Coco Lee, a renowned Chinese American singer and songwriter, known for her captivating performance of an Oscar-nominated song in the acclaimed film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," has tragically passed away at the age of 48 in a Hong Kong hospital. It has been confirmed by her sisters, Carol and Nancy Lee, that Coco took her own life after struggling with depression for several years.
Coco had established a flourishing music career in Asia, but it was her rendition of "A Love Before Time" in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," directed by Ang Lee and released in 2000, that introduced her to American audiences. The song earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, and Coco delivered a memorable performance during the Academy Awards ceremony in March 2001, captivating millions of viewers with her talent.
Combining Eastern musical influences with the lyrical sensibilities of Western culture, Coco's rendition of "A Love Before Time" perfectly complemented the movie's enchanting atmosphere. Actress Julia Stiles, introducing the performance, described it as a mesmerizing love ballad that beautifully encapsulated the film's magic.
Coco's journey in the music industry began when she emerged as the runner-up in a singing competition hosted by the television broadcaster TVB in Hong Kong in 1993. At the time, she had recently completed high school and had never anticipated a career as a singer. Surprised by her own success, she humbly acknowledged that she had always expected her sister Nancy to be the one pursuing a singing career due to her talent and physical attributes.
Following her breakthrough in the TVB contest, Coco signed with a Taiwanese record label and released her debut album in 1994. In an interview with The South China Morning Post in 1997, she expressed her ambition to not be confined to a single market, desiring to work in both Asia and the United States. In 1999, Coco released her first full English language album titled "Just No Other Way," featuring pop and R&B tracks. The soundtrack of the Julia Roberts film "Runaway Bride" (1999) included one of Coco's songs, "Before I Fall in Love."
Beyond her music career, Coco ventured into other artistic endeavors. She lent her voice to the lead character in the Mandarin version of Disney's animated film "Mulan" (1998) and sang the theme song, "Reflection."
The passing of Coco Lee is a significant loss to the music industry, as she leaves behind a legacy of remarkable talent and artistic contributions. Her heartfelt performances and unwavering dedication to her craft will continue to inspire generations to come. May her soul find peace, and may her loved ones find solace in cherished memories of her extraordinary life.