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Dave Mason, Traffic Co‑Founder and Classic Rock Icon, Dead at 79

Apr 22, 2026 | 8:24 AM

Dave Mason, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as a founding member of the legendary band Traffic, has died at the age of 79.

Mason was a key creative force behind Traffic’s late-’60s sound, contributing vocals, guitar work, and songwriting to some of the band’s most remembered material. He wrote the classic “Feelin’ Alright,” which went on to become a standard after being covered by artists including Joe Cocker. Despite an on‑again, off‑again relationship with the band, Mason’s influence on Traffic’s legacy remains undeniable.

Dave Mason, the Traffic guitarist who wrote the classic rock standard “Feelin’ Alright?” and jammed with The Rolling Stones, George Harrison, and Jimi Hendrix, has died at age 79https://t.co/B6yYUqEACo

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) April 22, 2026

Outside of Traffic, Mason built a successful solo career, scoring a major hit in 1977 with “We Just Disagree,” which became one of the defining soft‑rock songs of the era. He also released several well‑regarded albums and remained an active touring musician for decades.