Remembering Coco Lee: 5 reasons the Mandopop icon will never be forgotten – the Hong Kong-born star made history as the first Chinese singer to break the US, supported Unicef and voiced Disney’s Mulan
- Celebrated among the first Asian faces to break into mainstream America, Coco’s biggest hit “Do You Want My Love” reached No 4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Breakouts chart
- Lee voiced Disney heroine Fa Mulan in Mandarin, campaigned for Unicef, plus Aids and cancer charities, and was married to former Li & Fung CEO Bruce Rockowitz
Coco Lee, the celebrated Hong Kong-born singer-songwriter, has died at the age of 48. In a statement released by her family, it was revealed that despite her efforts in recent years to seek help for depression, “her condition deteriorated drastically over the last few months”.
Lee’s death at such a young age followed a failed suicide attempt at the weekend that had put her in a coma, Lee’s sisters announced on Facebook and Instagram, prompting an outpouring of condolences from fans online.
1. Lee was a versatile and accomplished singer
Before all, back in her hometown, Lee’s big break in the music industry came after she finished first runner-up in an annual singing competition held by Hong Kong broadcaster TVB. In 1994, at just 19 years old, she released her debut album, ushering in a career that would go on to span nearly three decades.
Lee was a highly versatile and accomplished singer, whose impact on the music industry is undeniable. While she initially gained prominence as a Mandopop artist, she later expanded her repertoire, captivating audiences with albums released in Cantonese and English too.
Lee’s powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence were her trademarks, earning her a devoted fan base. Her talent and dedication propelled her to become the first Chinese singer to break into the US market. One of her most notable achievements was the success of her English song “Do You Want My Love”, which reached No 4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Breakouts chart in December 1999.
Life seemed unbearable at times but I adapted the attitude of a female warrior to face them head on fearlessly but always had the biggest smile and big fat laughters!
2. Lee’s influence extended to the world of film
Lee also lent her voice to the Mandarin version of Disney’s 1998 hit film Mulan, providing the vocals for the film’s heroine, Fa Mulan. She also recorded the Mandarin version of the film’s iconic theme song, “Reflection”.