Jerney Kaagman, the frontwoman for rock band Earth and Fire, has passed away at the age of 79. As reported by Yahoo!Entertainment, this comes after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Kaagman had joined Earth and Fire in 1969, before the group was propelled into stardom. According to Dutch-language publication NOS, Kagman was part of the reason the band broke through.
Their first hit came in 1970, with "Seasons". Their biggest hit, "Weekend", was also an international hit, scoring on the charts of Netherlands, Switzerland, West Germany, Denmark and Portugal.
The music video of "Seasons" shows Kaagamn wearing a provocative blue dress, which was unusual for the time. This prompted accolades from activists across Europe.
Kaagman was also known for being a judge on Dutch talent show Idols, where she was on the jury from 2002 to 2008.
NOS confirmed that prior to her tragic passing, the rock singer had been living a "withdrawn existence". Her private funeral took place on Thursday, August 6.
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Tributes Poured in for the Iconic Rock Singer
Tributes have poured in for the iconic rock singer from fans and people who were inspired by her work.
The band Within Temptation published a touching tribute about Kaagman and her influence. "We'd like to thank Jerney Kaagamn who was one of the first ladies in progressive and symphonic rock and has been an inspiration to many young girls in music," they wrote.
They added, "Thank you for your advice and for believing in us. Rest in peace."
Reportage photographer Gijsbert Hanekroot also posted a touching tribute online about the iconic rock singer. "[She died] far too young, in my opinion. We worked together quite a few times during the seventies, when she was enjoying great success with her band Earth & Fire."
He also shared an "unearthed slide" that they had done together for a photoshoot with VIVA, a Dutch Magazine.
Fans also shared their condolences on social media. "Iconic in the 70s and 80s," one commenter wrote. "She remained active even when she already had Parkinson's... I'm going to listen to Earth & Fire again in her honor. Rest in peace, Jerney."
May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.
