John McLaughlin

John McLaughlin is a British guitarist, songwriter, and artist known for his fusion style. He began playing guitar at a young age and drew inspiration from blues and swing players. In the 1960s, he collaborated with notable musicians such as David Bowie, Alexis Korner, Graham Bond, and Ginger Baker. McLaughlin's first album, "Extrapolation" (1969), was followed by several other projects including collaborations with John Surman and Larry Young.

In 1971, McLaughlin formed the influential Mahavishnu Orchestra known for their powerful blend of rock and jazz improvisations. After three successful albums, the group disbanded in 1973. McLaughlin then embarked on a new musical direction by switching to acoustic guitar and exploring Indian music with his group Shakti. They made a significant impact on the world music scene during their three-year run.

Throughout his career, McLaughlin has continuously shifted between electric and acoustic guitars while collaborating with various artists such as Carlos Santana and Miles Davis. He has recorded across multiple labels including Marmalade, Dawn Records, Douglas Records, CBS Records, Warner Brothers Records, and Verve Records.