Dave Mason, Rock Hall legend and Traffic co-founder, dies at 79
Dave Mason, Rock Hall legend and Traffic co-founder, dies at 79
Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAYWed, April 22, 2026 at 2:53 AM UTC
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Dave Mason, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and founding member of ‘60s prog-rock band Traffic, has died.
A spokesperson for Mason confirmed to USA TODAY he died April 19 at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada. He was 79.
“Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved,” read the statement.
In 2025, Mason canceled all of his tour dates following serious health issues.
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“Recovery is a long road. My love for you all runs deep,” Mason wrote on Instagram at the time.
Dave Mason, founding member of the band Traffic and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, died April 19, 2026 at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada.
In addition to his guitar work with Traffic, Mason is regarded for playing with Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney and the Rolling Stones as well as writing the soulful “Feelin’ Alright?,” which Joe Cocker popularized with a finger-snapping version in 1969. Mason’s solo work includes the 1977 hit ballad “We Just Disagree.”
Mason is survived by his wife and partner, Winifred Wilson, 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.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dave Mason dies. Rock Hall legend and Traffic co-founder was 79.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
