Rebekah Del Rio, known for her powerful performance of “Llorando” in the film Mulholland Drive, has died at the age of 57.
The singer passed away at her home in Los Angeles on Monday, June 23. Her death was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday, June 27 per USA Today.
The cause of death is still unknown. Officials say more tests are needed before a final determination can be made, which may take several months.
Rebekah Del Rio was an American singer and songwriter best known for her powerful and emotional voice, often described as haunting and deeply soulful. Born on July 10, 1967, in Chula Vista, California, she grew up in San Diego and began performing music at an early age. Her love for music led her to pursue a professional career, eventually taking her from California to Nashville, where she recorded her debut album Nobody’s Angel.
Her big breakthrough came with her Spanish-language version of Roy Orbison’s classic “Crying,” titled “Llorando.” This performance, filled with raw emotion, caught the attention of director David Lynch, who featured her in a memorable scene in the 2001 film Mulholland Drive. In the scene, Del Rio performs “Llorando” in a small theater called Club Silencio.
Beyond Mulholland Drive, she also appeared in other film and television projects, including Twin Peaks: The Return, where she reunited with Lynch to perform the song “No Stars.” Her music was featured in several movie soundtracks, adding her unique vocal style to films like Sin City, Southland Tales, and Man on Fire.
Del Rio released multiple albums over her career, showcasing her rich vocal range and blending styles such as jazz, Latin, and pop. She toured internationally and built a loyal fan base. Despite her professional success, Del Rio experienced personal heartbreak. Her only son, Phillip, passed away in 2009, a loss she spoke about publicly and often honored through her music.
