Musician Dave Mason Passes Away at 79

Dave Mason, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and co-founder of the band Traffic, has died at the age of 79. His family announced his passing which occurred at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada, on Sunday.

In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Mason’s family shared that he left us “after cooking a wonderful dinner with my beloved wife Winifred.” They detailed how he settled down for a nap with his dog, Star, resting at his feet. He reportedly passed away peacefully in his favorite chair, surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley, a place he loved. “A storybook ending. Of his own free will. That’s how he lived his life to the end,” they reflected.

A statement from Mason’s representative confirmed the news, noting his rise to fame in the 1960s with Traffic, and later success as a solo artist from the 1970s onward. His notable hits like “Feelin’ Alright?” became classics, frequently covered by various artists, alongside his solo tracks “Only You Know and I Know” and “We Just Disagree.”

Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, joining his fellow Traffic bandmates. Throughout his career, he collaborated with many famous musicians, contributing to projects like Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland.” He also worked with George Harrison on “All Things Must Pass,” played on Jim Capaldi’s hit “Oh How We Danced,” and even had a brief stint with Fleetwood Mac on their 1995 album.

“He left an eternal mark on the soundtrack of our lives and the sounds of the hearts he soared. His legacy will be cherished forever,” his family expressed in their touching tribute.

Mason is survived by his wife Winifred Wilson and their daughter Danielle. As of now, the cause of his death remains undisclosed.