Dave Mason, Traffic Founder and Rock Legend Who Wrote “Feelin’ Alright” and Played with Hendrix, Harrison, and Stones, Dies at 80

Dave Mason, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and founding member of the progressive rock band Traffic, has died at the age of 79. A spokesperson for Mason confirmed to USA TODAY that he passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada.

“Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved,” read a statement released by his representatives following his death.

Mason had been managing ongoing health challenges in recent years. In 2024, he postponed a tour after a serious heart condition was identified during a routine medical examination. The following year, he canceled all tour dates as his health issues persisted, sharing on Instagram at the time that “Recovery is a long road. My love for you all runs deep.”

Born on May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England, Mason moved to California in 1969. He first gained prominence in 1967 as a founding member of Traffic, with whom he achieved early success in the United Kingdom through singles such as “Paper Sun,” “Hole in My Shoe,” and “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.” His composition “Feelin’ Alright?”, though initially a modest chart success, would later become a cornerstone of classic rock, especially after Joe Cocker’s widely recognized 1969 rendition.

Beyond his work with Traffic, Mason enjoyed a prolific career as a solo artist and in-demand collaborator. His 1977 solo single “We Just Disagree” became a staple of American adult contemporary and classic hits radio. He also wrote and performed on “Only You Know and I Know,” which became a signature song for Delaney & Bonnie.

Throughout his career, Mason performed and recorded with some of the most influential figures in rock history, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, and Steve Winwood. Reflecting on his extensive network of collaborations, he once told USA TODAY in a 2024 interview, “I’m kind of the Forrest Gump of rock.”

In March 2025, Mason released his 21st studio album, “A Shade of Blues,” which featured guest appearances by Michael McDonald and Joe Bonamassa. The album arrived amid ongoing reflections on his legacy, which had been formally recognized in 2004 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

That same year, Mason launched an electric guitar company with business partner and industrial designer Ravi Sawhney, extending his influence beyond performance into instrument design and manufacturing.

Mason is survived by his family, though specific details about survivors have not been made public. No official cause of death has been released.