English singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Mason of the rock group Traffic poses for a portrait in 1968 in London, UK. (Photo by Chris Walter/Getty Images)

Traffic Co-Founder Dave Mason Dies at 79

By Emily Morenz Apr 23, 2026 | 8:14 AM

Photo by Getty Images

Singer/songwriter/guitarist David Mason passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday. He was 79.

Mason co-founded the British rock band Traffic in 1967 with Steve Linwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood. Mason wrote and sang lead on two of Traffic’s biggest hits Feelin Alright? and Hole In My Shoe. By the 1970s, Mason left Traffic and embarked upon a successful solo career with hits including Only You Know And I Know and We Just Disagree. He also recorded with many other well-known artists including Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, David Crosby, and Graham Nash. Mason even joined and toured with Fleetwood Mac for a brief period in the 1990s.

“After cooking an amazing dinner with his beloved wife Winifred, [Mason] sat down to take a nap with sweet Star (the maltese) at his feet,” a post read on Mason’s Facebook announcing his passing. “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.”

Thank you Dave Mason for the music. You’ll be so missed.

Traffic Co-Founder Dave Mason Dies at 79

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