Artist

Essra Mohawk, Renowned Singer-Songwriter, Passes Away at 75

Published December 23, 2023

Essra Mohawk, the talented singer-songwriter who made a lasting impact on the music industry with her unique sound and poetic lyrics, has died at the age of 75. On December 11, Mohawk passed away from cancer in her Nashville home.

Legacy in the Music World

Throughout her career, Essra Mohawk was a respected figure in the music scene. She produced over a dozen albums and worked with prominent artists such as Frank Zappa and Jerry Garcia. Despite her immense talent, she did not achieve widespread fame. Nonetheless, her career spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the industry.

A Missed Opportunity at Woodstock

Mohawk's musical journey included a missed performance at the historic Woodstock festival. Due to a navigation error by her driver, she arrived on site in time only to hear the closing notes of the last act on the first night, missing her chance to take the stage.

Behind the Scenes Success

While Mohawk may not have become a household name, her work resonated with other artists. She wrote songs for the iconic 'Schoolhouse Rock' series, and her track 'Change of Heart' was famously covered by Cyndi Lauper, hitting number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Tina Turner also covered her song 'Stronger Than the Wind.'

Remembering Essra Mohawk

In her later years, Mohawk continued to create music, with her final album released in 2019. Her memory lives on through her contributions to music and the artists who interpreted her songs. Essra Mohawk is survived by her cousin, Jeff Hurvitz.

singer, songwriter, obituary