English singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Mason of the rock group Traffic poses for a portrait in 1968 in London, UK. (Photo by Chris Walter/Getty Images)
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Dave Mason, a founding member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Traffic and solo artist who recorded the hit up-tempo ballad “We Just Disagree,” has died.
Mason died on Sunday at his home in Gardnerville, Nev. He was 79.
Mason’s Facebook page announced the news of the musician’s death on Tuesday night: “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 beloved wife Winifred, he sat down to take a nap with sweet Star (the Maltese) at his feet. He passed away peacefully, in his favorite 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,” the statement added. “His legacy will be cherished forever.”
Mason, Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood founded Traffic in 1967. In 1968, Mason wrote and recorded for Traffic the feel-good tune “Feelin’ Alright?” which was covered by Joe Cocker — who dropped the question mark from the title — and became a song classic in 1968.
Mason left Traffic in 1969 to embark on his solo career. In 1977, he recorded “We Just Disagree,” penned by guitarist Jim Krueger, which became a top 10 hit.
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