Jacky Blaque Chicago Death and Obituary – The passing of Jacky Blaque, born K. Rachel Hollingsworth, has sent waves of sorrow through the industrial and alternative music communities. Known for her electric stage presence and powerful vocals, Blaque was a key figure in the influential band My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult (TKK) and a founding member of The Bomb Gang Girlz. Her death marks the loss of a trailblazing artist whose contributions helped shape a distinctive era of underground music.
Originating from Chicago, Rachel Hollingsworth came of age amidst a thriving local scene known for its experimental spirit and genre-blending sound. In the late 1980s, she adopted the stage name Jacky Blaque and became involved with My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult—a group known for pushing the boundaries of electronic and industrial music with provocative visuals and pulsing beats.
Blaque quickly became a standout presence, joining The Bomb Gang Girlz, a rotating lineup of female performers who brought added dimension and flair to TKK’s high-octane performances. Alongside fellow vocalists like Rhonda Bond and Kitty Killdare, Blaque helped define the band’s sensory-charged live shows, adding richness to both studio recordings and stage productions.
Jacky Blaque’s voice was a core element of some of TKK’s most iconic albums, including Confessions of a Knife (1990) and Sexplosion! (1991). Her sultry, commanding vocals and fearless stage persona elevated the band’s provocative sound, blurring the lines between performance art and electronic music. Her contributions helped cement TKK’s reputation as one of the most influential acts in the industrial dance genre.
As one of the few prominent Black women in the alternative and industrial music scenes at the time, Blaque’s presence was not only groundbreaking—it was vital. She brought a distinct voice and perspective to a genre often dominated by white, male artists, inspiring a broader and more diverse generation of fans and performers.
Jacky Blaque’s influence extended well beyond her work with Thrill Kill Kult. Her role in challenging norms and expanding the aesthetic and sonic boundaries of industrial music continues to be felt today. Fans remember her for her intensity, creativity, and fearless individuality—qualities that made her a beloved figure on and off stage.
Her legacy lives on in the recordings she helped create, the lives she touched, and the paths she blazed for others in the underground music world. For those looking to revisit her contributions, her work with TKK and The Bomb Gang Girlz remains available on platforms like Discogs and streaming servicesIn Memoriam
Jacky Blaque’s death is a profound loss to the music community. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life filled with artistic passion and cultural impact. Rachel Hollingsworth, aka Jacky Blaque, will be remembered not just as a performer, but as a pioneer whose voice helped define a movement.