Dave Mason, Co-founder of the Band Traffic and Solo Artist—Gone
quote:
Dave Mason, co-founder of the British rock band Traffic, has died. He was 79.
"It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason," a statement on the musician's official Instagram read. "On Sunday, April 19, 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. He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever."
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April 22, 2026, 10:41 AM
Belwolf
Saw this earlier today. Very talented musician. His career saw a lot of hopping around. Guess he can jam with Jimi again.
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April 22, 2026, 11:19 AM
6guns
I was very sorry to hear this.
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April 22, 2026, 11:45 AM
nhtagmember
sad news
I really enjoyed his music over the years
April 22, 2026, 04:24 PM
SigSentry
Thanks for posting. I saw it mentioned last night in the chat watching Collect CO. YouTube auction (addicting to watch). I have several LPs of his. Actually read his Wiki last night, left Traffic and returned like a dozen times it seems. Will spin some Dave in his honor.
April 22, 2026, 06:01 PM
6guns
As Belwolf mentioned, he played on a LOT of recordings and probably a bunch we don't even know about.
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April 24, 2026, 07:19 AM
0-0
Just listened to a live album a few days ago, A shade of Blues (2025). Very enjoyable and brought me back a few decades.
Liked Traffic a lot.
0-0
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April 24, 2026, 10:10 PM
2012BOSS302
I liked Traffic's Feelin' Alright (written by Dave). And I think the best covers of it are the Grand Funk Railroad and Joe Cocker versions.
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April 25, 2026, 07:50 AM
6guns
quote:
Joe Cocker version
Yeah, I actually think Cocker's version is the best...better than the original.
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April 25, 2026, 11:07 AM
hberttmank
I didn't follow his solo music much but a big fan of Traffic. It seems like every month we lose a musical / film great from my youth.
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April 25, 2026, 11:35 AM
bald1
His Headkeeper LP has always been a favorite of mine.
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April 25, 2026, 03:36 PM
oddball
Similar to hberttmank, I did not follow Dave Mason too closely, did not own any of his albums, but did buy some of his 45rpm singles, "Only You Know, I Know" is one I remember owning. Even though he wasn't a household name like The Who, Bowie, Led Zeppelin, etc, Mason got a lot of radio airplay, how I primarily heard his music. Plus the guy played with EVERYONE, from Hendrix, Clapton, The Stones, etc.
Including the next guy, someone who Mason met in a recording studio in the early 80s, and asked him to sing background vocals. And apparently the guy knew of Mason's music, he used to cover Feeling Alright. Same producer who made Boz Scaggs Silk Degrees.
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