Dave Mason, co-founder of Traffic known for 'We Just Disagree' and 'Feelin’
Alright,' dies at 79
[April 23, 2026]
By MARIA SHERMAN
NEW YORK (AP) — Dave Mason — the co-founder of the psychedelic British
band Traffic, songwriter behind classic rock hits “Feelin’ Alright” and
“Hole in My Shoe," and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer — died Sunday at his
home in Gardnerville, Nevada. He was 79.
His death was confirmed by Mason's publicist Melissa Dragich. A cause
was not immediately revealed. He had canceled his remaining tour dates
last summer and announced his retirement months later, citing health
issues stemming from an infection for “closing the curtain on 60
remarkable years of rock n’ roll.”
Mason was born May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England, and founded Traffic
in 1967 with singer/multi-instrumentalist Steve Winwood, drummer Jim
Capaldi and keyboardist/saxophonist Chris Wood. The psychedelic band
became celebrated for its pioneering and inventive spirit, along with
Mason's songwriting and intricate guitar solos.
Mason wrote and performed many of Traffic's biggest singles. And even
though “Feelin' Alright?” was not an immediate hit, it became one
thereafter, covered by the likes of Joe Cocker, the Jackson 5, Gladys
Knight, Paul Weller and Grand Funk Railroad.
Mason's relationship with the band was tenuous; he left and returned
multiple times. In 1969, he launched a solo career that resulted in
three albums certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of
America (1970’s “Alone Together,” which produced his hit "Only You Know
and I Know," 1974’s “Dave Mason” and 1978’s “Mariposa de Oro”) as well
as one platinum title: 1977’s “Let It Flow.”
In addition, Mason played on a number of all-star sessions, The Rolling
Stones’ “Beggars Banquet,” George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass,”
Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Venus and Mars" and Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric
Ladyland” among them.
[to top of second column]
|
Dave Mason performs at City Winery in Chicago on Feb. 21, 2023.
(Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP)
 Mason was inducted into the Rock &
Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 for his work with Traffic. His old
bandmate shared a tribute to him Wednesday.
“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," Winwood wrote on Instagram. "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,” Winwood wrote.
Survivors include his wife Winifred Wilson, daughter Danielle,
nephew John Leonard, niece Michelle Leonard and his brothers in law,
Sloan Wilson and Walton Wilson.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
