Rachel Nagy Has Passed Away: The Detroit Cobras’ lead vocalist and pianist Rachel Nagy, known for her work with the band, has passed away. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Greg Cartwright announced the news late Saturday evening, January 15th:
Greg Cartwright, guitarist for the band, wrote on their Instagram page: “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 articulate 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,” he continued. “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.”
After writing, he finished by saying: “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.”
According to Cartwright, Nagy’s passing was announced via Instagram:
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 articulate 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.”
There has been no confirmation of the cause of death.
Founded in 1994, the Detroit Cobras released their first album in 1998. In 2001, they released their second album, Life, Love, and Leaving. With both albums, the band covered classic ’60s songs, and Rough Trade Records signed the band, which released a third album called ‘Baby’ in 2005.
Even after dropping their final record ‘Tied & True’ in 2007, The Detroit Cobras continued to play live. They currently have a string of shows scheduled for 2022.
Two of The Detroit Cobras’ first albums were reissued by Third Man Records in 2016.
A third man wrote on Instagram, “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.”
