Iconic guitarist and Rock Hall legend Dave Mason dies at 79, reports say

(Gray News) - Dave Mason, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of the prog-rock band Traffic, died at 79.

His family confirmed to USA Today that the legendary guitarist died Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada.

“Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and people he loved,” a statement from his family said.

Mason postponed his tour in 2024 after discovering a serious heart condition during a checkup. Rolling Stone reported that he retired from touring in 2025, canceling all his concert dates.

Mason’s long career started in 1967 with the band Traffic, which he founded with Jim Capalidi, Steve Winwood and Chris Wood. The band broke through with a trio of hits, “Paper Sun,” “Hole in My Shoe” and “Here We Go Around the Mulberry Bush.”

Following that success, Mason briefly left the group to release a solo single, “Little Woman,” and produced an album for the band The Family before returning to help write Traffic’s second album.

Mason wrote the album’s only single, “Feelin’ Alright?,” which was not a major hit for the band but was made famous by Joe Cocker’s cover in 1969. Following the release of the band’s second album, Mason was fired from the group.

During his career, Mason continued floating through different bands and music scenes. In 2024, in an interview with USA Today, he said, “I’m kind of the Forrest Gump of rock.”

He played with the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison and Paul McCartney. He played alongside Eric Clapton on tour with Delaney & Bonnie and Friends and joined Fleetwood Mac in the 1990s, appearing on their 1995 album, “Time.”

His solo work included “Only You Know and I Know” and the 1977 hit ballad “We Just Disagree.”

Mason was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

He is survived by his wife, Winifred, and his daughter, Danielle.