Dave Mason, the British singer, songwriter, and guitarist who co-founded the rock band Traffic before launching a solo career, has died. His representative confirmed the news on behalf of Mason’s family, saying he died peacefully at home in Gardnerville, Nevada, on April 19. No cause was given. Mason was 79 years old. Born in the British county of Worcester, Mason learned guitar playing along to Elmore James, Buddy Guy, and George Benson records on the radio, before co-founding Traffic in 1967.