Rachel Nagy, the frontwoman of The Detroit Cobras, has passed away. The sad news was announced through the band’s social pages, without giving the cause of death.
The Detroit Cobras came out in the same ’90s garage rock revival scene as The White Stripes, The Dirtbombs, and other bands. Nagy and guitarist Mary Ramirez, along with guitarist Greg Cartwright, became the core of the group, with a rotating cast of other musicians throughout the years. Still an active band until Nagy’s death, the Detroit Cobras primarily recorded and performed covers of classic and little -known R&B songs from the 1960s.
Nagy’s death was revealed by Cartwright, who writes the following through Instagram:
Dear friends, family and fans,
With heavy hearts and great sorrow we announce the death of our dear friend and music partner, Rachel Lee Nagy. There are no words to fully express our sorrow as we remember a life cut short, precious and inspiring to all who knew and loved her. With the Detroit Cobras Rachel Nagy brings the torch of Rock, Soul and R&B to fans around the world. More than just a performer, he embodies the spirit of the music itself and elevates it to new heights of his own impacting the volume of the sound. I know I am not alone when I say that I am inspired by his vigor, by his fierce strength and by his weakness. When the family plans are complete we will post more information about more details to remember 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. You are with us in your grief. Rachel is survived by her brother Tony Nagy and her mother Marge Nagy. ”
According to the previous Instagram posts, The Detroit Cobras had several gigs in early January, with at least one, a Jan. 7 town gig at Detroit’s El Club, posted due to the recent surge of COVID-19.
In 2016, Jack White’s Thirdman Records reissued The first two Detroit Cobras albums – 1998’s Mink, Rabbit Rat and 2001 Life, Love and Farewell. All told, the band has released four full-length efforts, most recently in 2007 Bound & True.
Thirdman Records also issued a statement about Nagy’s death, which is posted following Instagram: “In her voice and personality, Rachel Nagy is the perfect balance of tough badass and absolute lover. From the very first White Stripes movies to Detroit’s Magic Stick to the 10th anniversary of Third Man in Nashville, Rachel and the Detroit Cobras have been a consistent inspiring presence in our world for nearly 25 years.We really miss the sound of her room-filling laughter, her pointless honesty, and her authenticity. friendship. Rest in power. ”
Our condolences to Rachel Nagy’s family, friends, and bandmates at this difficult time. Check out The Detroit Cobras ’music video for“ Cha Cha Twist ”(with Meg White appearing as the Little Red Riding Hood character) and the more recent“ Stay Down, ”followed by the aforementioned posts on Instagram from the band and Thirdman Records announcing Nagy’s death.