Dave Mason, the highly acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician, a co-founder of the iconic band Traffic and an inductee into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, at the age of 79. His family announced the news with profound sadness, stating that Mason died at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada, having lived a remarkable life dedicated to music and his loved ones.

Born in post-war England in 1946, Mason first rose to prominence with the blues-rock ensemble Traffic. His significant contributions to the band included writing credits and lead vocals for memorable tracks such as “Hole in My Shoe” and the enduring hit “Feelin’ Alright?”. The latter achieved widespread recognition, being recorded by numerous artists including Joe Cocker, the Jackson 5, and John Belushi, solidifying its place in music history. Traffic, throughout its active years, released 11 albums, with four of them cracking the top 10 on the Billboard 200. Additionally, four of their singles successfully charted on the Billboard Hot 100.

Mason also cultivated an impressive solo career, which commenced in 1970 with his debut album, *Alone Together*. This album peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 and featured the Billboard Hot 100 hit “Only You Know and I Know.” His 1977 album, *Let It Flow*, became a platinum-selling success, notable for its single “We Just Disagree.” His most recent solo album, *A Shade of Blue*, was released in 2025. After an illustrious 60 years of touring, Mason recently announced his retirement from live performances, citing ongoing health challenges.

Beyond his work with Traffic and his solo endeavors, Mason was a highly sought-after collaborator. Throughout his career, he recorded and performed with a constellation of music legends, including George Harrison, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Michael Jackson, among others. His distinctive guitar work can be heard on classic tracks such as Jimi Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower,” the Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man,” Paul McCartney’s “Listen To What The Man Said,” and on his fellow Beatle George Harrison’s seminal collection *All Things Must Pass*.

Traffic disbanded in 1974 but reunited two decades later for a tour in 1993-94. Mason later toured with Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi in 1998. In 2004, Mason was officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Traffic, alongside other luminaries like Prince, ZZ Top, Jackson Browne, and Bob Seger. At the induction ceremony, bandmates Capaldi and Steve Winwood performed “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” The following year, Capaldi sadly passed away at 60 after a brief battle with stomach cancer. Mason returned to the Rock Hall in 2009 for an official VIP induction pre-party at the museum, where he delivered an acoustic set featuring “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and his rendition of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.”

Dave Mason is survived by his beloved wife and partner, Winifred Wilson; his daughter, Danielle; his nephew, John (Trish) Leonard; and his niece, Michelle Leonard. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Sloan (Claudia) Wilson and Walton (Barbara Sims) Wilson. Mason was preceded in death by his son, True, and his sister, Valerie Leonard.