Dave Mason, co-founder of Traffic and singer, songwriter, and guitarist, has died.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee was 79 years old.
Mason’s Death Announced
Mason’s death was confirmed to news outlets through a spokesperson.
A statement to People stated, “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason. Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and people he loved. [The] Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, celebrated songwriter, musician, singer and author passed away peacefully at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada.”
Dave Mason passed away on April 19th, though his cause of death is unknown at this time. He is survived by his wife, Winifred Wilson, daughter Danielle, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, True, and his sister, Valerie Leonard.
Past Health Issues
Mason appeared in headlines in recent years for “ongoing health concerns.”
In 2024, he had a “severe infection” that he was still “courageously battling” into 2025. He was forced to cancel all his tour dates in 2025 because of the issues.
He wrote in a statement in 2025, “I’m incredibly grateful to my team of doctors. This has been challenging territory, to say the least.”
He added on Instagram, “Recovery is a long road. My love for you all runs deep.”
Life in the Music Industry
Dave Mason is known for co-founding Traffic in 1967 alongside Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood. During his time with Traffic, he wrote two of their biggest hits, “Feelin’ Alright?” and “Hole in my Shoe.”
Mason left the band after the first album came out, but returned in 1971 and in 2004. The group was all inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
During his time away, Mason recorded as a solo artist and joined other groups, working with artists like Paul McCartney, George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Fleetwood Mac, etc.
Philanthropy Efforts
Along with being in the music industry, Mason was a part of several philanthropic efforts.
He was an official supporter of Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit providing free musical instruments and lessons to public school children.
He also was a founding board member of Yoga Blue, dedicated to teaching yoga and other holistic practices to those recovering from substance abuse.
Finally, he founded Rock Our Vets, a charity that provides food and clothing to homeless veterans, computers to those continuing their education, and a suicide prevention program.
“Wanted to Write Great Music”
While Mason was constantly in the spotlight, it wasn’t his true goal.
In an interview with Rock Cellar in 2020, the singer revealed he didn’t “like standing up there in front of the spotlight” and often felt “very uncomfortable.”
He added, “I’m not a rock star, let’s put it that way. I never wanted to be. I just wanted to write great music, make some money and have fun. And when I was younger, meet girls.”