Traffic Co-Founder Dave Mason Dies at 79

Dave Mason, one of the most enduring figures of the late 60s rock era, passed away at 79.

The following was posted on his social media page.

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.

Mason first made his mark as a founding member of Traffic alongside Steve Winwood, where his songwriting brought a lighter, more melodic counterbalance to the band’s jazzier, more experimental leanings. Mason’s biggest early contribution is probably “Feelin’ Alright,” a song that became far bigger than its original version thanks to covers by Joe Cocker and others.

After leaving Traffic for good, Dave Mason settled into a solo career that leaned hard into his strengths: warm songwriting, understated guitar work, and a relaxed, rootsy blend of rock, folk, and soul.

His first real post-Traffic statement, Alone Together captured that early-’70s California vibe—acoustic textures, loose grooves, and a sense that nothing is being forced. Songs like “Only You Know and I Know” showed he could write material that felt both intimate and radio-ready without losing its personality. Through the ’70s, Mason became a steady presence rather than a trend-chaser. Albums like Headkeeper and Let It Flow kept refining that sound. “We Just Disagree” from Let It Flow ended up being his biggest solo hit

Mason talked to Glide in 2020- reread the interview here