Complete List Of Traffic Band Members

Feature Photo: Dina Regine, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Ask any classic rock fan to name one of their favorite groups from the 1960s and 1970s, and the band Traffic will always be in the conversation. No one sounded like this group. Traffic was formed in 1967 in Birmingham, England, by Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood, and Dave Mason. As I said in the opening sentence, this band was unlike any other as they were known for their fusion of rock, folk, and jazz. Traffic released eight studio albums and underwent several lineup changes throughout their active years before initially disbanding in 1974. They briefly reunited in 1994 for a final album and tour. Their innovative sound was widely acclaimed, leading to significant chart success and a 2004 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Steve Winwood

Steve Winwood was a founding member of Traffic, contributing as the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and guitarist. He was involved in all of Traffic’s albums, from their debut Mr. Fantasy (1967) to their final album Far From Home (1994). Winwood’s remarkable musicianship shaped the band’s sound, particularly evident in albums like John Barleycorn Must Die (1970) and The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (1971). Outside of Traffic, Winwood enjoyed a successful solo career, known for hits such as “Higher Love” and his collaborations with other major artists, including Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker.

Read More: Top 10 Steve Winwood Songs

Jim Capaldi

Jim Capaldi, another founding member, served as the drummer and also contributed significantly as a songwriter alongside Steve Winwood. Capaldi played on all of Traffic’s albums and was crucial in writing many of their songs, including “Dear Mr. Fantasy” and “Paper Sun.” After Traffic disbanded, he embarked on a solo career, releasing albums like Oh How We Danced (1972) and collaborating with notable artists such as George Harrison and Bob Marley. Capaldi died in 2005.

Chris Wood

Saxophonist and flautist Chris Wood was integral to Traffic from their formation through the band’s 1974 breakup. Wood’s woodwind instruments added a distinctive jazz element to the band’s sound, particularly noted on tracks like “John Barleycorn (Must Die)” and “Glad.” After Traffic’s first breakup in 1969, Wood worked with Dave Mason, Jim Capaldi, and Mick Weaver in the short-lived Wooden Frog before Traffic reunited. His later career was hindered by health issues until his death in 1983.

Dave Mason

Dave Mason was a guitarist and songwriter with Traffic during their early years, contributing to albums like Mr. Fantasy and Traffic (1968). His time with the band was marked by intermittent departures and returns, featuring his significant contributions to songs like “Feelin’ Alright?” Despite leaving the band before their most commercially successful period, Mason went on to have a fruitful solo career and was a well-known figure in the rock and pop scenes. Mason died on April 19, 2026, at the age of 79.

Read More: Top 10 Dave Mason Songs

Ric Grech

Ric Grech joined Traffic in late 1970 after his work with Blind Faith and Ginger Baker’s Air Force. Grech, a bassist and violinist, played on Welcome to the Canteen (1971) and The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (1971) during his short tenure with the band. He and Jim Gordon also co-wrote “Rock & Roll Stew.” Grech had previously been a member of Family and later worked with numerous other musicians. He died in 1990.

Rebop Kwaku Baah

Percussionist Rebop Kwaku Baah was added to Traffic in 1971 and contributed to the albums The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory (1973), and When the Eagle Flies (1974). His percussion work added a more rhythmic layer to Traffic’s music. Baah also worked with other groups, including Can, before his untimely death in 1983.

Jim Gordon

Jim Gordon joined Traffic as a drummer in 1971 after his work with Derek and the Dominos. He performed on the live album Welcome to the Canteen and the studio album The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys. Gordon and Ric Grech co-wrote “Rock & Roll Stew.” His tenure with Traffic ended before the recording of Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory. Gordon died in 2023.

Roger Hawkins

Roger Hawkins, part of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, was brought into Traffic after Jim Gordon’s departure. He played drums on Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory and toured with the band during this period, with his work also heard on the live album On the Road (1973). Hawkins was already a well-regarded session musician, known for his work with artists like Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett. He died in 2021.

David Hood

David Hood joined Traffic on bass during the same period as Roger Hawkins and was featured on Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory. Like Hawkins, Hood was a key figure in the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. He also toured with Traffic, appearing on the live album On the Road. After his work with Traffic, Hood continued to be a sought-after session musician.

Read More: Top 10 Traffic Songs

Barry Beckett

Barry Beckett was a keyboardist and member of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section who worked with Traffic during the Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory era. Beckett played keyboards on “Tragic Magic” and then joined Traffic’s touring lineup, appearing on the 1973 live album On the Road. He also built a long career as a session musician and record producer. Beckett died in 2009.

Rosko Gee

Rosko Gee joined Traffic on bass in 1974 and played on the album When the Eagle Flies. He later returned for Traffic’s 1994 reunion tour supporting Far From Home. Gee also played with Can and worked on other projects outside Traffic.

Randall Bramblett

Randall Bramblett joined Traffic’s 1994 touring lineup, playing saxophone, flute, keyboards, and bass pedals. He performed with the reunited band during the Far From Home tour, including Traffic’s appearance at Woodstock ’94, and his work can be heard on the later live release The Last Great Traffic Jam. Bramblett also performed with Traffic at the band’s 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

Walfredo Reyes Jr.

Walfredo Reyes Jr. joined Traffic for the 1994 reunion tour, performing drums and percussion. He appeared with the band during the Far From Home touring period and is featured on The Last Great Traffic Jam, which documented the 1994 tour.

Michael “Mike” McEvoy

Michael “Mike” McEvoy joined Traffic’s 1994 touring lineup on keyboards, guitar, harmonica, and viola. He performed with the band on the Far From Home tour and appears on The Last Great Traffic Jam.

Updated August 17, 2026.