Traffic Co-Founder Dave Mason Dead at 79

Dave Mason , the British singer and guitarist who co-founded the rock band Traffic , died peacefully on Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada . He was 79 . Officials said Mason had been living in the United States since 1969 , building a long career that spanned band work, solo releases, and high-profile collaborations.

Born in Worcestershire in 1946 , Mason helped form Traffic alongside Steve Winwood , Jim Capaldi , and Chris Wood . The company of musicians quickly became associated with late-1960s rock, and Mason was credited with shaping the group’s early direction through both songwriting and performance. Among the best-known songs linked to his time in the band were "Hole in My Shoe" and "Feelin' Alright?" .

Traffic’s early commercial momentum included a major UK chart result: "Hole in My Shoe" reached No. 2 in the UK in 1967 , according to the source material. Mason’s relationship with the band was not continuous, with intermittent exits and returns. The source material attributes those shifts to creative differences and Mason’s preference for pursuing independent songwriting.

After his final departure from Traffic, Mason focused on a solo path while also working with other major artists. The source material says he played acoustic guitar on Jimi Hendrix ’s "All Along the Watchtower" , and also contributed to The Rolling Stones ’ "Street Fighting Man" . He was additionally credited with work connected to George Harrison ’s album "All Things Must Pass" , reflecting a network of collaborations that linked him to some of the most commercially influential acts of the era.

Mason released 15 studio albums. His 1977 album "Let It Flow" achieved platinum status and included the hit single "We Just Disagree" , the source material says. He continued touring for decades and retired in 2025 due to ill health. In 2024 , he published a memoir titled "Only You Know & I Know" .

For markets and rights-holders, Mason’s death may refocus attention on catalog management across recordings tied to Traffic and his solo work, as well as on credits connected to globally recognized artists. However, the source material does not provide details on estate arrangements, licensing plans, or any immediate commercial actions. What remains unclear is how his catalog and related rights will be administered following his death.