MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine music industry is mourning the loss of one of its most versatile and celebrated voices, Louie Reyes, who passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the age of 96. Her passing was confirmed by her husband and lifelong musical collaborator, Cesar de la Fuente, bringing an end to a remarkable life and career that spanned decades.
The news was first shared in a poignant public comment left by Dela Fuente on a social media tribute post by fellow singer Ivy Violan. “Today, I lost the love of my life,” wrote Cesar de la Fuente, encapsulating the deep personal loss of his wife of over four decades. Louie Reyes and Cesar de la Fuente, who met through music and founded the iconic group The New Minstrels, were married in January 1979.
According to close family friends, the cause of Louie’s death was ovarian cancer, a private health battle she faced in recent years.
II. The New Minstrels: A Legacy Forged in the ’70s
Louie Reyes first rose to prominence in the dynamic music scene of the 1970s, where she quickly established a reputation as a distinguished jazz singer and vocalist, earning several awards that recognized her exceptional talent. However, it was her pivotal role in The New Minstrels that catapulted her to nationwide fame and made her a household name.
The New Minstrels was not just a singing group; it was a cultural phenomenon and a foundational institution in contemporary Filipino music. It was founded by Cesar de la Fuente, who recognized the need for a versatile ensemble that could master diverse musical genres.
Versatility and Star Power
The group’s defining characteristic was its immense versatility, successfully navigating a wide array of musical styles—from the rhythmic beats of disco and soulful R&B to the technical demands of swing, the theatricality of Broadway, and the depth of classic Filipino songs. Their unique blend captivated audiences both locally and internationally.
The New Minstrels left behind a collection of enduring hits that continue to be cherished, including “Kahit Na Magtiis,” “Smile,” “I Don’t Love You Anymore,” and “Buhat.” More importantly, the group served as a crucial “breeding ground” for future Filipino music legends. Many of the country’s most accomplished singers honed their craft within the group before launching solo careers, including Ray-An Fuentes, Eugene Villaluz, Chad Borja, and Joey Albert. Louie Reyes’s powerful and nuanced vocal style was a key component of the group’s signature sound during its golden age.
III. From Stage to Classroom: A Passion for Music Education
Beyond her illustrious career as a performer, Louie Reyes maintained a deep commitment to music education. A graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, she dedicated herself to nurturing the next generation of talent. Her professional journey included roles as both a vocal coach and an instructor, sharing the techniques and passion that made her a star.
Her commitment to music followed her even after she migrated to the United States in 1999. She continued to perform for Filipino communities abroad and actively practiced her love for music by continuing her work as a vocal coach, ensuring her gift was passed on to others.
The Unsung Performance
Louie Reyes’s personal stories of her early life often revealed her inherent drive to perform. In a charming and slightly bittersweet anecdote shared during a 2013 interview with The Philippine Star, she recalled her very first chance to sing in public during Grade 2. Stepping in for a classmate who suddenly lost her voice, young Louie was ready to take the stage. However, the school ultimately opted for a bizarre arrangement: Louie was asked to sing into a microphone backstage while her classmate lip-synced the song on stage, maintaining the illusion of the original performance. Although she didn’t get to face the audience that day, this episode foreshadowed a career where she would eventually command the stage and receive the recognition her talent deserved.
The passing of Louie Reyes leaves a void in the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) community. She will be remembered as a formidable vocalist, a devoted educator, and a key architect of the sound that defined a golden era of Philippine music.
