The Detroit Cobras have reported the death of singer and pianist Rachel Nagy.
Guitarist Greg Cartwright said 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.”
He finished by writing: “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.”
No cause of Rachel Nagy’s death has been determined as of yet.
Their debut album, “Mink, Rat or Rabbit,” was published in 1998, followed by “Life, Love and Leaving” in 2001. ‘Baby’, their third album, was released by Rough Trade Records in 2005 after the band released two albums including renditions of 60s songs.
The band’s last album, ‘Tied & True,’ was released in 2007, however, the Detroit Cobras are still playing live and have a run of dates scheduled for 2022.
The Detroit Cobras’ first two albums were released by Third Man Records in 2016.
Writing on Instagram, Third Man said: “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.”
The label concluded: “We will truly miss the sound of her room-filling laughter, her no bullshit honesty, and her true friendship. Rest in power.”
