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 American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He briefly attended Berklee College of Music before forming the duo Lo-Fi Masters. He then pursued a solo career, performing in local clubs and gaining attention at the 2000 South by Southwest festival. He signed with Aware Records/Columbia Records, releasing his debut EP, Inside Wants Out (1999). His first two studio albums, Room for Squares (2001) and Heavier Things (2003), achieved critical and commercial success, with "Your Body Is a Wonderland" earning him a Grammy Award.
1997: Enrollment at Berklee College of Music
In 1997, John Mayer enrolled at the Berklee College of Music at age 19. Later, he left with Clay Cook to form LoFi Masters in Atlanta.
1999: Release of Inside Wants Out
In 1999, John Mayer released his debut extended play (EP), "Inside Wants Out", through Aware Records, an imprint of Columbia Records.
2000: Performance at South by Southwest festival
In 2000, John Mayer performed at the South by Southwest festival and was subsequently signed by Aware Records.
2001: Release of Room for Squares
In 2001, John Mayer released his album "Room for Squares" which met with commercial and critical success.
2001: Aware Records releases Room for Squares
In early 2001, Aware Records released John Mayer's internet-only album, "Room for Squares". Later, Columbia Records remixed and re-released the album with updated artwork and an additional track.
2002: Mayer associated with Adult Contemporary genre
As early as 2002, John Mayer was largely associated with the Adult Contemporary and singer-songwriter genres, although he was noted to be historically savvy and ambitious.
2002: Room for Squares spawns radio hits
By the end of 2002, John Mayer's album "Room for Squares" had multiple radio hits, including "No Such Thing", "Your Body Is a Wonderland", and "Why Georgia".
2002: Mayer Creates "Back to You" Fund
In 2002, John Mayer created the "Back to You" Fund, a nonprofit organization focused on fundraising for health care, education, the arts, and talent development, auctioning exclusive John Mayer items.
February 2003: Release of Any Given Thursday live CD and DVD
In February 2003, John Mayer released a live CD and DVD titled "Any Given Thursday", featuring previously unrecorded songs from a concert in Birmingham, Alabama. The album peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart.
December 2003: Concert with Buddy Guy
In December 2003, John Mayer accompanied Buddy Guy in a concert at the Irving Plaza.
2003: Release of Heavier Things
In 2003, John Mayer released "Heavier Things", which peaked atop the Billboard 200 and was met with critical and commercial success.
2003: Grammy win 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: Signature Model Acoustic Guitar with Martin Guitars
In 2003, Martin Guitars gave John Mayer his own signature model acoustic guitar called the OM-28 John Mayer, limited to 404 units representing an Atlanta area code.
January 2004: Performance at Macworld Conference & Expo
In January 2004, Steve Jobs invited John Mayer to perform during Apple's annual keynote address at the Macworld Conference & Expo, where Jobs introduced the music production software GarageBand.
June 2004: Started "Music Lessons with John Mayer" Column
In June 2004, John Mayer started writing a column called "Music Lessons with John Mayer" for Esquire magazine, where he shared his views on personal and popular topics.
2004: Surprise Performance at Pennsbury High School Senior Prom
In 2004, John Mayer performed a surprise three-song set at the Pennsbury High School senior prom after a public campaign by their senior class president.
2004: Release of As/Is live recordings
In 2004, John Mayer recorded live concerts across seven nights of his U.S. tour and released them to the iTunes Store under the title "As/Is", indicating the inclusion of both errors and good moments.
August 2005: Readers Invited to Create Music for Lyrics
In August 2005, John Mayer invited readers to create music for his orphaned lyrics in his "Music Lessons with John Mayer" column in Esquire magazine.
October 2005: John Mayer Trio opens for the Rolling Stones
In October 2005, The John Mayer Trio opened for the Rolling Stones.
2005: Formation of the John Mayer Trio and Release of Try!
By 2005, John Mayer had moved towards blues and rock music and formed the John Mayer Trio. In 2005, the Trio released the live album "Try!".
2005: Signature Electric Guitars with Fender
In 2005, John Mayer began releasing two signature Stratocaster electric guitars with Fender.
2005: Grammy win for Daughters
In 2005, John Mayer won the Grammy for Song of the Year for "Daughters" and also won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. He dedicated the award to his grandmother, Annie Hoffman.
January 2006: Release of Martin OMJM John Mayer Acoustic Guitar
In January 2006, Martin Guitars released the Martin OMJM John Mayer acoustic guitar, with similar attributes to the Martin OM-28 John Mayer but more affordable.
May 2006: Contribution to the Cars soundtrack
In May 2006, John Mayer contributed a cover of the song "Route 66" for the Pixar animated film "Cars".
August 2006: Manufacture of SERIES II John Mayer Stratocasters
In August 2006, Fender began manufacturing SERIES II John Mayer Stratocasters.
August 23, 2006: Debut of Continuum on radio
On August 23, 2006, John Mayer debuted the entire album "Continuum" on the Los Angeles radio station Star 98.7, offering commentary on each track.
September 12, 2006: Release of Continuum
On September 12, 2006, John Mayer released his third studio album, "Continuum", produced by Mayer and Steve Jordan. The album combined blues and pop.
September 21, 2006: Appearance on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
On September 21, 2006, John 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".
2006: 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: Release of Continuum
In 2006, John Mayer released his third studio album, "Continuum", which received positive reviews and Grammy nominations. The album also won Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Waiting on the World to Change" at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.
2006: John Mayer Trio takes a break
In mid-2006, the John Mayer Trio took a break.
January 2007: Collaboration with Two-Rock on Custom Amps
In January 2007, John Mayer collaborated with Two-Rock on custom-designed amps, with only 25 signed by Mayer made available, along with a 500-run John Mayer signature Fender Stratocaster in Cypress-Mica, which included the INCSvsJM gig bag.
February 2007: Mayer Featured on Rolling Stone Cover
In February 2007, John Mayer was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone (No. 1020) with John Frusciante and Derek Trucks, being lauded as one of the "New Guitar Gods" and nicknamed Slowhand Jr.
July 7, 2007: Mayer Participates in Live Earth Project
On July 7, 2007, John Mayer participated in the East Rutherford, New Jersey, location of the Live Earth project, a musical rally to support awareness for climate change.
September 6, 2007: Mayer Performs at Virginia Tech Benefit Concert
On September 6, 2007, John Mayer, along with other artists, performed a free concert at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium in response to the Virginia Tech shooting.
2007: "Bittersweet Poetry" Released as iTunes Bonus Track
In the summer of 2007, "Bittersweet Poetry" was released (three years after its creation) as an iTunes pre-order bonus track to the album Graduation.
July 2008: Where the Light Is Released
In July 2008, CDs and DVDs of the first Charity Revue concert were released as Where the Light Is.
November 2009: Mayer Releases Battle Studies Featuring Taylor Swift
In November 2009, John Mayer's album Battle Studies was released, featuring Taylor Swift on the song "Half of My Heart".
November 17, 2009: Release of "Battle Studies"
On November 17, 2009, John Mayer's fourth studio album, Battle Studies, debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart.
2009: Release of Battle Studies
In 2009, John Mayer released "Battle Studies", marking his return to pop music.
2010: Announcement of Production Model Black1 Guitar
In 2010, Fender announced a production model of John Mayer's Black1 guitar, with limited un-relic'd versions and full production signature Stratocasters in various finishes.
2010: CMT Crossroads Concert with Keith Urban
In 2010, John Mayer and Keith Urban performed a medley of their songs and a rendition of George Michael's "Faith" at a CMT Crossroads concert, leading to future collaborations.
2010: Taylor Swift Releases "Dear John"
In 2010, Taylor Swift released a song called "Dear John", which was widely believed to be about her relationship with John Mayer, though neither addressed the rumors of their being a couple in 2009.
2011: Mayer Headlines Tiger Jam
In 2011, John Mayer (along with Keith Urban) headlined Tiger Jam 2011 in Las Vegas to help raise around $750,000 for the Tiger Woods Foundation.
May 2012: Release of Born and Raised
In May 2012, John Mayer released his fifth studio album, "Born and Raised". The release of the album had been delayed, due to the discovery of a granuloma on his vocal cords.
June 2013: Announcement of Paradise Valley and Collaboration with Frank Ocean and Katy Perry
In June 2013, John Mayer announced he was finishing his sixth album, Paradise Valley, and that he collaborated with Frank Ocean on "Wildfire Pt. 2" and Katy Perry on "Who You Love."
August 12, 2013: "Who You Love" Released
On August 12, 2013, John Mayer released "Who You Love", a duet with Katy Perry, for his album Paradise Valley.
August 20, 2013: Release of Paradise Valley
On August 20, 2013, John Mayer released his album Paradise Valley, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
December 17, 2013: Mayer and Perry Perform "Who You Love"
On December 17, 2013, John Mayer and Katy Perry performed "Who You Love" together at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, marking the last night of Mayer's Born and Raised World Tour.
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: Collaboration with Barbra Streisand on "Partners" Album
In September 2014, John Mayer recorded the song "Come Rain or Come Shine" as a duet with Barbra Streisand for her album Partners.
2014: Mayer's album sales reach 20 million
By 2014, John Mayer had sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
2014: Mayer Ends Partnership with Fender
In 2014, John Mayer announced the end of his partnership with Fender, leading to the discontinuation of his signature line of guitars.
2014: Cameo in Zombeavers
In 2014, John Mayer made a cameo as a truck driver in the comedy horror film Zombeavers.
June 2015: Guest Appearance with Phil Lesh and Friends
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 May 8 and June 9, 1977, concerts.
2015: Formation of Dead & Company
In 2015, John Mayer and three former members of the Grateful Dead formed the band Dead & Company.
2015: Mayer Announces Collaboration with PRS Guitars
In 2015, John Mayer announced that he was collaborating with PRS Guitars, marking a new direction in his guitar partnerships.
2015: Performance of "Althea" with Bob Weir
In 2015, John Mayer performed "Althea" with Bob Weir on The Late Late Show and also performed "Truckin'".
2015: Guest Hosting The Late Late Show
In early 2015, CBS invited John Mayer to guest host The Late Late Show on three dates, February 4–6, following Craig Ferguson's retirement.
2015: Role in Get Hard
In the 2015 film Get Hard, John Mayer played a version of himself who is disgusted with the "monetization of the creative process".
2015: Joined Annual Tour
John Mayer joined each annual Tour from the years 2015 to the present.
March 2016: Mayer and PRS reveal Super Eagle
In March 2016, John Mayer and PRS revealed their collaborative project, the Super Eagle, a limited release from PRS's Private Stock line, featuring ultra-grade woods, abalone inlay, JCF Audio preamps, and a hand-signed sticker by David Smith. Only 100 were produced, each retailing for over $10,000.
2016: Weir Discussed 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: PRS and Mayer announce J-MOD 100 signature amp
In January 2017, at the NAMM Show, PRS and John Mayer announced the J-MOD 100 signature amp, further solidifying their collaboration.
June 2017: Super Eagle II Revealed
In June 2017, the Super Eagle II was revealed, with production limited to 120 instruments.
2017: Review Declares Mayer an Amazing Guitar Player
In 2017, Chris Richards declared John Mayer is "an amazing guitar player", while also criticizing his "pillow-soft songcraft", the dull sentimentality of his lyrics, or that cuckoo-racist interview he gave to Playboy back in 2010".
2017: Mayer Establishes Scholarship Fund
In 2017, John Mayer established a scholarship fund honoring his father Richard's 90th birthday, providing 4-year college scholarships to Bridgeport public high school seniors pursuing education degrees.
2017: Release of The Search for Everything
In 2017, John Mayer released his seventh album, "The Search for Everything", which was a loose concept album based around themes of a romantic break-up.
January 2018: Dead & Company Summer Tour 2018 Announcement
In January 2018, Dead & Company announced their Dead & Company Summer Tour 2018.
January 2018: Martin Guitar announces John Mayer Signature D-45
In January 2018, Martin Guitar announced the limited-release (45 instruments) John Mayer Signature D-45, with a list price of $14,999.
March 2018: PRS releases Silver Sky model
In March 2018, PRS released John Mayer's signature Silver Sky model, available in four colors, receiving both praise for its attention to detail and criticism for its similarity to a Stratocaster.
September 2018: Trailer for Current Mood
In September 2018, John Mayer showed a trailer for his new Instagram Live show, Current Mood, during an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show.
September 30, 2018: Debut of Current Mood
On September 30, 2018, John Mayer's Instagram Live show, Current Mood, debuted on his IGTV account.
December 12, 2018: Announcement of World Tour for 2019
On December 12, 2018, John Mayer announced a world tour for 2019.
March 1, 2019: Mayer Establishes Heart and Armor Foundation
On March 1, 2019, John Mayer established the Heart and Armor Foundation in support of veterans of war, reflecting his 12 years of involvement in initiatives for returning veterans.
November 18, 2019: New Season of Current Mood
On November 18, 2019, John Mayer's latest season of Current Mood began, featuring Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello.
March 15, 2020: Writing and Recording New Album
On March 15, 2020, during an episode of John Mayer's show "Current Mood," he revealed that he was in the process of writing and recording songs for a new album.
June 1, 2021: Album Announcement and Single Release
On June 1, 2021, John Mayer officially announced his eighth album, Sob Rock.
July 16, 2021: Release of Sob Rock
On July 16, 2021, John Mayer's album Sob Rock was released, along with a music video for the song, "Shot in the Dark".
2021: Release of Sob Rock
In 2021, John Mayer released his eighth album, "Sob Rock", inspired by 1980s soft rock music.
2022: Small Role in Vengeance
In 2022, John Mayer had a small role in the film Vengeance, playing a friend of the lead character.
October 2023: Launch of "Life with John Mayer" on Sirius XM
In October 2023, John Mayer announced a new real-time satellite radio channel on Sirius XM, titled "Life with John Mayer."
2023: Guest Star on Impractical Jokers
John Mayer appeared as a guest star on the fourth episode of the tenth season of the TruTV show Impractical Jokers in 2023.
March 2024: Appointment as "Creative Conduit" at Audemars Piguet
In March 2024, John Mayer was appointed as "Creative Conduit" at Audemars Piguet, and announced a new limited-edition collaborative Perpetual Calendar Royal Oak model (Ref. 26574BC.OO.1220BC.02), dubbed the "John Mayer" edition.
November 2024: Launch of "How's Life" Interview Series
In November 2024, John Mayer began an interview series on the "Life with John Mayer" channel called "How's Life," featuring conversations with fellow musicians, starting with Billy Joel.
2024: Appointment as Creative Conduit of Audemars Piguet
In 2024, John Mayer was appointed as the Creative Conduit of Audemars Piguet.
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