Singer Louie Reyes of The New Minstrels passes away
- OPM singer Louie Reyes, one of the original members of The New Minstrels, passed away on October 25, her family confirmed in a statement to ABS-CBN News
- GMA News reported that the family has yet to reveal the cause of death
- Tributes and messages of sympathy filled social media, including posts from fellow singer Ivy Violan, while Reyes’ husband Cesar dela Fuente shared his grief in the comments section of a tribute post
- Born Maria Luisa Reyes de la Fuente, she gained acclaim as a jazz vocalist and helped pave the way for Filipino artists internationally
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The Philippine music industry is mourning the loss of Louie Reyes, one of the original members of the acclaimed vocal group The New Minstrels. She passed away on Saturday, October 25, her family confirmed in a statement to ABS-CBN News.
Source: Instagram
Reyes, born Maria Luisa Reyes de la Fuente, was a celebrated jazz vocalist in the 1970s and became widely known for her powerful voice and musical artistry. She gained recognition not only in the Philippines but also abroad, bringing Filipino talent to the international stage. She was also one of the pioneering members of The New Minstrels, which was co-founded by her husband Cesar dela Fuente.
Her family said she “passed away peacefully.” In a tribute released to ABS-CBN News, they described her as a passionate artist and a beloved figure both on and off stage.
“If you knew her, you loved her—as evidenced by the enormous outpouring of condolences and well-wishes our family has received. To many, especially in the Philippines, she was known as one of the best vocalists ever to grace the stage. But her talent also brought her overseas where she garnered international acclaim and brought honor to her native country,” her family said.
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They added that Reyes belonged to a generation of trailblazers in Original Pilipino Music (OPM):
“Today’s Filipino talents might trace back their current success to a generation of pioneers—of which she was a part—who helped open the doors to global recognition. Music was her great passion, and bringing her gift to others, her greatest pleasure.”
Her family also shared how Reyes was remembered by the people closest to her:
“To her faith community, she was ‘Sister Louie.’ To her former students and mentees, she was ‘madam’ to her four younger siblings she was an Ate. To her sons, she was Mom. To her grandkids, she was Lola. To her husband, the Love of his life. Though we mourn her loss, we celebrate the end of her journey, a life lived to the hilt. Her light is not extinguished—it shines still in the lives of all she touched and all she loved. Rest in peace, live forever in His Glory.”
GMA News reported that the cause of her death has not yet been disclosed.
Tributes poured in online, including from fellow singer Ivy Violan, who remembered Reyes in an emotional Facebook post.
“The Philippine Music Industry celebrates the life of our dear Ms. LOUIE REYES. No good-byes just the best hello to a very very dear friend and colleague,” Violan wrote.
She also extended her condolences to the family, saying, “To Cesar and children and family hug.”
In the comment section of the post, Reyes’ husband Cesar dela Fuente expressed his grief, writing, “Today, I lost the love of my life.”
Louie Reyes leaves behind a musical legacy that helped shape generations of Filipino performers.
Aside from Reyes, there are other local personalities who passed away recently.
Gloria “Loly” Mara passed away at the age of 86, her family announced in a Facebook post on October 18. In their statement, her family expressed deep sorrow and described her as a loving and compassionate woman who touched many lives.
Cocoy Laurel passed away at 72 years old on June 14. The family of the late veteran film and theater actor has revealed his cause of death.
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