FEW musicians have enjoyed the critical acclaim and longevity of John Mayall.
Long known for his ability to pick great guitar players for his indomitable Bluesbreakers, John has done more to spread the story of the blues in the UK country than any other musician; having released 60 albums over his expansive career.
Ahead of a live appearance by the celebrated musician in Llandudno this month, The Entertainer caught up with John to find out why blues music continues to thrive.
"It's been banded around for so long you get used to it," John sagely replied when asked to comment on his unofficial title of the 'Godfather of British Blues'. "The longer you stick around, the longer it sticks to you."
But the accolade is certainly not without merit.
The enduring singer/songwriter/musician/band leader is considered a staple of the genre and the music industry, having performed alongside greats like Sonny Boy Williamson, T Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker, and Albert King.
Talking with The Entertainer from his American home ahead of a 25 date UK tour - including a stop at Venue Cymru in Llandudno - John Mayall confirmed he always looks forward to returning to his native soil ("Except for the traffic!") where he will be welcoming upcoming blues artist Oli Brown.
According to John, it is the "purity" of the genre which makes it so enduring and attractive to new talent.
"It's an art form really. It's a very healthy scene - it's not going to go away," he said. "Over the decades there's always been someone new coming up. They just get younger and younger. It's great to have a new generation. And with Oli Brown he's very good and in the UK people get to see him. A show to have two generations."
Though the seasoned veteran won't be sharing any tips with the young performer.
"I've never done that. I choose musicians I enjoy from listening to them. Being a band leader I am in a great position to indulge in my own tastes."
Artists who have risen through John Mayall's Bluesbreakers band read like a 'who's who' of the music landscape.
Luminaries such as Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Mick Taylor, Aynsley Dunbar, Coco Montoya, Walter Trout and Buddy Whittington are just a few who have passed through the ranks.
So is there a skill to identifying these performers or is there an element of luck?
"I don't think it's luck at all," confirmed John. "As band leader I get that decision to pick and choose who I play with. The art of being a band leader is able to choose musicians. Not just great musicians but people compatible to get along well together. As a band on the road for 24 hours, when playing we're only on stage for a couple of hours.
"When you play together with other people, ideas come out."
Despite being 77 years old, touring is still something the blues legend is keen to do, and he is already excited about the prospect of coming to North Wales.
"We love to communicate with the audience - to make it personal," said John. "It's the life blood of music to perform before people. To get that immediate feedback and reaction from an audience - I love it."
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John Mayall will be performing live with support from Oli Brown at Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Wednesday, October 26. For more information or to book tickets contact the Box Office on 01492 872000 or visit the website at www.venuecymru.co.uk