Filipino jazz icon Louie Reyes succumbs to cancer at 68

NEW YORK — Louie Reyes, an acclaimed Filipina jazz singer and former member of the iconic 1970s vocal group The New Minstrels, died Sunday from ovarian cancer. She was 68.

Her husband, Cesar dela Fuente, confirmed her passing, saying, “Today, I lost the love of my life.”

Sponsored

Louie Reyes with Ryan Cayabyab | CONTRIBUTED

Reyes passed away surrounded by loved ones, marking the end of a storied career that spanned more than five decades and bridged two continents.

CONTRIBUTED

After earning fame in the Philippines as a dynamic vocalist and performer, Reyes migrated to the United States in 1999, embracing her identity as a Filipino American and becoming a fixture in the Fil-Am music community.

Throughout the 1970s, Reyes rose to national prominence with The New Minstrels, a pioneering vocal group that helped define Philippine pop and jazz music.

Her stunning voice and mastery of jazz technique, particularly scat singing and powerfully sustained high notes, brought her widespread recognition.

She collected numerous awards and established herself as one of the Philippines’ premier vocalists.

Beyond her years with The New Minstrels, Reyes was celebrated for her solo jazz performances, mentoring younger artists, and collaborations with leading musicians. Her versatility, warmth, and musicianship earned praise from critics and colleagues. 

Her move to the United States marked a new chapter, where she continued performing, teaching and influencing the Fil-Am jazz scene, notably joining the Jazz Society of the Philippines, USA.

Tributes pour in

Reyes faced ovarian cancer with courage and grace, supported by family, friends and fellow musicians. Her death on October 26, was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from the global Filipino community.

Condolences and eulogies poured in from friends, colleagues, and fans, underscoring her impact on generations of musicians.

Charmaine Clamor, an acclaimed Fil-Am jazz singer, wrote, “Ms. Louie Reyes, may you rest in peace. Thank you for the music par excellence. Our deepest condolences to her family. — From The Jazz Society of the Philippines, USA.”

Entertainment journalist Ruben Nepales reflected, “The Philippines lost a great singer, Louie Reyes. I especially loved Louie when she sang jazz, her vocal scat singing and the exciting high notes she reached. Rest in peace, Louie. Condolences, Cesar de la Fuente and family.”

Janet Nepales added, “RIP Louie Reyes, a dear friend, a talented singer and music teacher, a lovely person.”

Fashion designer David Tupaz expressed, “It is with profound sorrow that we bid farewell to a Philippine legend, whose voice resonated with a generation, while her humility and kindness utilized her fame and talent as a catalyst for positive change… I will miss you but will always keep your memory alive.”

Musical colleagues, students, and friends shared similar sentiments. 

Singer and acclaimed choir conductor Christine Adiaz called Reyes “a great mentor and inspiration to the world of music.” 

Steve San Gabriel, whose family was mentored by Reyes, wrote, “This musical icon took on the task of being my daughters’ musical coach… Now, we just learned our Coach has passed away. This is sudden & heartbreaking. Amanda, Vivian, Dina & I are all grateful for your friendship. We will miss you, Coach!”

Reyes leaves behind a legacy of excellence, generosity, and passion for music. Her influence in shaping Philippine and Fil-Am jazz, nurturing talents on both sides of the Pacific, and her enduring artistry will remain “alive in every note she inspired,” as colleagues said.

The post Filipino jazz icon Louie Reyes succumbs to cancer at 68 appeared first on USNewsRank.