New Delhi: The music industry mourns the tragic loss of Coco Lee, a renowned Hong Kong-born singer, and songwriter, who passed away at the age of 48. Her siblings, Carol and Nancy Lee, revealed that Coco had been battling depression for several years, and her condition had worsened significantly in recent months. Despite seeking professional help and making valiant efforts to combat her inner demons, Coco ultimately succumbed to her struggle.
Who is Coco Lee
Born Ferren Lee in Hong Kong, Coco later relocated to the United States, where she attended school in San Francisco. Her career in music took off after she secured the first runner-up position in a prestigious singing competition hosted by TVB in Hong Kong.
At just 19 years old, she released her debut album in 1994, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that spanned nearly three decades.
Initially recognized as a Mandopop singer, Coco ventured into Cantonese and English music, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and captivating live performances.
Coco Lee's contributions to the international music scene were groundbreaking. She tirelessly paved the way for Chinese artists, playing a pivotal role in introducing them to a global audience.
Her achievements included being the first Chinese singer to break into the American market, with her English song "Do You Want My Love" reaching #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Breakouts chart in December 1999.
Additionally, she lent her voice to the Mandarin version of Disney's "Mulan," portraying the heroine Fa Mulan and recording the Mandarin rendition of the movie's iconic theme song, "Reflection."
In 2011, Coco Lee married Bruce Rockowitz, a Canadian businessman and former CEO of Hong Kong's Li & Fung supply chain company. Although she didn't have children of her own, she embraced her role as a stepmother to Rockowitz's two daughters.
Coco's final Instagram post, dated December 31, 2022, reflected her resilience and determination. In the caption, she shared pictures of herself, showcasing tattoos of the words "love" and "faith," alongside an image of a drainage bag taped to her body. Despite the hardships she faced, Coco carried love and faith in her heart, employing the spirit of a warrior to confront challenges fearlessly.
The music industry is profoundly saddened by Coco Lee's passing. Fellow artists, such as Mandopop singer-songwriter Wang Leehom and Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai, expressed their grief and paid tribute to Coco's remarkable talent and indomitable spirit.