Remembering Rebekah Del Rio: The Enchanting ‘Mulholland Drive’ Singer of ‘Llorando’ Passes Away at 57

Rebekah Del Rio, the talented singer-songwriter known for her stunning rendition of "Llorando" in David Lynch’s 2001 film "Mulholland Drive," passed away on June 23 at her home in Los Angeles. She was just 57 years old.

The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office confirmed her death, but further details have not been released.

Lynch first met Del Rio through their shared agent, Brian Loucks, in the mid-’90s. At that time, Del Rio was in Nashville on a country music label. Her cover of "Crying," originally by Roy Orbison, caught the attention of Lynch. He invited her to perform it, recording her on the spot. This moment later became the iconic Club Silencio scene in "Mulholland Drive," which Lynch was reshaping from a previous ABC pilot.

The Club Silencio scene is a powerful moment in the film. It showcases the leads, Naomi Watts and Laura Harring, moved to tears as they watch Del Rio sing. Interestingly, while the film depicts Del Rio as lip-syncing, she performed live for every take. "I wanted the audience to feel the emotion," she said in a 2022 interview with IndieWire. "The stars were there watching me, and I wanted to connect with them."

This performance laid the groundwork for her future in cinema. Del Rio was later featured in Richard Kelly’s "Southland Tales" and lent her voice to soundtracks for popular films like "Sin City" and "Man on Fire."

Del Rio’s bond with Lynch transcended "Mulholland Drive." She performed alongside Moby in "Twin Peaks: The Return" and participated in concerts celebrating Lynch’s work. Just days before her passing, she sang at a charity event for a "Mulholland Drive" screening.

Born on July 10, 1967, in Chula Vista, California, Del Rio began her performing career in San Diego before moving to Los Angeles. She had a son, Phillip C. DeMars, in 1986, but tragically lost him in 2009 at the age of 23.

Del Rio’s unique voice and profound performances left a lasting impact on both fans and filmmakers. Her story highlights the unexpected paths artists take and how fleeting moments can lead to enduring legacy.

For more insights into Del Rio’s life, her impact on film, and Lynch’s work, you can explore further in articles from IndieWire and other trusted sources.

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David Lynch,Mulholland Drive,Rebekah Del Rio,Southland Tales