Episode 4 of Dave Mason’s Feelin’ Alright now stands as something far more meaningful than originally intended. What was created as another chapter in a remarkable series has become the final broadcast from Dave Mason, who passed away on April 19, 2026, at the age of 79.
For those of us at NEWHD and Sophia’s Mission, this loss is deeply personal. Dave was not only a legendary artist but a beloved friend, mentor, and our National Spokesperson. He believed in the mission, supported it wholeheartedly, and stood with us as we worked to create opportunities and meaningful employment for people of all abilities. His voice, both on and off the air, carried purpose, kindness, and authenticity.
In this episode, Dave does what he always did best. He tells stories, shares music, and connects with listeners in a way that feels intimate and real. Now, listening back, every word carries even greater weight.
Opening Segment: Let It Flow and a Life in Music
Dave opens the show with music from his 1977 album Let It Flow, beginning with the title track and “So High (Rock Me Baby).” These songs represent one of the peaks of his solo career. The album became his most successful release, spending nearly a full year on the charts and solidifying his place as a major force in classic rock.
It is fitting that this episode begins here, because Let It Flow perfectly captures Dave Mason’s essence as an artist. Smooth yet powerful, thoughtful yet accessible, it reflects a musician who understood both the craft and the emotion behind great songwriting.
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Dave Mason: A Remarkable Life and Career
Born in Worcester, England in 1946, Dave Mason rose to prominence as a founding member of the legendary band Traffic in 1967. Alongside Steve Winwood and his bandmates, Mason helped define the sound of late 1960s rock.
He wrote and performed some of the band’s most enduring songs, including “Feelin’ Alright?” and “Hole in My Shoe,” both of which became global classics and were recorded by numerous artists.
Beyond Traffic, Mason’s career extended into collaborations with some of the greatest names in music. He worked with Jimi Hendrix, contributing to “All Along the Watchtower,” and collaborated with George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones.
His solo career flourished in the 1970s, highlighted by hits like “We Just Disagree,” which became a staple of American radio. Over the decades, Mason released more than a dozen albums and continued touring well into his later years.
In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Traffic in 2004, cementing his legacy as one of rock’s most influential musicians.
A statement released after his passing described him best: he “lived a remarkable life devoted to the music and the people he loved.”
California Jam II and Rock History
In this episode, Mason reflects on one of the biggest performances of his life: California Jam II. Held in 1978, the festival drew more than 350,000 fans and featured a lineup that defined an era.
Artists such as Santana, Aerosmith, Foreigner, and Heart shared the stage, creating a moment that still resonates in rock history.
Dave recalls the scale of the event and the energy of performing for one of the largest audiences of his career. It is a reminder of just how central he was to the music scene during one of rock’s most powerful decades.
We Just Disagree and Musical Brotherhood
Returning to his own catalog, Mason introduces “We Just Disagree,” one of his most beloved songs. Written by Jim Krueger, the track became one of the defining hits of his solo career.
Dave takes a moment to reflect on Krueger, not just as a collaborator, but as a friend and bandmate. It is these moments that define the show. This is not just about music. It is about relationships, memories, and the people behind the songs.
Influences and Musical Inspiration
One of the most powerful elements of this episode is Dave’s willingness to share the artists who shaped him. His playlist moves effortlessly across genres and generations.
He highlights the blues roots of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, the early rock and roll of Dion, and the unmatched soul of Ray Charles. He also celebrates modern interpretations, including Angelique Kidjo’s take on a classic by Hendrix.
These selections reveal the depth of Mason’s musical identity. He was not confined to one style. He was a student of music in all its forms.
The Guitar That Started It All
As the episode comes to a close, Dave reflects on the moment that inspired him to pick up the guitar. That inspiration came from The Shadows and their instrumental classic “Apache,” led by guitarist Hank Marvin.
It is a fitting ending. A legend reflecting on the spark that started everything.
He signs off the way he always did, inviting listeners to stay connected, to explore his work, and to keep the music alive.
A Personal Tribute from NEWHD and Sophia’s Mission
or us, this episode is not just a show. It is a legacy.
Dave Mason believed in what we are building. As National Spokesperson for Sophia’s Mission and NEWHD, he used his voice to support a future where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, to create, and to succeed.
He was kind, generous, and deeply committed to helping others. He did not just lend his name. He gave his time, his heart, and his belief in the mission.
We will carry that forward.
Dave Mason’s music will live forever. His voice will continue to inspire. And his impact on our lives, and on the world, will never fade.
This was his final broadcast.
And it was truly, unmistakably, Dave Mason… Feelin’ Alright.
Love is Eternal.
