By Jem Aswad & Chris Willman, Variety | Dave Mason, solo artist, a founding member of the band Traffic, writer of the classic rock songs “Feelin’ Alright” and “Hole in My Shoe” and sideman to the Rolling Stones, George Harrison and Jimi Hendrix, has died, according to an announcement from his publicist. He was 79.
Mason was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the other original members of Traffic in 2004. In the 1970s he enjoyed solo hits with “Only You Know and I Know” and “We Just Disagree,” and over the years he also performed or recorded with David Crosby, Graham Nash, Michael Jackson, Cass Elliot, Leon Russell and others.
A fiery guitarist and strong songwriter and singer, Mason first rose to prominence as a member of Traffic, the psychedelic-era band fronted by Steve Winwood. While he wrote some of the band’s biggest hits — notably “Hole in My Shoe” (which reached No. 2 on the British singles charts and was later covered in a novelty version by the comedy troupe the Young Ones) and the song “Feelin’ Alright,” later definitively covered by Joe Cocker — he had an on-off relationship with the band, although he contributed heavily to their first two albums, 1967’s psychedelic classic “Mr. Fantasy,” and the self-titled sophomore effort.
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Mason’s health issues became known in 2024 when he canceled his tour for the following year, citing unspecified challenges.
Mason is survived by his wife, Winifred Wilson, and his daughter, Danielle. He was preceded in death by his son, True, and his sister, Valerie Leonard.
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Go here to read more of Mr. Mason’s extensive biography:
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/dave-mason-rock-roll-hall-022410645.html
