Tatler remembers the dynamic powerhouse by revisiting some of her most memorable and trailblazing moments
Coco Lee, the celebrated Hong Kong American singer-songwriter, producer, dancer and actress, died last week at 48 years old. Her sisters Carol and Nancy Lee announced the sad news on Facebook, which was met by an outpouring of condolences, fond memories and tributes from her family, friends and fans alike.
“Coco is known to have worked tirelessly to open up a new world for Chinese singers in the international music scene, and she went all out to shine. We are proud of her,” their statement read.
Indeed, besides being the first performing singing in a Chinese language to break into the American music scene, Lee’s life and career were marked by defining moments that kicked the door down, not only for herself, but Asian artists who followed in her footsteps. To remember and honour this local icon, Tatler looks at five such moments in which Lee blazed a trail that helped other Asian performers step on to the international stage.
Read more: Coco Lee dies at 48: Asian celebrities pay tribute to the Hong Kong pop star
1. Becoming an international superstar
While Lee had already established herself as a successful singer in Asia—her self-titled record Coco Lee was the best-selling album of 1996 in the region—she didn’t make her debut in the West until 1998, when she was hired to be the voice of Fa Mulan in the Mandarin version of the Disney animation, Mulan (1998). Lee also sand the Mandarin version of the song Reflection from the film.
Lee continued to use music to break down cultural barriers. In 1999 she had everyone dancing to her inescapably catchy, Do You Want My Love, and continued to show off the diversity and power of Asian performers by collaborating with other Asian artists. For example, for her 2005 album, Exposed, she teamed up with Korean rapper Joon Park on the track, Cool, and with Indian playback singer Blaaze on the track, No Doubt.
Throughout her career, the Hong Kong legend also showed the world her talent again and again by sharing a stage and holding her own against global megastars such as Ricky Martin, Jessie J, Will.I.Am and others, and paving the way for more Asian artists to be in the international limelight.