Early Life and Education of John Mayer: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of John Mayer, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

John Mayer is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He briefly attended Berklee College of Music before forming Lo-Fi Masters in Atlanta. After the duo split, he continued performing, gaining recognition at the 2000 South by Southwest festival and signing with Aware Records/Columbia Records. His debut EP was 'Inside Wants Out' (1999). His first two albums, 'Room for Squares' (2001) and 'Heavier Things' (2003), achieved critical and commercial success. 'Your Body Is a Wonderland,' from 'Room for Squares,' won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, and 'Heavier Things' reached number one on the Billboard 200.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1927: Richard Mayer's Birth

In 1927, Richard Mayer, John Mayer's father, was born. He later became the principal at Central High School in Bridgeport.

1947: Margaret Hoffman's Birth

In 1947, Margaret Hoffman, John Mayer's mother, was born. She later became a middle-school English teacher.

October 16, 1977: John Mayer's Birth

On October 16, 1977, John Clayton Mayer was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, becoming an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

1997: Enrollment at Berklee College of Music

In 1997, John Mayer enrolled at the Berklee College of Music at age 19.

1997: Mayer leaves Berklee and moves to Atlanta

In 1997, John Mayer left Berklee College of Music and moved to Atlanta with Clay Cook to form the Lo-Fi Masters.

May 2004: Death of Annie Hoffman

In May 2004, John Mayer's grandmother, Annie Hoffman, passed away, and he dedicated his Song of the Year Grammy to her.

2004: Surprise performance at Pennsbury High School senior prom

In 2004, after a public campaign, John Mayer performed a surprise three-song set at the Pennsbury High School senior prom.

2005: Mayer delves into blues and rock and forms the John Mayer Trio

In 2005, John Mayer moved away from acoustic music, delving into blues and rock, and formed the John Mayer Trio, releasing the live album Try!.

2006: Mayer's Guitar Collection

In 2006, John Mayer was estimated to have more than 200 guitars in his personal collection.

January 23, 2008: Deleted Blog Entries

On January 23, 2008, John Mayer posted a quote and deleted all previous blog entries.

February 2008: The Mayercraft Carrier

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, held aboard the Carnival Victory cruise ship.

February 9, 2009: Mayer discusses Grammy win on Ellen

On February 9, 2009, John Mayer told Ellen DeGeneres that he thought he shouldn't have won the Grammy for Song of the Year and gave half of his Grammy to Alicia Keys.

February 2010: Controversial Interviews

In February 2010, John Mayer withdrew from public life and ceased giving interviews following two revealing and highly controversial magazine interviews with Rolling Stone and Playboy magazines.

September 14, 2010: Deleted Personal Twitter Account

On September 14, 2010, John Mayer deleted his personal Twitter account.

2010: Mayer withdraws from public life

In 2010, John Mayer withdrew from public life after several controversial incidents with the media, and began drawing inspiration from 1970s pop music.

September 16, 2011: Born and Raised Delay Announcement

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.

October 20, 2011: Vocal Cord Surgery

On October 20, 2011, John Mayer posted about undergoing surgery to remove a granuloma from his vocal cords and announced complete vocal rest for a month or more, during which he planned to travel the country.

2011: Developed interest in 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.

March 9, 2012: Tour Cancellation

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 the granuloma on his vocal cords.

September 2012: Botox Treatment

In September 2012, John Mayer's vocal cords were paralyzed with a series of high-dose Botox injections by otolaryngologist Dr. Gerald Berke, hoping that they would allow the granuloma to heal.