In a devastating blow to fans around the world, Justin Cary, the powerhouse bassist behind alt-rock sensations Sixpence None the Richer, has left us far too soon at just 50 years young. The news was confirmed with a heart-wrenching message from band frontwoman Leigh Nash on Thursday, June 18th, as she poured out her grief over the loss of her dear friend and musical partner.
Nash's poignant tribute highlighted the profound impact Cary had on both herself and the band, declaring that "'We sure had a great time' doesn't even come close to cutting it" – an understatement if ever there was one. With tears in her eyes, Nash expressed gratitude for their time together, thanking Justin for being "kind, talented, and one of the funniest people I've ever met". She also took a moment to request that fans remember Cary's loving wife, Linda, as part of their extended family.
Cary joined Sixpence None the Richer in 1997, just in time for the release of their eponymous album – and what a coup it was! That record catapulted them onto the global stage with its smash hit single 'Kiss Me', which was rekindled into viral fame by TikTok in 2020 and even covered by SZA in 2019. His influence on the band's signature sound is impossible to overstate, driving their success during this pivotal period.
Throughout his illustrious career, Cary racked up numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award nomination and three Dove Awards – testament to his boundless talent and unwavering impact within the music industry. On his personal website, he looked back on his time with Sixpence None the Richer with pride, recalling how it taught him the ins and outs of the business – from triumphant highs to tough lessons learned.
But Cary's contributions went far beyond his work with Sixpence None the Richer. As a bassist extraordinaire, he lent his skills to an array of diverse artists, including Counting Crows, Jennifer Knapp, and Lee Brice – a staggering roster that speaks volumes about his versatility and respected standing among his peers. Even in retirement, Cary remained closely tied to Sixpence None the Richer, working on new recordings and one-off live performances with his beloved bandmates.