Dave Mason, Traffic Co-Founder and ‘Feelin’ Alright’ Writer, Dies at 79

Dave Mason, the esteemed guitarist and singer-songwriter best known for co-founding the iconic rock band Traffic, has passed away at the age of 79. His family confirmed the news on April 19, stating that he died peacefully at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada.

Mason’s contributions to music have left an indelible mark. As a founding member of Traffic in 1967, he was responsible for penning two of the band’s most beloved tracks: “Feelin’ Alright?” and “Hole in My Shoe.” His family expressed their sorrow, emphasising his love for music and the people in his life. “Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved,” they stated. He is survived by his wife Winifred Wilson, his daughter Danielle, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Shedding light on Mason’s early life, he was born and raised in Worcester, England. In 2004, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Traffic’s founding members. The band, which originated in the Midlands during the thriving music scene of the 1960s, initially included Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood alongside Mason.

Mason’s songwriting prowess was evident from the outset; “Feelin’ Alright?”, written in 1968, became a staple of rock music and has been covered by various artists, notably Joe Cocker. His earlier composition, “Hole in My Shoe,” released in 1967, marked Traffic’s rise in the UK music scene. His unique guitar style contributed significantly to the band’s distinctive blend of blues and psychedelia. Although he departed from Traffic shortly after their first album, he would reunite with the group on occasions in 1971 and again in 2004.

Beyond his pivotal role in Traffic, Mason’s career included collaborations with several legendary musicians. He worked alongside the likes of the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and George Harrison, further establishing his reputation in the industry. He toured with Eric Clapton, contributing to the hit “Only You Know and I Know,” and released his own successful solo track, “We Just Disagree,” in 1977.

Mason continued to produce solo work throughout his career, with his most recent album, “A Shade Of Blues,” released in 2023. His versatility was evident during the 1990s when he joined Fleetwood Mac for the recording of the band’s album “Time,” which marked a significant shift in the band’s lineup following Lindsey Buckingham’s departure.

However, his recent health struggles had led to the postponement of his upcoming tours in 2024 and 2025. Mason had been bravely battling a severe infection since March 2024, which had taken a toll on his ability to perform.

Reflecting on his career in a 2019 interview, Mason fondly recalled the moment he witnessed Jimi Hendrix record a cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” for the celebrated album “Electric Ladyland.” “I suppose if I have to choose one moment, it would be sitting across from Hendrix… and laying down the track for ‘All Along The Watchtower’,” he recalled, highlighting the significance of that experience in his musical journey.

Mason was known not only for his musical talent but also for his somewhat unassuming nature. Despite his many accolades and collaborations with rock royalty, he preferred to shy away from the limelight. In a 2020 interview, he expressed his discomfort with celebrity status, stating, “I never wanted to be [a rock star]. I just wanted to write great music, make some money and have fun. And when I was younger, meet girls.”

Dave Mason’s legacy as a pioneer of rock music and his influence on subsequent generations of musicians will undoubtedly endure. His remarkable career, characterised by creativity and collaborations with some of the greatest artists in history, has solidified his place in the annals of music history. As fans and fellow musicians mourn his passing, they also celebrate the profound impact he had on the world of music.