Traffic founder Dave Mason dies aged 79
His family have released a statement
Traffic co-founder and esteemed solo musician Dave Mason has sadly died aged 79.
A statement from the English rock musician’s family reads: "It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason.
"On Sunday, April 19, after cooking an amazing dinner with his wife Winifred, he sat down to take a nap with his beloved Star (the maltese) at his feet. He passed away peacefully, in his favourite chair, surrounded by the beautiful Carson Valley that he loved so much. A storybook ending. On his own terms. Which is how he lived his life right up until the end.
"He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever."
Born in Worcester on 10th May 1946, Mason co-founded Traffic with Jim Capaldi, Steve Winwood and Chris Wood in 1967.
During his disjointed and fleeting tenure with the Birmingham band he played guitar, sitar, bass, harmonica and sang lead vocals on two of their biggest hits, ‘Hole in My Shoe’ and ‘Feelin' Alright?’
He was a pivotal member of Traffic on the band’s successful first two albums ‘Mr. Fantasy’ and ‘Traffic’ in the late 60s, with some of his playing appearing on 1969’s ‘Last Exit’.
A prolific session musician, Mason played acoustic guitar on Jimi Hendrix’s ‘All Along the Watchtower’ and shehnai and bass drum on The Rolling Stones’ ‘Street Fighting Man’.
In 1970, he played guitar on multiple tracks on George Harrison’s third solo album ‘All Things Must Pass’, and he also performed with the likes of Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Wings, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Steve Winwood, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney & Bonnie, Leon Russell, and Cass Elliot.
Mason also enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing 15 studio albums, nine of which were hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
As a member of Traffic, Dave Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.