Dave Mason, the guitarist and songwriter who co-founded the influential rock group Traffic, has died at the age of 79.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee passed away peacefully on Sunday at his residence in Gardnerville, Nevada.
"On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason," a statement from his representatives confirmed.
"Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved."
Dave Mason has died at 79
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No cause of death has been disclosed. The Worcester-born musician leaves behind his wife and partner Winifred Wilson, along with daughter Danielle, nephew John Leonard and niece Michelle Leonard.
His son True and sister Valerie Leonard predeceased him.
Mr Mason's enduring contribution to rock music centred on his composition Feelin' Alright? - penned for Traffic and later transformed into a classic by Joe Cocker's 1969 rendition.
The songwriter once reflected on the song's punctuation, stating: "I wrote that song 58 years ago and it's as current as it was when I wrote it.
Throughout his career, Dave Mason contributed to landmark recordings by some of rock's most celebrated artists
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"I have to thank Joe Cocker for that. The author is sometimes not the best interpreter of his work."
His solo career flourished in the 1970s, with Only You Know and I Know, reaching number two for Delaney & Bonnie & Friends before Mr Mason recorded his own version.
The 1977 ballad We Just Disagree, co-written with Jim Krueger, became his signature solo achievement, climbing to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and propelling his album Let It Flow to platinum status.
Throughout his career, Mr Mason contributed to landmark recordings by some of rock's most celebrated artists.
He played on Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland" album and George Harrison's acclaimed All Things Must Pass, whilst also making an appearance on the Rolling Stones' Street Fighting Man.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTSÂ
Dave Mason in 1980
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His session work extended to collaborations with Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Graham Nash and numerous others.
Perhaps the most unexpected chapter came in the mid-1990s when Mason joined Fleetwood Mac alongside Bekka Bramlett, daughter of his former collaborators Delaney & Bonnie.
The revised lineup, formed during Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks's absence, released the 1995 album Time and toured together.
The configuration proved unpopular with many devoted fans, and the classic lineup reunited two years later.
Dave Mason's health had been declining in recent years
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Mr Mason's health had been declining in recent years. In 2024, a serious heart condition was discovered during a routine medical examination, forcing him to postpone planned tour dates.
By 2025, he had cancelled all scheduled performances as his condition persisted. "Recovery is a long road. My love for you all runs deep," Mr Mason wrote on Instagram at the time.
The musician received one of rock's highest honours in 2004 when Traffic was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Dave Matthews presenting the award.
Born on May 10, 1946 in Worcester, Mr Mason relocated to California in 1969 and continued performing extensively until his health deteriorated, regularly undertaking around 100 shows annually with his Dave Mason Band.