Dave Mason, the influential British singer and guitarist who co-founded the legendary rock band Traffic and enjoyed a star-studded solo career collaborating with icons like Jimi Hendrix and Fleetwood Mac, has died at the age of 79. According to a statement from his representative, Mason passed away peacefully on Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada, where he had resided since 1969.
A Remarkable Life in Music
The statement honoring Mason declared: "Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved." Born in Worcestershire in 1946, Mason's musical journey was defined by his unique role in Traffic and his extensive work beyond the band.
Traffic's Founding and Early Success
Mason co-founded Traffic in 1967 with teenage prodigy Steve Winwood, who had recently left the Spencer Davis Group. The original lineup also included drummer Jim Capaldi and woodwind player Chris Wood. Winwood's established reputation helped secure a deal with Island Records, leading to their debut album Mr Fantasy.
Mason wrote and sang Traffic's biggest chart hit, Hole in My Shoe, which reached No. 2 in the UK in 1967. However, creative tensions emerged early. Winwood later recalled, "Dave would come in with a complete song that he was going to sing and tell us all what he expected us to play. No discussion, like we were his backing group."
Departures and Signature Songs
Mason left Traffic in 1967, explaining to the Guardian in 2024, "I realised I needed more life experiences in order to write stuff that would become timeless." He rejoined shortly after, contributing half the songs on their self-titled second album, including the classic Feelin' Alright?, which he also sang.
Though only a moderate hit for Traffic, Feelin' Alright? achieved extraordinary longevity through covers by artists like Joe Cocker, Lulu, the Jackson Five, Gladys Knight, and Paul Weller. Mason departed Traffic again, later stating, "I had to write on my own. There was a conflict between me and Steve; I think he felt threatened." He revealed in 2024 that he was fired from the group, leaving "in shock."
An Illustrious Solo Career and Collaborations
Mason's post-Traffic career was marked by remarkable collaborations with music legends:
- He played acoustic guitar on Jimi Hendrix's All Along the Watchtower and contributed backing vocals to Crosstown Traffic.
- He added contributions to the Rolling Stones' Street Fighting Man.
- Touring with Delaney & Bonnie brought him into the orbit of George Harrison, leading to appearances on Harrison's classic album All Things Must Pass.
- He briefly joined Eric Clapton's group Derek and the Dominos.
- He reunited with Traffic's Jim Capaldi for the 1972 album Oh How We Danced, co-writing Big Thirst.
- In the 1990s, he toured with Fleetwood Mac and played on their album Time, though Christine McVie described their professional relationship as "very acrimonious."
Solo Success and Business Ventures
Alongside his collaborative work, Mason built a successful solo career, releasing 15 studio albums. His first seven albums, including a duo project with Cass Elliott of the Mamas and the Papas, all reached the US Top 50. His 1977 album Let It Flow was his biggest commercial success, achieving platinum status and producing the hit single We Just Disagree.
Mason also founded the electric guitar company RKS, whose instruments were used by members of the Rolling Stones and other prominent musicians.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2024, Mason published his memoir Only You Know & I Know. He continued touring until 2025, when he announced his retirement following a period of ill health. His death marks the passing of a musician whose work spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on rock music through both his band contributions and his extensive collaborations with some of the greatest artists of his era.
