Rock N’ Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason, Writer of “Feelin’ Alright” and “We Just Disagree” Passes at 79

Dave Mason was in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame band Traffic for a few years before entering a long solo career containing a brief stint with Fleetwood Mac.  He passed on April 19^th in Nevada.  Several sources saying he had a heart condition.  Mason had played hundreds of live shows over the years and was still active in the 2020s. 

Mason wrote perhaps Traffic’s most popular song, “Feelin’ Alright” which was later covered with much success by singer Joe Cocker. 

He played guitar and sang on several of his compositions with Traffic back in 1967 and 1968 on the albums ‘Mr. Fantasy’ and ‘Traffic’.  Mason’s single “Hole in My Shoe” hit #2 on the U.K. singles chart, Traffic’s best showing there, and recorded other psychedelic songs during the hippie era of rock.  He straightened out his sound to a more classic rock style for the remainder of his career with Traffic and when he went out solo in 1970. 

His first solo album, ‘Alone Together’, was also his best solo album, issued in 1970, and it displayed his songwriting and guitar playing talents.  For a year with many rock classics, ‘Alone Together’ stands up with the best.  Mason continued his career recording an album with Mama Cass from The Mamas and The Papas simply called ‘Dave Mason and Cass Elliot’ in 1971.  

Other strong albums from Mason were ‘It’s Like You Never Left’ from 1973 and ‘Let It Flow’ from 1977 which contained his biggest solo hit, “We Just Disagree”.  In 1980 he actually released a single with Michael Jackson hot off of his album ‘Off the Wall’ with the song “Save Me”. 

In the 1990s, he played briefly with Fleetwood Mac and then continued on with his solo career continuing to issue material and play live.  The family issued a statement:

“On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason. On Sunday, April 19, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, celebrated songwriter, musician, singer, and author passed away peacefully at his home in Gardnerville, NV.

He is survived by his beloved wife and partner, Winifred Wilson, his daughter Danielle, nephew John (Trish) Leonard and niece Michelle Leonard, as well as his brothers in law Sloan (Claudia) Wilson and Walton (Barbara Sims) Wilson. He was preceded in death by his son, True and his sister, Valerie Leonard. Dave Mason lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved.”

Steve Winwood shared his thoughts today on Dave Mason. They were the two lead singers in Traffic and last performed at the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in 2004 but never reunited otherwise after 1970.

“We were deeply saddened to hear of Dave Mason’s passing.

Dave was part of Traffic during its earliest chapter, and played an important role in shaping the band’s sound and identity during that time. His songwriting, musicianship and distinctive spirit helped create music that has lasted far beyond its era, and continues to mean so much to listeners around the world.

Those years remain a special part of the band’s story, and Dave’s contribution to them is not forgotten. His place in that history will always be remembered, and through the music, his presence endures.

At this sad time, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and all those who loved him and his music.” -SW