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Dressed in a stunning red qipao, Coco Lee made history as the first Chinese-American to perform at the Oscars, accompanied by kungfu dancers. Her groundbreaking performance, nominated for best original song, left an indelible mark on the world stage. Tragically, at the age of 48, Lee passed away in Hong Kong, her sisters revealing her struggle with depression and a recent suicide attempt.
Coco Lee: A Trailblazer of Asian Representation
Before representation became a prominent topic, Lee rose to fame as one of the first Asian singers to captivate audiences on both sides of the Pacific. Born Ferren Lee in Hong Kong on January 17, 1975, she relocated with her family to the US during her secondary school years. After completing high school in California, she returned to Hong Kong and later moved to Taiwan to embark on her singing career. In 1994, she swiftly gained popularity in the Mandopop scene with the release of two albums.
From Hong Kong to International Stardom
Within a few years, Lee expanded her reach with English-language albums, achieving success on the American charts. She was enlisted by Disney to lend her voice to the lead character in the Mandarin version of the hit film Mulan, where she also performed the theme song, Reflection. Notably, her song Before I Fall in Love appeared on the soundtrack of the film Runaway Bride, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, while her hit Do You Want My Love reached the fourth position on the US Billboard in 2000. Lee’s cultural and musical contributions paved the way for bridging the gap between East Asian and Western audiences, leaving a lasting legacy.
Lee holds a special place in the hearts of Chinese millennials who grew up listening to her Mandarin and English music during the flourishing era of Mandopop. Amidst a sea of demure ballad singers, Li Wen (her Chinese-speaking name) stood out with her confident image, alluring dance moves, and vibrant hair. Her rendition of the Chinese cover of a Danish pop song, titled Di Da Di, became an instant hit and a karaoke favorite after featuring in a mainland China advertisement.
Beyond her fame and flamboyance, Lee remained intimately connected with her mother and sisters. During her early career, her sister Nancy served as her wardrobe consultant, public relations officer, and makeup artist, even on her unforgettable night at the Oscars. Meanwhile, their mother assumed the roles of manager and accountant. The name “Coco” was actually suggested by Nancy, as Lee had initially aspired to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a doctor. Although she initially pursued pre-medical studies alongside her singing career, Lee ultimately left university to focus solely on her pop music journey.
Coco Lee, a Cultural Icon for Chinese Millennials
In an emotional Instagram post, Lee’s sisters, Carol and Nancy, eloquently expressed their younger sister’s relentless efforts to elevate Chinese singers in the international music scene. They wrote, In heartfelt words, they expressed, “She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to shining for China. We take immense pride in her.” The untimely departure of Lee came as a profound shock to admirers and fellow artists, who warmly cherish her luminous smile and captivating stage charisma. Her untimely demise sparked an important conversation about mental health on social media.
The news of Lee’s death reverberated through the entertainment industry, with director Ang Lee expressing his profound shock and Jackie Chan praising her immense talent and unique style. “From this moment forward,” he lamented, “another star shall grace the sky.” On YouTube, fans pay tribute by rewatching Lee’s music videos and leaving heartfelt comments, wishing for her to continue singing in heaven, far removed from pain and illness. Her songs will forever reside in the hearts of her admirers.
Remembering Coco Lee, A Shining Legacy…
Read more here : Coco Lee: The pioneering singer who charmed the world
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