Dave Mason, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist who co-founded the British rock group Traffic, has died at the age of 79. His career was marked by immense talent and a restless spirit that led him to collaborate with some of the biggest names in rock music, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Paul McCartney.
Early Life and Career
Born on May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England, Mason was the younger child of Edward and Nora Mason, who ran a sweet shop. He became fascinated with the electric guitar after hearing records on the radio, particularly the playing of Hank Marvin of the Shadows. His father bought him a guitar, and his influences soon expanded to include blues legends like Buddy Guy and Elmore James. He formed his first band, the Jaguars, and recorded a single paid for by his parents.
Traffic and Rise to Fame
In 1967, Mason co-founded Traffic with Steve Winwood, drummer Jim Capaldi, and multi-instrumentalist Chris Wood. The band retired to a cottage in Berkshire to develop their sound and became one of the foundational acts of Island Records. Their debut album, Mr. Fantasy (1967), reached No. 16 in the UK, and Mason's song "Hole in My Shoe" became a No. 2 hit single. However, Mason left the band shortly after its release, feeling overwhelmed by the rapid success.
He later rejoined Traffic for their second album, Traffic (1968), which was critically acclaimed and featured his composition "Feelin' Alright?" — a song that would become a classic through covers by Joe Cocker and others. Despite the success, Mason was fired by Winwood, who disliked his independent songwriting style. The band dissolved shortly after when Winwood left to join Blind Faith.
Solo Career and Collaborations
Mason released his first solo album, Alone Together (1970), which reached No. 22 in the US and showcased his evocative songwriting. He followed with a string of successful albums throughout the 1970s, including Let It Flow (1977), which sold a million copies and produced his biggest hit, "We Just Disagree."
Mason's collaborative spirit led him to work with an array of iconic artists. He attended sessions for the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, played on the Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man," and contributed to Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland, adding acoustic guitar and bass to "All Along the Watchtower." He also performed with Delaney & Bonnie, George Harrison, Cass Elliot, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. In 1975, he appeared on Paul McCartney's Wings hit "Listen to What the Man Said."
Later Years and Legacy
In the mid-1990s, Mason briefly joined Fleetwood Mac, appearing on their album Time (1995). He continued releasing solo albums, with his final work, A Shade of Blues, coming out in 2023. In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Traffic.
Mason faced legal battles with record labels over royalties and was part of a successful lawsuit against Universal Music Group in 2011. He is survived by his fourth wife, Winifred, and a daughter, Danielle. A son, True, predeceased him in 2006.
Remembering a Maverick
Dave Mason's legacy is that of a gifted musician who never quite achieved the superstardom his talents warranted. His contributions to rock music, both as a member of Traffic and as a solo artist, remain influential. Despite conflicts with Winwood, Mason's work continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.
