The singer started her career in the environment of well-known Detroit bands such as The White Stripes and The Von Bondies.
Detroit (ebi) – Rachel Lee Nagy, lead singer and pianist for the Detroit Cobras, has died. Guitarist Greg Cartwright broke the news on the band’s social media channels: “There are no words that can express our sadness as we recall a short life that was inspirational to all who knew and loved her. I know I’m not alone in saying I was inspired by her vitality, her wild intensity and her vulnerability“. There is no further information about her death.
Nagy founded the garage rock band in the mid-90s at a time when The White Stripes, The Von Bondies and The Dirtbombs also started their careers in Detroit. Known for their volatile lineup, the band made a name for themselves with covers. In addition to Nagy, guitarist Mary Ramirez is also part of the core of the band. The Detroit Cobras were especially popular in Great Britain, Rough Trade signed the band. In 2007, The Detroit Cobras released their fourth and final album, Tied & True.
Jack White’s Third Man Records label re-released the Detroit band’s first two discs, Mink, Rat Or Rabbit and Life, Love and Leaving, in 2016, and released another single in 2018. “Rachel Nagy was the perfect mix of badass and absolute sweetheart. We will miss her laughter, her honesty and her true friendship“, says a statement from White’s label. The Detroit Cobras had booked a number of gigs for 2022, including a concert in September in Hamburg.