Dave Mason, the esteemed British singer and guitarist who co-founded the iconic rock band Traffic and forged a star-studded solo career, has passed away at the age of 79. A statement from his representative confirmed he died peacefully on Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada, where he had resided since 1969. "Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved," the statement poignantly added.
Traffic's Turbulent Tenure and Timeless Hits
Born in Worcestershire in 1946, Mason had an unconventional and intermittent role in Traffic, serving as a frontman who penned and performed some of their most celebrated tracks. He formed the band with teenage prodigy Steve Winwood, who had recently departed the Spencer Davis Group, alongside drummer Jim Capaldi and woodwind player Chris Wood. Winwood's established reputation facilitated their signing to Island Records, leading to the debut album Mr Fantasy.
This album featured Traffic's biggest chart success, Hole in My Shoe, which soared to number two in the UK in 1967 and was written and sung by Mason. However, internal friction emerged, with Winwood later recalling, "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." 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."
Feelin' Alright? and Further Departures
Mason subsequently rejoined the group, contributing half the songs on their self-titled second album, including another signature track, Feelin' Alright?, which he also sang. While only a moderate hit for Traffic, the song achieved an extraordinary afterlife, covered by numerous artists such as Joe Cocker, Lulu, the Jackson Five, Gladys Knight, and Paul Weller. Mason departed 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 to the Guardian in 2024 that he was fired from the group and left "in shock."
A Prolific Post-Traffic Career and Collaborations
Embarking on a remarkable post-Traffic journey, Mason began with notable collaborations, including work with Jimi Hendrix, where he played acoustic guitar on All Along the Watchtower and provided backing vocals on Crosstown Traffic. He also contributed to the Rolling Stones' Street Fighting Man. Touring with the duo Delaney & Bonnie brought him into the orbit of George Harrison, leading to appearances on the classic album All Things Must Pass, and Eric Clapton, with a brief stint in his group Derek and the Dominos.
Mason reunited with Traffic's Jim Capaldi for the latter's 1972 album Oh How We Danced, co-writing Big Thirst. Later, he spent time with Fleetwood Mac in the 1990s, touring and playing on the album Time, though Christine McVie described their professional relationship as "very acrimonious."
Solo Success and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Alongside his extensive session and touring work, Mason enjoyed a thriving solo career, releasing 15 studio albums. His first seven albums, including a duo project with the Mamas and the Papas' Cass Elliott, all reached the US Top 50. The 1977 album Let It Flow proved his most significant success, achieving platinum status and producing the hit single We Just Disagree.
Beyond music, Mason founded the electric guitar company RKS, whose instruments were utilised by members of the Rolling Stones and other notable musicians. He published his memoir, Only You Know & I Know, in 2024 and continued touring until 2025, when he announced his retirement following a period of ill health.
Dave Mason's legacy endures through his influential contributions to rock music, from Traffic's timeless classics to his prolific solo work and collaborations with some of the greatest artists of his era.
