GARDNERVILLE, NEVADA — Dave Mason, a co-founder of the British rock band Traffic, died at age 79 at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada. His publicist, Melissa Dragich, confirmed the death, and no cause was announced.

Mason was born on May 10, 1946, in Worcester, England. In early 1966, he served as road manager for the Spencer Davis Group, which had hits with "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "I'm a Man." He co-founded Traffic in March 1967 with Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood, and played sitar on the band's debut single "Paper Sun."

Mason wrote the songs "Feelin' Alright" and "Hole in My Shoe," the latter of which reached number two on the British singles chart. Joe Cocker's 1969 debut album "With a Little Help From My Friends" opened with "Feelin' Alright."

Mason left Traffic in 1968 to pursue a solo career. In late 1969, he joined the touring band of Delaney & Bonnie, on which Eric Clapton and George Harrison guested. He went on to contribute to tracks on Harrison's album "All Things Must Pass" and played on The Rolling Stones' album "Beggars Banquet." He also played guitar on Paul McCartney & Wings' song "Listen to What the Man Said."

After moving to California, Mason released multiple solo albums in the 1970s and 1980s, including one with Cass Elliot. His 1974 self-titled album went gold in the U.S., and he had solo hits with "Only You Know and I Know" and "We Just Disagree." He released the album "Let It Flow" in 1977 and collaborated with Michael Jackson on the song "Save Me" for Mason's 1980 album "Old Crest." In the early 1990s, he was a member of Fleetwood Mac, appearing on the band's 1995 album "Time" and touring with Bekka Bramlett.

Mason was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 with the other original members of Traffic. In 2024, he canceled his tour dates for the following year due to health issues related to an unspecified infection and said he planned to reschedule them.

Steve Winwood wrote in a tribute: "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."

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