Coco Lee, a well-known Asian singer who rose to prominence in the 1990s and 2000s, died suddenly at the age of 48, leaving a vacuum in the music business.
Lee, who was born in Hong Kong, moved to the United States as a kid and wowed audiences with records in both Mandarin and English. Her versatility extended beyond singing, as she provided the voice of Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney’s renowned classic. She also sang a strong rendition of a song from the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon soundtrack at the 2001 Academy Awards.
Lee’s sisters said in a devastating Facebook post that she had been suffering from depression for many years. Tragically, her fight reached a heartbreaking conclusion over the weekend when she attempted suicide and fell into a coma. Despite prompt medical assistance, she died from her injuries on Wednesday.
“Not only did she bring us joy with her songs and dances over the past 29 years, but she also worked hard to break new ground for Chinese singers in the international music scene and has been doing her utmost to shine for the Chinese,” Lee’s sisters said.
Lee first appeared on the Mandopop scene in 1994, with the release of two Mandarin albums that quickly captivated fans with her exceptional vocal skills. She broadened her musical palette the next year by releasing an English-language album, displaying her flexibility and engaging a global public.
Coco Lee, a great artist whose contributions to the business will be appreciated for centuries to come, has died. Her extraordinary ability to transcend cultural divides through her linguistic skills captivated the hearts of millions. As word of her unexpected death spreads, fans and fellow musicians pay tribute to her incredible career, recognizing the profound imprint she has made on the world of music.