Musician Dave Mason, best known for co-founding the rock band Traffic, has died at the age of 79. He passed away peacefully at home in Gardnerville, Nevada, after reportedly cooking dinner with his wife, Winifred.
Dave Mason: what to know
Early Career and Contributions
Dave Mason rose to fame after starting the British group Traffic in 1967 alongside frontman Steve Winwood, drummer Jim Capaldi, and flautist-turned-saxophonist Chris Wood. He appeared on the band’s first two albums, Mr. Fantasy and Traffic, and is credited with writing some of its greatest hits, including “Hole In My Shoe” and “Feelin’ Alright?” The latter was later re-recorded by various artists, including Joe Cocker and the Jackson 5.
Legacy and Later Career
Mason left Traffic in 1968, and the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. He released his debut solo album, Alone Together, in 1970, which featured notable songs such as “Sad And Deep As You” and “Look At You, Look At Me.” Throughout his career, he produced hits like “Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave,” “We Just Disagree,” “Let It Flow,” and “Every Woman.”
In addition to his solo work, Mason collaborated with several prominent musicians. He worked as a session musician with the Rolling Stones on “Street Fighting Man” and teamed up with Jimi Hendrix for a cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along The Watchtower.” In the 1990s, he joined Fleetwood Mac for their 16th studio album, Time, and toured with the band.
In 2004, Mason started a sustainable electric guitar company with industrial designer Ravi Sawhney. His contributions to music have left a lasting imprint on the industry and the hearts of fans.
Following his passing, tributes from friends and fans have poured in, celebrating his talent and the impact he had on the music world.