June 24, 1944 - July 12, 1983
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Born in Harborne, Birmingham England on June 24, 1944, Chris started piano lessons at age 5. In the early 50’s, he attended Harborne Collegiate School. From 1957-59, he attended Stourbridge College of Art earning Scholarship to Royal College of Art. While at school, a schoolmate teaches Chris to play the flute. From 1960-64, he played with the blues ensemble called “Sound of Blue” featuring Christine Perfect (McVie), who at that time, was dating Spencer Davis. In 1960 Joined “Locomotive” band featuring a small horn section. After Steve Winwood left the Spencer Davis Group, he formed Traffic with, Jim Capaldi, Dave Mason and Wood. Chris was a great multi-instrumental musician, the co-writer of many of Traffic's best songs. Wood played Flute, Soprano Sax, Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Organ, Percussion, and did some vocals. Their debut single was 1967's "Paper Sun", a UK hit. "Hole in My Shoe", the second single, was an even bigger hit, and set the stage for a rivalry between Winwood and Mason, the group's principal songwriters. This rivalry led to the break-up of the group.
Wood had been working on a solo album, 'Vulcan' at the time of his death. The album was started while he was still a member of Traffic, and although the work continued until the time of his death, it has so far been un-issued. Chris Wood died of pneumonia in Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth hospital on July 12, 1983. He was 39.
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