Rachel Nagy – known for being the lead vocalist and pianist for Detroit, Michigan-bred garage rock band The Detroit Cobras – has died — no cause of death has been revealed. The band’s guitarist Greg Cartwright broke the news late Saturday evening, January 15th, with the following message:
“Dear friends, family and fans,
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved friend and musical colleague, Rachel Lee Nagy. There are no words to fully arrticulate our grief as we remember a life cut short, still vital and inspirational to all who knew and loved her. With the Detroit Cobras Rachel Nagy carried the torch of Rock, Soul and R&B to fans all over the world. More than just a performer, she embodied the spirit of the music itself and vaulted it to new heights with her own deeply affecting vocal power. I know that I am not alone when I say that I was inspired by her vitality, her fierce intensity and her vulnerability. Once plans have been finalized by the family we will post more information regarding further details to memorialize Rachel and pay tribute to her life. Until then, please know that if you are as devastated by this news as we are, you are not alone. We are with you in your grief. Rachel is survived by her brother Tony Nagy and her mother Marge Nagy.
-Greg Cartwright”
The band’s most recent label Third Man Records (founded by Jack White) released the above photo and their own message on Rachel’s death, which reads:
“In both her voice and personality, Rachel Nagy was the perfect balance of tough badass and absolute sweetheart. From the earliest White Stripes shows at the Magic Stick in Detroit through the Third Man 10th anniversary show in Nashville, Rachel and the Detroit Cobras have been a consistent inspiring presence in our world for nearly 25 years. We will truly miss the sound of her room-filling laughter, her no bullshit honesty, and her true friendship. Rest in power.”
Just a few weeks ago, the band announced a string of February and March U.S. shows as part of their postponed January tour due to the ongoing pandemic.
RIP, Rachel.
