Justin Cary, Sixpence None the Richer Bassist, Dies at 50

Justin Cary, the longtime bassist for the alternative rock band Sixpence None the Richer, passed away on June 11 at the age of 50 following a stroke. Lead singer Leigh Nash broke the news on Instagram, paying tribute to her bandmate of three decades. "Our brother of 30 years (and bassist), Justin had a stroke Thursday night," Nash wrote. She described Cary's wife Linda as "lovely, delicate and unfathomably heartbroken," and praised Cary for his "brilliance, professionalism, class, and humor." The post concluded with a request for prayers for Cary and his family during this difficult time.

Sixpence None the Richer, which originated in New Braunfels, Texas, rose to prominence in the late 1990s with chart-topping tracks like "Kiss Me" and a cover of "There She Goes." The group earned two Grammy nominations: one in 1999 for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album, and another in 2000 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. "Their sound defined a particular moment in alt-rock history, blending folk-pop sensibilities with spiritual undertones that resonated with a wide audience," noted music historian Dr. Emily Foster. Cary also performed with notable acts such as Counting Crows and Blue Country, showcasing his versatility as a musician. The band's signature single, "Kiss Me," was famously featured in the 1999 film "She's All That," solidifying its place in pop culture history. In an interesting twist, the song's enduring popularity has led to over 100 million streams on Spotify alone, a testament to its lasting appeal across generations.

A GoFundMe campaign, launched four days before Cary's death to address his health complications, had raised $39,975 of its $45,000 goal. On his personal website, Cary reflected on his career: "As a member of Sixpence None the Richer, I have been fortunate to ride a wave of experience that taught me a lot about the music industry. Sometimes easily, and sometimes the hard way! Along the way, a Grammy Nomination and hit singles kick-started my career as a bassist." He expressed pride in his work with the band, noting that he continued to collaborate on new recordings and occasional performances. The music community has since rallied around his memory, with fans and fellow musicians sharing stories of his talent and warmth. For context, the band's 1997 self-titled album, which included "Kiss Me," was initially overlooked but gained traction after being featured in the film, eventually selling over a million copies worldwide. Guitarist Matt Slocum, a founding member of the band, described Cary in a social media tribute as "the backbone of our rhythm section," highlighting his crucial role in shaping their distinctive sound.