Rock legend Dave Mason, co-founder of Traffic, passes at 79
OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
11:31 AM – Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Dave Mason, the virtuosic guitarist and prolific singer-songwriter who co-founded the British rock band Traffic and crafted a celebrated solo career, has passed away at the age of 79.
A representative for the family confirmed on Tuesday night that Mason died peacefully on Sunday, at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada.
According to a poignant statement shared via his official channels, Mason passed away in his favorite chair alongside his dog, following a quiet evening at home with his wife, Winifred, marking what his family described as a “storybook ending” to a life defined by musical restlessness and creative brilliance.
Born in Worcester, England, in 1946, Mason’s professional journey reached international heights in 1967 when he teamed with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood to form Traffic. His contributions to the group’s early catalog — most notably the psychedelic whimsy of “Hole in My Shoe” and the soulful classic “Feelin’ Alright?” — helped define the eclectic, genre-blurring sound of the late 1960s.
Despite the commercial success, Mason’s tenure with Traffic was famously tumultuous. His pop-oriented leanings often clashed with the band’s more improvisational jazz-rock leanings, leading to a series of departures and reunions. Nevertheless, his impact remained unforgettable, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the group back in 2004.
Beyond Traffic, Mason established himself as one of the most sought-after session musicians and collaborators in rock history. His 12-string acoustic guitar provides the backbone for Jimi Hendrix’s legendary cover of “All Along the Watchtower,” and he also lent his talents to the Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man” and George Harrison’s landmark triple album, “All Things Must Pass.”
Additionally, Mason enjoyed a stint as a member of Fleetwood Mac in the mid-1990s and briefly joined Eric Clapton’s then-band Derek and the Dominos. His solo career reached its zenith in 1977 with the platinum-selling album “Let It Flow,” which featured the melancholic, harmony-rich hit “We Just Disagree,” a staple of FM radio that showcased his mature, melodic craftsmanship.
In his later years, Mason remained a devoted “road dog,” touring extensively and releasing his final studio album,“A Shade of Blues,” in 2025. He also published his memoir, “Only You Know & I Know,” the year before in 2024, offering a deeper look into his life behind the scenes of rock’s golden age.
While a serious heart condition and subsequent infections forced his retirement from the stage in late 2025, he continued to engage with his fans until the end. He is survived by his wife, Winifred Wilson, and his daughter, Danielle.
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