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How did Rachel Nagy die? Fans mourn sudden death of The Detroit Cobras singer

Tributes and condolences are pouring in on social media after the tragic news of Nagy's death

Rachel Nagy, frontwoman of the rock band The Detroit Cobras, has passed away, confirms bandmate Greg Cartwright, who announced the tragic news on Instagram. The cause of death has not been disclosed yet. 

"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 play tribute to her life. Until then, please know that if you are devasted 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," the Instagram post reads. 

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The Detroit Cobras was scheduled to perform at El Club last week, but the Covid situation led to the show being postponed to February 2022.

Who was Rachel Nagy?

Nagy was known for adding a rock 'n' roll edge to classic tracks such as Brice Coefield's 'Cha Cha Twist'. "We’ve never said one day we're going to write some originals and move into that," Nagy had told Metro Times. "Obviously it's not our goal. We are what we are, and we're that for a reason. It's not a cradle that we're trying to grow out of. It's what we like to do."

Nagy had worked as a stripper and a butcher before joining The Detroit Cobras, which was formed in 1994. She had even said that the early cobras valued their parties more than their music. "We were more of a circus, always doing crazy things. At one point I realized I wasn’t 20 anymore, I was 22! People were actually paying to see us," she had said. Subsequently, Nagy and her guitarist friend Mary Ramirez decided to take it seriously. They finally regrouped the band.

Thirdman Records also took to Instagram to issue a statement about Nagy's death. "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," the post read. 

"The loss of Rachel Nagy is tragic"

Social media users mourned Nagy's death on Twitter. "Sad news. Just found out that Rachel Nagy from the Detroit Cobras passed away. I loved that band and her voice was amazing. Rest In Peace Rachel and thanks for slaying all those songs for us," one user wrote. Another commented, "The loss of Rachel Nagy is tragic. Still have this flier from 2007 hanging in my basement."

"Rachel Nagy was the voice of devil on your shoulder. She turned forgotten 60s R&B singles into rock stompers, yet could sing with aching tenderness. She was directly responsible for the best bar fight I ever got into. What a loss," one user said, while another wrote, "We were just listening to the Detroit Cobras in the car. The whole family, my kids singing along. RIP Rachel Nagy. What a voice." "Rest In Peace to one of the greatest to ever do it Rachel Nagy," one user commented. 

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