Dave Mason, songwriter known as a co-founder of Traffic, has died at the age of 79

Songwriter and guitarist Dave Mason died Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada, according to a spokesperson confirmed to USA Today. No cause of death was announced. 

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Mason, was a founding member of the 1960s rock band Traffic, before going on to achieve success as a songwriter and solo artist. 

The backstory:

Mason was born in 1946 in Worcester, England. He first rose to fame as a member of the band Traffic alongside front man Steve Winwood. Writing many of their early songs, the group reached success with hit songs “Paper Sun,” “Hole in My Shoe” and “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.” 

Legacy & impact

Mason is most remembered for his guitar work, playing alongside many of music’s biggest names, including Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, David Crosby, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Michael Jackson. He later briefly became a member of Fleetwood Mac in the 1990s. 

He had a couple of hit singles with “We Just Disagree” and “Only You know and I Know” as a solo artist. However, as a songwriter, he was best known for Joe Cocker’s hit “Feelin’ Alright” in addition to earlier work with Traffic. 

What they’re saying:

“Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved,” read a statement about his passing.

Mason had canceled a number of tour dates over the past couple years  due to health problems. The USA Today reported that he discovered a serious heart condition during a routine checkup in 2024.