RIP Dave Mason (79), May 10, 1946 - April 19, 2026

[Astronuc]

Dave Mason, co-founder of Traffic known for ‘We Just Disagree’ and ‘Feelin’ Alright,’ dies at 79

NEW YORK (AP) — Dave Mason — the co-founder of the psychedelic British band Traffic, songwriter behind classic rock hits “Feelin’ Alright” and “Hole in My Shoe,” and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer — died Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada. He was 79.

https://apnews.com/article/dave-mason-dead-obit-traffic-rock-244eb6fd1ca3a213db899b196e8538c2

His death was confirmed by Mason’s publicist Melissa Dragich. A cause was not immediately revealed. He had canceled his remaining tour dates last summer and announced his retirement months later, citing health issues stemming from an infection for “closing the curtain on 60 remarkable years of rock n’ roll.”

Mason was born May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England, and founded Traffic in 1967 with singer/multi-instrumentalist Steve Winwood, drummer Jim Capaldi and keyboardist/saxophonist Chris Wood. The psychedelic band became celebrated for its pioneering and inventive spirit, along with Mason’s songwriting and intricate guitar solos.

Mason wrote and performed many of Traffic’s biggest singles. And even though “Feelin’ Alright?” was not an immediate hit, it became one thereafter, covered by the likes of Joe Cocker, the Jackson 5, Gladys Knight, Paul Weller and Grand Funk Railroad.

Dave Mason - We Just Disagree



Joe Cocker - Feelin' Alright (lyrics by Dave Mason), I remember this version which played often on Rock stations and eventually Classic Rock station

Mason’s relationship with Traffic was tenuous; he left and returned multiple times. In 1969, he launched a solo career that resulted in three albums certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (1970’s “Alone Together,” which produced his hit “Only You Know and I Know,” 1974’s “Dave Mason” and 1978’s “Mariposa de Oro”) as well as one platinum title: 1977’s “Let It Flow.”

Rolling Stone - Dave Mason, Traffic Co-Founder Who Penned ‘Feelin’ Alright?,’ Dead at 79
“Only You Know and I Know” singer jammed with the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and George Harrison
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dave-mason-traffic-dead-obituary-1235459696/

Forbes - Dave Mason, ‘We Just Disagree’ Singer And Traffic Co-Founder, Dies At 79
https://www.forbes.com/sites/timlam...ree-singer-and-traffic-co-founder-dies-at-79/

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y9en3182wo