The music scene in the city of Detroit mourns the sudden loss of The Detroit Cobras lead singer, Rachel Nagy. The band released an official statement on Saturday, and it took us all by surprise:
“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.”
No cause of death has been released, but it was definitely a sudden blow, as the band was already advertising a 2022 tour.
Rachel‘s voice was one of the voices that defined my college years. It has that deep grit that bellows raw emotion & power. My friend, Morgan, and I went to go see The Detroit Cobras play at the (now closed) Double Door in Chicago. We found her stage presence a bit brassy at times, but being a front woman of a rock band requires you to command your stage & take no shit – I have much higher regards now for how she took control of her space. I’m honored that I got to see her perform live, even if only once. My sister, fellow Detroit rocker Marcie Bolen, referred to Rachel as a “rock goddess power woman.” At the young age of 37, she is truly a light burnt out far too soon.
The band ended their post saying to stay tuned if you want to pay your respects:
“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 Paul Nagy and her mother Marge Nagy.”
Rest in rock & roll, Rachel Nagy. Thank you for sharing your gift.
The Indy Review 