Remembering Coco Lee: A Legacy of Love and Musical Brilliance
Written by Deborah Lau-Yu and the Fête Chinoise Editorial Team
Images: Hashtag Legend, South China Morning Post, CNA, Getty Images.
Coco Lee performing at golden horse.
Coco Lee was not just an ordinary singer; she was a trailblazer who broke boundaries and cultural barriers. Born and raised in Hong Kong and later moved to San Francisco in her teenage years, she effortlessly fused Eastern and Western influences in her music, creating a unique sound that resonated with people from different backgrounds. Her ability to seamlessly blend languages and musical styles made her endearing to audiences worldwide, earning her the title of being a cultural ambassador. With social media today, this international presence may seem to be more accessible, but during the peak of her career, to make these breakthroughs in audience bases was a phenomenon.
2023 marks Coco’s 30th year of music making in the public eye. She first stepped foot into the industry after placing second in an international singing competition with TVB in 1993. Coco released her debut album in 1994 in Taiwan, and garnered critical acclaim for her work, selling millions of albums in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. She was described as the Taiwanese Whitney Houston at the time, and in 1995, released an English album to target Western audiences globally. Coco was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance of “A Love Before Time” in Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, starring Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh, which was released in 2000. The song, with music by Jorge Calandrelli and Tan Dun and lyrics by James Schamus, was nominated for best original song. In 2001, Coco Lee performed the song in front of a television audience of millions at the Academy Awards, making her the first Asian artist to sing on the Oscar stage — a monumental moment globally which made headlines in Hong Kong and Asia. She also voiced the lead character in the Mandarin version of Disney’s 1998 animated film Mulan. She also became Chanel’s first Chinese brand ambassador, which was another breakthrough that set the precedence for those who came after her. In so many ways, Coco Lee was one of the originals when it came to shattering ceilings and spearheading representation globally for Chinese artists.
Spreading Love and Positive Energy
Throughout her career, Coco Lee was known for her infectious positivity and vibrant stage presence. She had a remarkable ability to uplift and inspire her audiences, leaving them with a sense of joy and empowerment. Her performances were not just about the music; they were a celebration of life itself. Whether it was a ballad or an upbeat dance track, Coco's passion and charisma shone through, leaving a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of witnessing her live. Her big heart attracted not only diverse audiences who were captivated by her energy, but also colleagues in the industry who very quickly formed fond friendships with her.
This past year, her older sister Nancy participated in TVB’s reality television show and singing competition. During the many weeks of competing, their sisterly and family bond was evident. Coco sent heart warming messages and recorded some words of encouragement for her sister when she was about to be eliminated, which became one of the last times her voice was heard in public. Even though she was battling severe depression and other physical ailments, she was still so giving of her love and positive energy.
Jessie J performed "Bang Bang" with Coco Lee. /VCG Photo
Bridging the Gap
Coco Lee's influence extended beyond her music. She played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between East Asian and Western audiences, bringing people together through a shared love for music. Her trilingual talents allowed her to connect with fans on both sides of the world, creating a sense of unity and cultural appreciation and was one of the first to do so. As entertainment blogger Brandon Lewis told BBC, Coco Lee "laid the groundwork, culturally and musically," in her efforts to bridge this gap, which many people still feel and are impacted by today Her work was extremely important to many diaspora generations who grew up with more complex identities, like Coco herself. Representation is a huge topic today, but back when there was zero representation of its kind, Coco laid the groundwork for many other artists.
Coco Lee performing with John Legend in Beijing
Addressing Mental Health
Tragically, Coco Lee's passing also sheds light on the silent battle she may have faced deep inside. She expressed on social media that in addition to the physical battles she had to endure with her health issues, that she struggled with depression, a reminder that even those who spread love and joy can experience inner turmoil. Her tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and seeking support when needed. Coco’s departure reminds us that we must continue to advocate for mental health awareness and ensure that no one suffers in silence.
Coco Lee's passing is an immense loss to the music world and her fans. Many fellow musicians, performers and artists in the entertainment industry have expressed their heartbreak for a close friend and generous heart… she shone brightly for many years in a way that lit up a path for the industry and her peers. From across Asia and beyond, superstars and tastemakers who had collaborated with Coco are posting their memories and sadness on social media to remember her, including Joey Yung, JJ Lin, Sammi Cheng, Bonnie Gokson, and many more. Her unique ability to blend Eastern and Western styles along with her infectious positivity, made her an icon who will be sorely missed. Her sister Nancy, whom was extremely close with Coco, wants the world to remember and celebrate Coco’s life by the love she shared with the world. Let us remember Coco Lee as an extraordinary talent, a trailblazer, and an embodiment of the power of music to uplift and unite us all.
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