Dave Mason, the co-founding guitarist and singer for Traffic who wrote “Feelin’ Alright?” and later had a solo hit with ‘We Just Disagree’, has died. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer was 79.
The English musician died in his home on Sunday, April 19, with no cause of death revealed.
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason,” read the statement from his rep. “On Sunday, April 19, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, celebrated songwriter, musician, singer, and author, passed away peacefully at his home in Gardnerville, NV.”
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The statement ended saying, “Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved.”
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On Mason’s Instagram account, it was reported that Mason died “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,” the statement continued. “He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever.”
Born on May 10, 1946, in Worcester, Mason was one of the founders of Traffic in the 1960s and played on the group’s debut LP Dear Mr. Fantasy, which went Top 20 in the UK. He left the group shortly after its release but would rejoin a few times over the years, including a 2004 reunion.
He also had a successful solo career after leaving the group. Along with 1977’s “We Just Disagree,” his best-known solo songs include “Only You Know and I Know” and the Phoebe Snow duet “Dreams I Dream.” He had three gold albums in the U.S. with Alone Together (1970), Dave Mason (1974) and Mariposa de Oro (1978), the latter two on Columbia Records.
In 2024, Mason canceled his Traffic Jam Tour due to “a serious heart condition” and was advised by his doctors against all tour activity. He announced last year that he would retire from touring, citing “ongoing health challenges.”
Mason is survived by his beloved wife and partner, Winifred Wilson, his daughter Danielle, nephew John (Trish) Leonard, and niece Michelle Leonard, as well as his brothers-in-law Sloan (Claudia) Wilson and Walton (Barbara Sims) Wilson. He was preceded in death by his son, True, and his sister, Valerie Leonard.
One of the greatest and a personalfavorite, Daves solo stuff and Traffic fill my home most allways. Today will be spent reflecting, listening, getting the mind right and just generally trying to be Felling Alright. RIP. This feels like a friend has left.
An old pirate for sure. Music icon too! RIP