John Mayer’s throat surgeons taught him “the voice is an instrument”.
The 36-year-old singer underwent two operations after doctors discovered a granuloma on his vocal cords in 2011.
And John extended huge gratitude to the surgical team that helped heal his ailment while accepting an award on Wednesday night.
“I happened to learn that the voice is an instrument,” John said during his speech at the UCLA Head and Neck Surgery’s 2014 Luminary Awards in Los Angeles.
“Nobody sees that instrument as delicately, as carefully, as phenomenally as Dr. [Gerald] Berke and his colleagues.”
The fundraising gala was held to acknowledge Dr. Berke and his team’s extensive contribution to medicine.
John felt humble in his physician’s presence, as he believes Dr. Berke has created extraordinary work in his lifetime.
“He probably didn’t know who I was,” the star laughed.
“‘Who’s John Mayer? I’m too busy cloning a throat.’”
All proceeds from Dr. Berke’s gala will benefit the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine.
John’s throat condition was potentially career-ending, as the tissue inflammation caused by his acid reflux forced the Wonderland crooner to go on vocal rest for weeks at a time.
His vocal chords are now in top shape after successful treatment in which he banned alcohol, spicy foods and anything that could trigger a flare-up.
And his personal life is also thriving.
John and stunning songstress Katy Perry have been dating on and off since 2012 but are currently going strong, with rumours of a wedding rife.
