Rock band Traffic co-founder Dave Mason dies at 79

Rock band Traffic co-founder Dave Mason dies at 7932 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleBBCDave Mason left Traffic in 1968 and released his debut solo album two years laterMusician Dave Mason, best known for co-founding rock band Traffic, has died at the age of 79.The guitarist and songwriter started the British group in 1967 alongside frontman Steve Winwood, drummer Jim Capaldi and flautist-turned-saxophonist Chris Wood.Mason, born in Worcester, appeared on the band's first two albums, Mr Fantasy and Traffic, and has been credited for writing some of its greatest hits, such as Hole In My Shoe.Mason had revealed he was undergoing treatment for a "serious heart condition" in 2024 and passed away peacefully on Sunday at home in Gardnerville, Nevada, a post on his official Instagram page said.The post, which was followed by tributes from friends and fans, stated he died after "cooking an amazing dinner with his beloved wife Winifred". It added: "He leaves a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives and the hearts he has lifted. His legacy will be cherished forever."The musician wrote the band's hit Feelin' Alright? - re-recorded by stars including Joe Cocker and the Jackson 5.In 1968, Mason left Traffic, which was later inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.He released, in 1970, his debut solo album Alone Together, which contained some of his most highly regarded songs such as Sad And Deep As You and Look At You, Look At Me.Scott Dudelson/Getty ImagesMason cancelled 2025 tour dates because of "ongoing health issues"US songwriter Stephen Bishop, known for hits including On And On and It Might Be You, said on Instagram he had done a show with his friend in the early 1970s and remembered "how incredibly talented he was"."I was always a fan of his early work with Traffic. I especially love his song Only You Know And I Know. "We stayed in touch through the years, and...