Coco Lee

About Coco Lee

Coco Lee (Chinese: 李玟; born Ferren Lee) was a trailblazing Chinese-American singer, songwriter, actress, and pop icon who bridged Eastern and Western music scenes. Born in Hong Kong (with some sources noting Wuhan roots) and raised in San Francisco after her family moved to the US, she studied biochemistry at UC Irvine before a chance TVB singing competition in Hong Kong launched her career in 1993–1994 with her debut album I'm Still Your Lover.
Dubbed the "Asian Mariah Carey" for her powerful R&B-infused vocals, dynamic dance routines, and crossover appeal, she became one of Asia's best-selling artists in the 1990s and 2000s—releasing 18 studio albums, multiple live records, and compilations in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. Hits like "Do You Want My Love" charted in the US, while she dominated Asian markets with platinum records. She made history as the first Chinese-American to perform at the Oscars (singing "A Love Before Time" from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in 2001), voiced Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney's Mulan (singing "Reflection"), and broke barriers for Asian artists globally.
She continued performing, touring China/Taiwan/US through anniversary shows in 2019, and shared inspirational messages about dreaming big and resilience.
Tragically, after years of struggling with depression (diagnosed around 2019), Coco passed away at age 48 in a Hong Kong hospital following a suicide attempt. Her sisters Carol and Nancy confirmed the news, noting her condition had worsened recently. Her legacy endures as a groundbreaking diva whose voice, energy, and trailblazing spirit inspired millions across cultures.
Rest in peace, Coco—your powerful voice, fearless crossover success, and beautiful heart continue to shine through your music and the doors you opened for so many. 🎤💔✨ CocoLee Reflection #AsianPopIcon