‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ Singer CoCo Lee Dies at 48
CoCo Lee, the internationally renowned singer and songwriter known for her multilingual talents and contributions to the music industry, passed away at the age of 48 in a Hong Kong hospital following an attempted suicide at her home, as announced by her sisters Nancy and Carol Lee on social media.
Her sisters revealed that CoCo had been battling depression for several years, with her condition deteriorating significantly in recent months.
Born in Hong Kong, CoCo Lee was a superstar in Asia, singing in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. She released 18 studio albums and made history as the first person of Chinese descent to perform at the Academy Awards with her rendition of “A Love Before Time” from the movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
CoCo Lee had a strong desire to break barriers in the music industry, stating, “Music business-wise, there have not been successful Asian artists, and hopefully, I’m able to change that.”
Aside from “A Love Before Time,” CoCo had other notable movie-related successes, including singing the theme song “Reflection” for the Mandarin version of Disney’s “Mulan” and performing “Before I Fall In Love” for the romantic comedy “Runaway Bride.”
CoCo gained international recognition with her English-language albums and singles, with her dance track “Do You Want My Love” charting in the United States and Australia. She also became a brand ambassador for Chanel in 2001.
Remembered for her distinctive voice, CoCo Lee was celebrated for her talent as an interpreter of R&B songs, leaving a lasting impression on concert promoter Terry Pan and her fans worldwide.
Born as Ferren Lee, CoCo moved to the United States as a child and became a prominent figure in the San Francisco community, even winning the title of Miss Teen Chinatown in 1991.
In her final Instagram post, CoCo Lee shared her struggles and expressed her resilience, adopting the attitude of a “female warrior” to face challenges head-on while maintaining a joyful spirit.
Despite seeking professional help and putting up a courageous fight against depression, CoCo’s inner demons tragically overcame her, leading to her untimely passing.
CoCo Lee’s impact extended beyond her musical achievements, as she dedicated herself to opening doors for Chinese singers in the international music scene, making her family proud of her legacy.
