When I saw legendary musician Dave Mason was releasing his autobiography, I contacted his management about an interview. A few days later, I got a positive response and the interview date was scheduled.

While excitedly awaiting the date, I was able to read an advance copy of Only You Know & I know, a title borrowed from his 1970 album, Alone Together. Having read hundreds of autobiographies, I expected to hear some inside stories about events and other famous folks. While I got that, I got a lot more. Mason was open and honest, telling tales of good and bad. Surely some of the moments were hard to relive, but Mason shared all.

English singer-songwriter and guitarist Mason first found fame as co-founder of Traffic. He had a few different stints with Traffic, with whom he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. Outside of Traffic, he played and recorded with other legendary musicians including Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones. That is just a short list of dozens of Mason’s collaborations. Achieving three gold albums, Mason had his biggest hit in 1977 with “We Just Disagree” reaching No. 12 on Billboard Top 100 and No. 10 in Canada. With a career already spanning five decades, he still entertains fans, as witnessed from his current ambitious nationwide tour.

In our interview, I didn’t really ask for stories from the road. How do you pick one or two stories from a 68 year career? I left that to his book, instead choosing to ask about his reasons and process in writing his book. Ever-humble, Mason shrugs off a lot. A ton of travel? “Just part of the process,” although off camera he stated he hated travel. Reliving painful moments? “No regrets.” It’s almost as if he truly didn’t know why there is a fuss about him.

When a music lifer, an HOFer exposes his life in a book, it creates interest. To Mason, it was just a job, one he loved, but a job nonetheless. It’s also “just his life,” as if that’s nothing special.

I was impressed as much with Mason’s openness as I am with his accomplishments. Only You Know & I Know will be loved by music fans, but I recommend it to all for his attitude and outlook. Scheduled for release in September, Only You Know & I Know can be pre-ordered now.