NEW YORK, May 30, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Records is pleased to announce that Born and Raised, the new album from Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and musician John Mayer, enters the Billboard 200 at #1 with 219,478 sold.  The album also debuted at #1 in Canada on the Nielsen SoundScan Top 200 Sales Chart.

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The first collection of new songs since Mayer's critically-acclaimed Battle Studies in November 2009, Born and Raised includes the lead single, "Shadow Days," and 11 other new tracks.  Produced by John Mayer and Don Was, Born and Raised features David Crosby and Graham Nash contributing vocals on the title cut.

Unable to sing due to a vocal condition, Mayer made a special guest appearance on "Ellen" (May 15); performed with The Paul Shaffer band on "Late Show with David Letterman" (May 17); performed with The Roots and was interviewed on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" (May 22); and stopped by "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" on (May 23).  In addition the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles hosted "A Special Evening with John Mayer" on May 10.  Mayer also made appearances on NPR's "All Things Considered" and "World Cafe."

In April, Mayer was awarded the 2012 GRAMMYs on the Hill Award for his commitment to returning soldiers and improving the environment for the nation's music community.  The Awards Ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., and is often referred to as Washington's most interesting mix of music and politics. 

Early critical praise for Born and Raised has been overwhelmingly positive:

"Some of the most convincing music of Mayer's career" - Rolling Stone 4 ****

 "A precious gift wrapped in burlap and bailing twine…as palatably sure-footed as anything in his multi-million-selling catalog" - The New York Times

"This is a shimmering album, perfect for taking on the road in the glow of spring and summer" - People's 3 1/2 ***

"…one of the year's best records…"- The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Born and Raised is a phenomenal record" - The Huffington Post

"It's one of Mayer's most diverse and exploratory albums yet, trying on a variety of different styles to accompany a set of particularly reflective and soul-searching tunes" -Billboard

"Mayer has a gift with melody and is a killer guitarist"- The Boston Herald

Mayer offers "an expert musicality filled with charm, honesty and melody" - The LA Times

 "…he's brought a laid-back country vibe to Born" - Entertainment Weekly

Mayer's previous albums--Room for Squares, Heavier Things, Continuum and Battle Studies--have sold more than 16 million copies combined worldwide.  He has been honored with seven Grammy Awards and an additional 11 nominations.  He has also been included in Time Magazine's annual Time 100 list of the most influential contemporary thinkers, leaders, artists and entertainers, and twice been featured on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine's annual "Guitar" issue.

SOURCE Columbia Records