Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
CastBox
PocketCasts
RSS
YouTubeEarly Life and Musical Beginnings
Born on May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England, Dave Mason’s passion for music ignited at a young age. As a self-taught guitarist, he began his musical journey in local bands like The Jaguars and The Hellions, where he crossed paths with drummer Jim Capaldi. These early collaborations laid the foundation for what would become a storied career in rock music.
Founding Traffic and Psychedelic Success
In 1967, Mason co-founded the rock band Traffic alongside Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Chris Wood. The band’s debut album, Mr. Fantasy, featured Mason’s composition “Hole in My Shoe,” which became a psychedelic anthem of the era. Despite the success, Mason’s tenure with Traffic was marked by brief stints; he left the band after the first album, rejoined for their self-titled second album in 1968, and departed again shortly thereafter. His songwriting style, often distinct from the collaborative approach of his bandmates, contributed to these intermittent departures
Session Work and Collaborations
Beyond Traffic, Mason’s guitar prowess led him to collaborate with some of the most iconic artists of the time. Notably, he played 12-string acoustic guitar on Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of “All Along the Watchtower” and contributed to the Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man.” His session work extended to projects with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, and Fleetwood Mac, showcasing his versatility across genres.
Solo Career and Chart Success
Embarking on a solo career in 1970, Mason released his debut album Alone Together, featuring the hit “Only You Know and I Know.” The album’s unique marble vinyl pressing became a collector’s item. In 1977, he achieved significant success with the single “We Just Disagree,” which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Mason continued to release albums and tour extensively, solidifying his status as a solo artist.
Later Years and Continued Influence
In the 1990s, Mason briefly joined Fleetwood Mac, contributing to their 1995 album Time and participating in the subsequent tour. His enduring influence was recognized in 2004 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of Traffic. Mason remained active in the music scene, releasing albums like 26 Letters 12 Notes in 2008 and Future’s Past in 2014.
In recent years, Mason continued to perform, including his “Traffic Jam” tour, which revisited classic Traffic material. However, in 2024, he announced the cancellation of his tour due to a serious heart condition requiring immediate medical attention. Mason expressed optimism about his recovery and plans to return to touring in 2025
Philanthropy and Legacy
Beyond his musical achievements, Dave is known for his philanthropic efforts. He supports music education for children through organizations like Little Kids Rock and founded Rock Our Vets, a charity aiding military veterans and families of fallen law enforcement officers.
Blues has been a part of Dave Mason’s music and guitar-playing from the very beginning of his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame career as an 18-year-old founding member of Traffic. Now, some six decades later, Dave is taking his own advice, playing some of the best guitar of his life on his latest album A Shade of Blues.
