Essra Mohawk Passes Away at 75, Leaving Behind a Legacy in Music

Essra Mohawk, the singer-songwriter who was deeply immersed in the spirit of the 60s as a self-proclaimed flower child, died at 75 in her home in Nashville on December 11. Her music career which spanned over five decades was rich with collaborations, including notable ones with Frank Zappa, Jerry Garcia, and influence on charts through artists like Cyndi Lauper.

Missed Woodstock and Fame, but Not Success

Though she never reached the household name status of her peers such as Joni Mitchell or Carole King, Essra Mohawk carved out a respected space in the music world. A missed opportunity at Woodstock due to a wrong turn did not stop her from creating impactful music. Her 1970 album, Primordial Lovers, was highly praised and is still remembered as a significant work.

A Varied Career with Collaborative Highlights

From joining the Mothers of Invention to writing hit songs for other artists, Mohawk's journey through music was eclectic. She was part of school children's weekend rituals with her songs in Schoolhouse Rock! and even earned a place in Grateful Dead history through her work with the Jerry Garcia Band.

Personal Life and Early Beginnings

Born Sandra Elayne Hurvitz, she adopted the name Essra as a play on a nickname she received early in her career. From her humble start in Philadelphia to the establishment of a solo career, Essra's passion for music was evident. She moved swiftly from performing arts college to a promising career jump-started by meeting Frank Zappa at age 19.

An Inspiring Figure Despite Adversity

Essra Mohawk navigated the music industry with resilience, paving a path that both inspired and reminded many of the unbridled creative spirit of the 60s. Her legacy, celebrated by fans and critics alike, leaves behind an inspirational tale of perseverance in the face of missed fame and the commercial music industry.

singer, songwriter, Woodstock