25 Facts About Dave Mason

David Thomas Mason was born on 10 May 1946 and is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist from Worcester, who first found fame with the rock band Traffic.

One of Dave Mason's best known songs is "Feelin' Alright", recorded by Traffic in 1968 and later by many other performers, including Joe Cocker, whose version of the song was a hit in 1969.

In 2004, Dave Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of Traffic.

Dave Mason was a founding member of the group, but left following the release of their debut album, Mr Fantasy, only to rejoin halfway through the sessions for their next album, Traffic, after which he left again.

Dave Mason was a friend of guitarist Jimi Hendrix, whose rock career was launched in England in 1966.

Hendrix recorded his own version at Olympic Studios, South West London, with Dave Mason playing 12-string acoustic guitar.

Dave Mason appears on the Rolling Stones' 1968 album Beggars Banquet, playing the Shehnai and bass drum on Street Fighting Man.

Dave Mason's connection was Jimmy Miller, who served as producer for the Stones and Traffic.

Dave Mason appears on George Harrison's 1970 solo set All Things Must Pass.

In 1970, Dave Mason was slated to be the second guitarist for Derek and the Dominos.

Dave Mason played on their early studio sessions, including the Phil Spector production of "Tell the Truth", which was later withdrawn from sale.

Dave Mason played at their first gig at the London Lyceum but left the group soon after that.

Dave Mason co-wrote the song "Big Thirst" on Oh How We Danced, by Jim Capaldi, and played the guitar solo on "Don't Be a Hero".

Dave Mason finally released his first solo album in 1970 Alone Together featuring "Only You Know and I Know", which reached No 42 on the Billboard chart, as well as the lesser hit "Look at You, Look at Me".

Dave Mason followed up with the album, Let It Flow, released in April 1977.

Dave Mason played himself in the film Skatetown, USA, performing two songs in a roller disco as well as writing and performing the film's theme song.

Dave Mason struggled to attract another major label but continued to tour in an acoustic duo with Krueger.

In 1998, Dave Mason reunited with his former Traffic bandmate Jim Capaldi for The 40,000 Headmen Tour; a live album followed the tour.

In 2008 Dave Mason released his first studio album in more than 20 years, titled 26 Letters 12 Notes.

Dave Mason followed up with another album in 2014 called Future's Past.

Dave Mason was never entirely comfortable during his time in Fleetwood Mac.

Dave Mason has said several times since leaving the band: "Being one of two and at times three guitarists to replace Lindsey Buckingham says more about Buckingham's genius than my guitar playing".

Dave Mason moved permanently to the United States in 1971, and lived in the Ojai Valley in California for 16 years.

Dave Mason sits on the organization's board of directors as an honorary member.

Dave Mason is a founding board member of Yoga Blue, a non-profit organisation devoted to teaching yoga and other holistic practices to those recovering from substance abuse and other self-destructive disorders.