Dave Mason, co-founder of Traffic who wrote ‘Feelin’ Alright?,’ dies at 79

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Dave Mason, a key member of the British rock band Traffic and the songwriter behind hits like “Feelin’ Alright?” and “Hole in My Shoe,” has passed away at the age of 79.

The singer and guitarist passed away at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada, on Sunday, according to his publicist. The cause of death has not been released.

Musician [Mason] passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19th, after enjoying a lovely dinner with his wife, Winifred. According to a post on his Instagram page, he was napping in his favorite chair with his dog, Star, at his feet, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Carson Valley. The post described it as a peaceful and fitting end to a life lived on his own terms.

The tribute ended by saying he deeply touched the music we listen to and the people he inspired, and that he’ll be remembered fondly always.

Music

Dave Mason is one of the evergreens of rock.

Mason had to cancel his 2024 tour after a check-up revealed a serious heart problem that needed immediate treatment. Doctors expected him to fully recover. Later, he announced he would retire from touring in 2025 due to continuing health issues.

Born on May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England, Mason became part of the band Traffic in 1967. He joined forces with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood to create a unique psychedelic sound that mixed rock, blues, R&B, and jazz influences – and instruments – together.

Though he was honored with a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2004 for his contributions to the band Traffic, Mason had a complicated relationship with the group.

In a 1995 interview with The Times, Mason reflected on the band’s early success, saying, ‘We created some great music.’ He explained that being so young – he was only 19 when he wrote their first hit song in England, ‘Hole in My Shoe’ – made it difficult to cope with the sudden fame. ‘It was simply overwhelming,’ he said.

He said that after initially leaving the band, they asked him to rejoin because they didn’t have enough material for a second album. He had already written five or six songs, including the now-famous “Feelin’ Alright?” which has become a classic rock standard and been covered by artists like Joe Cocker, Huey Lewis, the Jackson 5, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Grand Funk Railroad.

According to Nick Mason, Steve Winwood wasn’t a fan of his musical contributions. Mason believes their contrasting styles actually improved the music, but ultimately, the tension was too much for them to continue working together, and he ended up having to leave the project.

Music

File Dave Mason under “What Ever Happened to . . . ?”

After leaving Traffic, Dave Mason released several successful solo albums. His first, “Alone Together” in 1970, went gold and included popular songs like “Only You Know and I Know” and “Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave.” He continued to release hit albums, with “Dave Mason” (1974) and “Mariposa de Oro” (1978) both achieving gold status, and “Let It Flow” (1977) going platinum.

He shared the stage with many famous musicians, including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, Joe Cocker’s band, and Fleetwood Mac.

Winwood shared a tribute to his bandmate on Wednesday on Instagram.

The photo’s caption highlighted Dave’s significant contribution to the band Traffic in its early days. It explained that his songwriting, musical talent, and unique personality were key to creating music that remains popular and meaningful to people worldwide.

Winwood shared that those years are still a cherished chapter in the band’s history, and Dave’s impact on them hasn’t been lost. He emphasized that Dave’s role will always be a part of their story, and his spirit lives on through their music.

Mason is remembered by his wife, Winifred Wilson, his daughter Danielle, nephew John Leonard, niece Michelle Leonard, and his brothers-in-law, Sloan and Walton Wilson.

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2026-04-22 23:34