Louie Reyes, veteran singer and founding member of the iconic vocal group The New Minstrels, died on Oct. 26. She was 72.
Her husband and fellow group member, Cesar dela Fuente, confirmed her passing in a statement, saying, “Today, I lost the love of my life.” The family has not disclosed the cause of death.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends in the entertainment industry. Singer Ivy Violan wrote on Facebook, “The Philippine music industry celebrates the life of our dear Ms. Louie Reyes. No goodbyes, just the best hello to a very, very dear friend and colleague.”
Filmmaker Joey Reyes also remembered the late artist, writing, “Sing high with the choir of angels who wait for you, Louie Reyes. Your voice has shown us glimpses of heaven… so now you are home where our Father shall listen to the music that He has gifted your soul.”
Reyes gained prominence in the 1970s as one of the original members of The New Minstrels, a group known for its signature blend of jazz, Broadway, and OPM classics that helped shape the sound of Filipino popular music.
