An Evening with Dave Mason

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Mason procured an appetite for music at a young age, becoming a professional musician in his teens as a member of the Hellions with his good friend Jim Capaldi. Born in Worcester, England, Mason first established himself when he became a founding member of the rock band Traffic. Throughout his illustrious career, Mason has played and recorded with the era’s most prominent pop and rock artists including Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Fleetwood Mac and Cass Elliot. In early 1967, Mason and Jim Capaldi joined forces with Steve Winwood and flautist Chris Wood to form Traffic, delivering their first single with “Paper Sun,” followed by Mason’s “ Hole in My Shoe,” which skyrocketed to number two in the U.K. Mason also took part in Traffic’s debut album Mr. Fantasy, released in December of 1967, before leaving the band. He subsequently recorded a solo single “Little Woman,” released by Island in 1968. Rejoining Traffic for a short period of time, Mason delivered “Feelin’ Alright,” which became his signature song, and was covered by Joe Cocker in 1969 (and as of today some 40+ other artists). A few years later, Mason took his talents to Los Angeles, joining Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, where he played lead guitar on tour, opening up for Blind Faith. In 1969, Mason landed a solo contract with Blue Thumb Records, collaborating with Tommy LiPuma on his debut solo album. The duo enjoyed huge success with Alone Together, which reached top 25 and went gold, while single “Only You Know and I Know” became a top 40 hit ( and a #2 hit for Delaney & Bonnie). After rejoining Traffic for just six shows and the launch of their album Welcome to the Canteen, Mason signed with Columbia, releasing two immensely popular albums with Mariposa del Oro and Dave Mason going gold, and Let it Flow going platinum. Mason’s multi-decade career was highlighted by his 2004 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of the band Traffic. MASON’s newest album–Future’s Past–was release May 13, 2014 featuring new versions of his classic songs plus new material that he has written and performed on tour over the last few years. Join us in the Clive Davis Theater for an in-depth interview about Mason’s prolific career, moderated by Vice President of The GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares Scott Goldman, followed by a performance.