was released. John Mayer considered quitting music after former Columbia Records head Don Ienner panned the album.
September 21, 2006: Appeared on CSI
On September 21, 2006, John Mayer appeared on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, performing "Waiting on the World to Change" and "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room".
October 22, 2006: Recorded Live from Abbey Road
On October 22, 2006, John Mayer recorded a session for the British program Live from Abbey Road at Abbey Road Studios.
December 7, 2006: Nominated for five Grammy Awards
On December 7, 2006, John Mayer was nominated for five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The Trio received a nomination for Try!.
December 12, 2006: Released The Village Sessions EP
On December 12, 2006, John Mayer released The Village Sessions, an EP of acoustic versions of his songs.
2006: Received Hal David Starlight Award
In 2006, John Mayer received the Hal David Starlight Award at the 37th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
2006: Released Continuum
In 2006, John Mayer released the album Continuum, which garnered positive reviews and Grammy Awards.
2006: John Mayer Trio takes a break
In mid-2006, the John Mayer Trio took a break.
January 2007: Two Rock Amp Collaboration
In January 2007, Two Rock collaborated with John Mayer on custom-designed amps, and a limited Cypress-Mica Fender Stratocaster was released.
February 2007: Rolling Stone Cover
In February 2007, John Mayer was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone as one of the "New Guitar Gods".
February 28, 2007: Ended North American Continuum tour
On February 28, 2007, John Mayer ended the initial North American Continuum tour with a show at Madison Square Garden.
July 7, 2007: Live Earth performance
On July 7, 2007, John Mayer participated in the Live Earth project in East Rutherford, New Jersey, performing at the musical rally to support climate change awareness.
November 20, 2007: Re-issue of Continuum available
On November 20, 2007, the re-issue of Continuum became available online and in stores, with a bonus disc of live songs.
December 6, 2007: "Belief" nominated for Grammy
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.
2007: iPhone Announcement Performance
In 2007, John Mayer performed at the iPhone announcement and endorsed the GarageMaster electric guitar for Volkswagen.
January 23, 2008: Blog Deletion
On January 23, 2008, John Mayer posted a quote and deleted all previous blog entries from his various blogs.
February 2008: Hosts "The Mayercraft Carrier" cruise
In February 2008, John Mayer hosted "The Mayercraft Carrier", a three-day Caribbean cruise event featuring performances by various musicians including David Ryan Harris, Brett Dennen, Colbie Caillat, and Dave Barnes.
July 1, 2008: Release of "Where the Light Is" live concert film
On July 1, 2008, John Mayer released "Where the Light Is", a live concert film featuring his performance at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on December 8, 2007. The film included an acoustic set, a blues set with the Trio, and a full set with his band.
July 2008: Release of "Where the Light Is"
In July 2008, CDs and DVDs of the first Charity Revue concert were released as "Where the Light Is".
July 7, 2009: Performs at Michael Jackson's Memorial Service
On July 7, 2009, John Mayer performed an instrumental guitar version of Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" at Jackson's televised memorial service and also co-wrote "World of Chances" with Demi Lovato for Lovato's second album.
September 24, 2009: Release of "Who Says"
On September 24, 2009, John Mayer released "Who Says" as the first single from his album, "Battle Studies".
November 17, 2009: Release of "Battle Studies" album
On November 17, 2009, John Mayer's fourth studio album, "Battle Studies", debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart. Despite commercial success, critical reaction to the album was mixed.
2009: Released Battle Studies
In 2009, John Mayer released Battle Studies, marking a return to pop music.
September 14, 2010: Twitter Account Deletion
On September 14, 2010, John Mayer deleted his personal Twitter account.
2010: Black1 Guitar Production
In 2010, Fender announced a production model of John Mayer's Black1 guitar, with limited un-relic'd versions and full production signature Stratocasters released.
September 16, 2011: Announces Delay of "Born and Raised" Album
On September 16, 2011, John Mayer announced 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.
2011: Discovery of the Grateful Dead
In 2011, John Mayer began to develop a strong interest in the music of the Grateful Dead after hearing their song "Althea" by chance on Pandora radio.
February 27, 2012: Releases "Shadow Days" single
On February 27, 2012, John Mayer released "Shadow Days", the first single from his album "Born and Raised".
March 9, 2012: Cancels tour due to vocal issues
On March 9, 2012, John Mayer announced that he was forced to cancel his tour and refrain from all singing indefinitely due to the return of a granuloma.
May 2012: Released Born and Raised album
In May 2012, after a delay due to a vocal cord granuloma, John Mayer released his album, Born and Raised.
December 2012: Performs with The Rolling Stones
In December 2012, John Mayer played guitar with the Rolling Stones in New Jersey, during a period when he was largely unable to sing due to vocal issues.
January 2013: Performs at Benefit Concert
In January 2013, John Mayer performed at a benefit concert in Bozeman, marking his first public singing performance in almost two years after recovering sufficiently from vocal issues.
April 2013: Appears at Crossroads Guitar Festival and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
In April 2013, John Mayer made an appearance at the Crossroads Guitar Festival, and at the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where he inducted the late Albert King.
April 25, 2013: First full-length concerts since health troubles
On April 25, 2013, John Mayer performed a show at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater in Alabama, followed by a set at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival the next day, marking his first full-length concerts since his health troubles.
June 2013: Announces Paradise Valley album and collaborations
In June 2013, John Mayer announced that he was finishing work on his sixth album, Paradise Valley, featuring collaborations with Frank Ocean and Katy Perry.
June 18, 2013: Releases "Paper Doll" lyric video
On June 18, 2013, John Mayer released a lyric video for the album's first single, "Paper Doll", on his official YouTube page.
August 20, 2013: Release of "Paradise Valley" album
On August 20, 2013, John Mayer released his sixth album, "Paradise Valley", which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
December 2013: Releases music video for "Who You Love"
In December 2013, John Mayer released a music video for the song "Who You Love", a collaboration with Katy Perry, which was featured on his album Paradise Valley.
May 27, 2014: Releases studio version of "XO"
On May 27, 2014, John Mayer released a studio version of the Beyoncé song "XO" for digital download by Columbia Records through the iTunes Store.
June 1, 2014: "XO" Debuts on US Billboard Hot 100 Chart
For the week ending June 1, 2014, John Mayer's version of "XO" debuted at number 90 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 13 on the US Hot Rock Songs chart.
September 2014: Records duet with Barbra Streisand
In September 2014, John Mayer recorded the song "Come Rain or Come Shine" as a duet with Barbra Streisand for her album Partners.
2014: Album sales
By 2014, John Mayer had sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
2014: End of Fender Artist Status
In 2014, John Mayer announced that he was no longer a Fender Artist, leading to the discontinuation of his signature line of guitars.
January 16, 2015: Open Letter to IWC
On January 16, 2015, John Mayer wrote an open letter to the watch brand IWC in his column for Hodinkee, offering suggestions for their product line.
February 2015: Performs at Grammy Awards with Ed Sheeran
In February 2015, John Mayer performed alongside Ed Sheeran at the Grammy Awards and also invited Grateful Dead guitar player Bob Weir to join him in a studio performance while guest hosting The Late Late Show.
June 2015: Guest with Phil Lesh and Friends at Terrapin Crossroads
In June 2015, John 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.
2015: Collaboration with PRS Guitars
In 2015, John Mayer announced his collaboration with PRS Guitars.
2015: Formed Dead & Company
In 2015, John Mayer joined former Grateful Dead members to form the band Dead & Company.
2015: Performance with Bob Weir
In 2015, John Mayer performed "Althea" with Bob Weir on The Late Late Show, along with "Truckin'". This led to Weir planning to work with Mayer after the Fare Thee Well shows.
2015: Performs with Phil Lesh and Friends and joins Dead & Company
In 2015, John Mayer performed with Phil Lesh and Friends at Terrapin Crossroads and formed the group Dead & Company with members of the Grateful Dead, beginning a fall tour in the United States.
2015: Get Hard Role
In 2015, John Mayer played a version of himself in the film Get Hard.
2015: Guest Hosting The Late Late Show
In early 2015, John Mayer guest hosted The Late Late Show on CBS for three dates in February.
January 2016: Postpones album work
In January 2016, John Mayer postponed working on his next studio album until January 2016, with plans to finish it by the end of the year as a result of his touring with Dead & Company.
March 2016: Super Eagle Revealed
In March 2016, John Mayer and PRS revealed their collaborative project, the Super Eagle, a limited release from PRS's Private Stock line.
November 17, 2016: Releases "Love on the Weekend"
On November 17, 2016, John Mayer released "Love on the Weekend" as the lead single from his EP "The Search for Everything: Wave One".
2016: Weir Discusses Working with Mayer
In 2016, Bob Weir discussed the genesis of Dead & Company and his thoughts about working with John Mayer in an interview with Rolling Stone.
January 2017: J-MOD 100 Signature Amp Announced
In January 2017, PRS and John Mayer announced the J-MOD 100 signature amp at the NAMM Show.
January 20, 2017: Releases "The Search for Everything: Wave One" EP
On January 20, 2017, John Mayer released "The Search for Everything: Wave One", the first EP from his album project, "The Search for Everything."
February 24, 2017: Releases "The Search for Everything: Wave Two" EP
On February 24, 2017, John Mayer released "The Search for Everything: Wave Two" EP, along with the single "Still Feel Like Your Man".
April 14, 2017: Releases "The Search for Everything"
On April 14, 2017, John Mayer released his album "The Search for Everything" which was promoted by a third single titled "In the Blood".
May 1, 2017: Releases "In The Blood"
On May 1, 2017, John Mayer released his single titled "In the Blood", and started "The Search for Everything World Tour" from March to October of the same year
June 2017: Super Eagle II Revealed
In June 2017, the Super Eagle II was revealed, limited to 120 instruments.
2017: Released The Search for Everything
In 2017, John Mayer released The Search for Everything, a concept album about a breakup.
2017: Lesh Praises Dead & Company
In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Phil Lesh praised Dead & Company's performances and explained his decision not to take part in the band.
January 2018: Dead & Company Announce Summer Tour
In January 2018, Dead & Company announced their Dead & Company Summer Tour 2018.
January 2018: John Mayer Signature D-45 Announced
In January 2018, Martin Guitar announced the limited-release John Mayer Signature D-45 acoustic guitar.
February 2018: Rescheduled Dead & Company tour
In February 2018, Dead & Company rescheduled the tour dates that were previously postponed due to John Mayer's appendectomy.
March 2018: Silver Sky Model Released
In March 2018, John Mayer's signature Silver Sky model was released by PRS.
May 10, 2018: Releases "New Light" Single
On May 10, 2018, John Mayer released the single "New Light", co-produced by No I.D. and Mayer himself, and announced "more new music" for 2018.
September 2018: Current Mood Announced
In September 2018, John Mayer showed a trailer for his new Instagram Live show, Current Mood, on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
September 30, 2018: Current Mood Debut
On September 30, 2018, John Mayer's Instagram Live show, Current Mood, debuted on his IGTV account.
October 24, 2018: Premieres "I Guess I Just Feel Like" at iHeartRadio Theater
On October 24, 2018, John Mayer premiered a song titled "I Guess I Just Feel Like" during his performance at the iHeartRadio Theater.
December 12, 2018: Announces 2019 World Tour
On December 12, 2018, John Mayer announced a world tour for 2019.
March 1, 2019: Establishment of the Heart and Armor Foundation
On March 1, 2019, John Mayer established the Heart and Armor Foundation to support veterans of war.
November 18, 2019: Current Mood Season Launch
On November 18, 2019, John Mayer's latest season of Current Mood began, featuring Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello.
March 15, 2020: Reveals Working on New Album on "Current Mood"
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.
June 1, 2021: Announces "Sob Rock" Album and Releases "Last Train Home"
On June 1, 2021, John 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.
July 16, 2021: Releases "Sob Rock" Album
On July 16, 2021, John Mayer released his eighth album, "Sob Rock", as well as a music video for the song, "Shot in the Dark".
2021: Released Sob Rock
In 2021, John Mayer released Sob Rock, inspired by 1980s soft rock.
2022: Dead & Company Continue to Tour
In 2022, Dead & Company continued to tour and considered recording a studio album.
2022: Vengeance Role
In 2022, John Mayer had a small role in the film Vengeance, playing a friend of the lead character.
October 2023: Life with John Mayer Sirius XM Channel Announced
In October 2023, John Mayer announced a new real-time satellite radio channel on Sirius XM, titled "Life with John Mayer".
2023: Appearance on Impractical Jokers
In 2023, John Mayer appeared as a guest star on the fourth episode of the tenth season of the TruTV show Impractical Jokers.
March 2024: Appointment at Audemars Piguet and New Watch Release
In March 2024, John Mayer was appointed as "Creative Conduit" at Audemars Piguet and a new limited-edition Perpetual Calendar Royal Oak model designed by him was announced.
November 2024: "How's Life" Interview Series
In November 2024, John Mayer began an interview series on his Sirius XM channel called "How's Life," featuring conversations with fellow musicians.
2024: Appointed Creative Conduit of Audemars Piguet
In 2024, John Mayer was appointed as the Creative Conduit of Audemars Piguet.
