British rocker Dave Mason, a co-founder of Traffic and the writer behind “Feelin’ Alright” and “Hole in My Shoe,” has died at 79. According to Fox News, a statement on his official Instagram said he died peacefully on April 19 at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada. The guitarist had stepped away from touring after health problems interrupted his later years, but his catalog stayed firmly in rotation. From psychedelic rock to radio staples and high-profile studio sessions, Mason built a career that stretched far beyond one band and left a deep mark on classic rock.
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Dave Mason Helped Build Traffic in 1967
Mason formed Traffic in 1967 alongside Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood, helping shape one of Britain’s most inventive rock groups. His songwriting and guitar playing were central to the band’s early sound, even as his relationship with the lineup shifted over time. He left and returned more than once, a sign of both creative tension and his importance to the group’s identity. Traffic’s music blended rock, folk, jazz and psychedelia in a way that stood apart from many of its peers, and Mason’s presence was a key part of that mix.
“Feelin’ Alright” Became a Lasting Rock Standard
His biggest songwriting triumph may be “Feelin’ Alright,” a track that grew into a rock standard after other artists picked it up. As reported by wral.com, the song was later recorded by Joe Cocker, the Jackson 5, Gladys Knight, Paul Weller and Grand Funk Railroad. Mason also launched a solo career in 1969 and found commercial success with albums including Alone Together, Dave Mason, Mariposa de Oro and Let It Flow. Beyond his own records, he played on major releases by The Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Jimi Hendrix.
Steve Winwood Pays Tribute to His Bandmate
After news of Mason’s death, fellow musician Steve Winwood shared a public tribute that placed his old bandmate firmly inside Traffic’s history. "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 told yahoo.com. He added that Mason’s songwriting, musicianship and spirit helped create music that still matters to listeners around the world. With Mason’s death, Winwood is now the only surviving member of the original Traffic lineup, giving the loss added weight for longtime fans of the group.
Retirement Followed Serious Health Challenges
Mason’s final years were shaped by health setbacks that eventually forced him off the road. He canceled tour dates in 2024 because of a serious heart condition, and later announced his retirement after ongoing medical issues. Even so, his body of work remained expansive and influential, covering band classics, solo hits and contributions to landmark albums by other stars. He is survived by his wife, Winifred Wilson, daughter Danielle and extended family. His passing brings sadness across the music world, but his recordings still offer the clearest measure of what he gave to rock music.
