Dave Mason – Co-Founder Of The Band Traffic – Dies At 79

April 22, 2026 1:48 pm

NEW YORK (AP) — Dave Mason, co-founder of the psychedelic British band Traffic and songwriter behind “Feelin’ Alright” and “Hole in My Shoe,” died Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada. He was 79. A cause was not immediately revealed. Mason canceled his remaining tour dates last summer, citing health issues stemming from an infection. Mason was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 for classics including “Feelin’ Alright?” which he co-wrote with Traffic frontman Steve Winwood. It wasn’t an immediate hit, but became one after it was covered by the likes of Joe Cocker, the Jackson 5, Gladys Knight & the Pips and Grand Funk Railroad.