Traffic Co-Founder Dave Mason Has Died

Dave Mason, co-founding guitarist for the influential 1960s British rock band Traffic, has died. Mason passed away on Sunday, April 19, at his home in Nevada’s Carson Valley at age 79.

Mason’s passing was announced on his official website. The statement read:

It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason. On Sunday, April 19, after cooking an amazing dinner with his beloved wife Winifred, he sat down to take a nap with sweet Star (the maltese) at his feet. He passed away peacefully, in his favorite chair, surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley that he loved so much. A storybook ending. On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end.

He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever.

Born David Thomas Mason on May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England, Dave Mason was already working as a professional musician in his teens. He made his recording debut in 1963 with the instrumental outfit The Jaguars, where he first crossed paths with drummer Jim Capaldi. The pair would continue on together in The Hellions, a group that issued several singles across 1964 and 1965. After leaving that band, Mason briefly worked as a road manager for the Spencer Davis Group, a role that led to his introduction to Steve Winwood.

That connection proved pivotal. In 1967, following Winwood’s departure from the Spencer Davis Group, the two joined forces with Capaldi and Chris Wood to form Traffic. Mason contributed several songs to the band’s 1967 debut, Mr. Fantasy, including “Utterly Simple” and “Hope I Never Find Me There,” but exited as the album arrived.

His first stint away from the group was short-lived. By early 1968, he was back in the fold, and his “Feelin’ Alright?” would go on to become one of his most widely recognized compositions, later popularized through numerous covers, including Joe Cocker’s 1969 version.

Mason moved to Los Angeles in 1969 and joined Delaney & Bonnie & Friends. He also served briefly as second guitarist in Eric Clapton’s band Derek and the Dominos, and recorded with George Harrison on All Things Must Pass.

In 1970, he released his debut solo album, Alone Together. He and Cass Elliot of The Mamas & The Papas recorded a duo album, Dave Mason & Cass Elliot, released in February 1971. That summer, Mason rejoined Traffic for a handful of dates, resulting in the live album Welcome to the Canteen. Mason was inducted with Traffic into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004.

“We were deeply saddened to hear of Dave Mason’s passing,” Steve Winwood wrote. “Dave was part of Traffic during its earliest chapter, and played an important role in shaping the band’s sound and identity during that time. His songwriting, musicianship and distinctive spirit helped create music that has lasted far beyond its era, and continues to mean so much to listeners around the world. Those years remain a special part of the band’s story, and Dave’s contribution to them is not forgotten. His place in that history will always be remembered, and through the music, his presence endures.”

Through the 1970s and ‘80s, Mason remained a consistent solo presence, issuing albums and touring regularly. Decades later, he resurfaced in a new context as part of Fleetwood Mac’s mid-‘90s lineup, appearing on 1995’s Time. A late-‘90s reunion with Capaldi yielded a live document, Live: The 40,000 Headmen Tour. Mason returned to the studio in 2008 with 26 Letters 12 Notes, which was followed by 2014’s Future’s Past.

In addition to his own catalog, Mason contributed to several notable recordings. His acoustic guitar work can be heard on Jimi Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower,” while his contributions also extend to tracks by The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney & Wings. Over the years, he collaborated with a diverse group of artists, including Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Rita Coolidge and Leon Russell.

Mason recently announced his retirement from touring, citing ongoing health challenges.