British rock legend Dave Mason, best known as a classic member of Traffic, a one-time member of Fleetwood Mac, and a prolific solo artist, died Sunday at the age of 79.
A statement from the musician’s publicist reads, “On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason. 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.”
It continues, “He 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. Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved.”
Mason’s musical legacy is vast and begins with his work as a co-founding member of Traffic. He wrote and recorded multiple songs on the group’s 1967 debut Mr. Fantasy and 1968 self-titled follow-up, sharing vocal duties with Steve Winwood. During his off-and-on time in the band, he wrote and sang lead on such hits as “Feelin’ Alright” and “Hole in My Shoe.”
Buy Dave Mason Albums on Vinyl and CD
Mason also provided notable session work around this time, including a credit on the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s Electric Ladyland, on which he played 12-string guitar on “All Along the Watchtower.”
He also played the South Asian instrument shehnai on the Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man”; guitar on Paul McCartney’s “Listen To What the Man Said”; and electric and acoustic guitars on the George Harrison album All Things Must Pass.
After a couple of exits from Traffic, Mason briefly rejoined the band for the acclaimed 1971 live album Welcome to the Canteen. That same year, he moved to the US — the Ojai Valley in California — to pursue his solo career. Mason’s solo material was reflective of the softer folk-rock sound of the nearby Laurel Canyon scene, and he went on to release over 10 studio albums throughout the ’70s and ’80s.
Mason’s solo work slowed after he joined Fleetwood Mac in 1993, recording one album with the band (1995’s Time) before departing the group shortly after. He released the occasional solo LP in the years since, the most recent being a blues-rock offering, A Shade of Blues, in March 2025.
In his latter years, Mason also became known for his commitment to touring, often performing over 100 shows a year.
This past September, it was announced that Mason had retired from touring due to ongoing health issues. A year earlier, he had canceled a tour as the result of a “serious heart condition.”
Mason, along with his onetime Traffic bandmates, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
Our condolences go out to Dave Mason’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. Revisit his music in Traffic, as a solo artist, and with Fleetwood Mac (singing lead on “Blow by Blow”) in the players below.
