Dave Mason, Rock Hall of Famer and Traffic Co-Founder, Dies at 79

Dave Mason, the celebrated singer, songwriter and musician who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a co-founder of the band Traffic, died Sunday, April 19. He was 79.

"It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dave Mason," his publicists said in a statement on behalf of his family. The statement described Mason as having "lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved."

Born in 1946 in England, Mason rose to prominence with Traffic, contributing writing credits and lead vocals on songs such as "Hole in My Shoe" and "Feelin' Alright?" He launched a solo career in 1970 with the album "Alone Together," which peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard 200 and included the Hot 100 hit "Only You Know and I Know." Mason had four singles reach the Billboard national chart during his career.

Mason was known for his extensive collaborations, working with artists including George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Michael Jackson. His acoustic guitar work appears on Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower," and he contributed to Harrison's post-Beatles album "All Things Must Pass."

Traffic disbanded in 1974 after releasing 11 albums, four of which reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200. The band reunited for a tour in 1993 and 1994. Mason also toured with Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi in 1998.

In 2004, Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Traffic. That year's class also included Prince, ZZ Top, Jackson Browne and Bob Seger. Bandmates Jim Capaldi and Steve Winwood performed "Dear Mr. Fantasy" at the ceremony. Capaldi died in 2005 after a brief battle with stomach cancer. He was 60.

According to representatives, Mason died peacefully at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada.

Mason is survived by his wife, Winifred Wilson; his daughter, Danielle; nephew John Leonard and his wife, Trish; niece Michelle Leonard; and brothers-in-law Sloan Wilson and his wife, Claudia, and Walton Wilson and his partner, Barbara Sims. He was preceded in death by his son, True, and his sister, Valerie Leonard.