Singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Mason, a founding member of the seminal rock band Traffic and a prolific solo artist whose work helped define the sound of late 1960s and 1970s rock, has died, aged 79.
The announcement was made on Dave’s Facebook page and read …
“It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason. On Sunday, April 19, after cooking an amazing dinner with his beloved wife Winifred, he sat down to take a nap with sweet Star (the maltese) at his feet. He passed away peacefully, in his favorite chair, surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley that he loved so much. A storybook ending. On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end. He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever.”
UK music legend and Traffic bandmate Steve Winwood has also paid tribute to Dave on his Instagram page.
“We were deeply saddened to hear of Dave Mason’s passing,” said Winwood. “Dave was part of Traffic during its earliest chapter, and played an important role in shaping the band’s sound and identity during that time. His songwriting, musicianship and distinctive spirit helped create music that has lasted far beyond its era, and continues to mean so much to listeners around the world.”
“Those years remain a special part of the band’s story, and Dave’s contribution to them is not forgotten.” “His place in that history will always be remembered, and through the music, his presence endures.” “At this sad time, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and all those who loved him and his music.”
Born in Worcester, England, in 1946, Mason displayed an early affinity for music, picking up the guitar as a teenager and immersing himself in the blossoming British blues and psychedelic scenes. In 1967, alongside Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood, he co-founded Traffic, a band that would become one of the era’s most innovative and genre-defying acts.
Though his tenure with Traffic was famously intermittent, Mason’s contributions were indelible. He penned the band’s most enduring song, “Feelin’ Alright,” a track whose soulful simplicity would go on to become a rock standard, covered by a wide array of artists including Joe Cocker. Mason’s melodic sensibility and instinct for concise songwriting often provided a counterbalance to the band’s more experimental leanings.
Restless by nature, Mason departed Traffic several times during its early years, pursuing session work and collaborations that further cemented his reputation as a gifted guitarist. Notably, he played acoustic guitar on “All Along the Watchtower” during the sessions for Jimi Hendrix’s landmark album Electric Ladyland, placing him at the centre of one of rock’s most iconic recordings.
Mason embarked on a solo career in the early 1970s, achieving significant success with albums such as Alone Together (1970), which showcased his blend of rock, folk, and country influences. His warm, laid-back vocal style and knack for understated hooks earned him a loyal following, while songs like “Only You Know and I Know” and “We Just Disagree” became staples of FM radio.
Over the decades, Mason remained a constant presence on the touring circuit, particularly in the United States, where he built a strong fan base. His performances, often marked by tasteful guitar work and an easy rapport with audiences, reflected a musician deeply committed to his craft rather than the trappings of fame.
Despite never achieving the superstar status of some of his contemporaries, Mason’s influence ran deep. His songwriting, especially “Feelin’ Alright,” continues to resonate across generations, while his work with Traffic helped lay the groundwork for progressive and roots-oriented rock.
In later years, Mason was recognised for his contributions to music with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Traffic in 2004. It was a fitting acknowledgment of a career that, while sometimes understated, played a significant role in shaping modern rock.
Dave Mason is remembered as a craftsman of song, a musician’s musician whose work bridged genres and eras with quiet confidence and enduring appeal. He leaves behind a catalogue of music that continues to inspire and connect, a testament to a life devoted to the art of song.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips had the pleasure of chatting with Dave Mason via a zoom call in 2020 during the covid lockdowns.The interview was organised in recognition of the 50th anniversary of his first solo album, which he re-released, re-imagined and re-titled ‘Alone Together… Again’.Greg and Dave discussed the album, his gear and his work on classic rock songs such as Hole In My Shoe with Traffic, All Along The Watchtower with Hendrix and Sympathy For The Devil with the Rolling Stones.
Vale Dave Mason.