Gone, Yet the Music Lives On

Remembering the Legends: A Tribute to Music Icons

Eugene Villaluz has been creating beautiful music in heaven for the past seven years. However, he has not been able to perform one of his most memorable songs, "Nothing I Want More." This song was arranged as a duet and required a very special partner. Why not bring in Louie Reyes, a talented singer, jazz artist, vocal coach, and former member of the New Minstrels?

Louie was called in to join the gathering of singers in the great beyond. She passed away in her home in the US on October 26. She was married to Cesar de la Fuente, the founder of the New Minstrels, for almost 50 years and had two sons.

Now, it's time for her to join Eugene and sing again that showstopping chorus: “I don’t understand the reason/ I told you so before/ for when I’m with you there’s nothing I want more/ I want more…”

The grim reaper has had quite a time harvesting well-loved people in the music scene this year. As the old joke goes, someone up there must be forming a band to provide entertainment for some heavenly event. And some of the best were taken to be in that forever gig.

One of those who left us was Davey Langit, a talented singer and songwriter, who passed away on October 21 at the age of 37 due to a rare form of spinal infection. Among his works were "Paratingin Mo Na Siya" and "Dalawang Letra."

As we do during this time of the year, we pause to remember and say a prayer for our loved ones who have left this world. We also think of the artists who are now gone. We feel the loss and will always be grateful for the music they left behind.

Star-Studded Departure List

Here is this year’s list of notable departures:

• Quincy Jones, 92, on November 3, 2024. One of the greatest American composers and producers, Q, as he was fondly called, steered Michael Jackson to the top of the world with the albums “Thriller” and “Off the Wall.”

• Marianne Faithfull, 78, on January 30, 2025. The British rock and pop singer best known for "As Tears Go By."

• Roberta Flack, 88, on February 24. The pop and R&B singer popularized "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly with Your Song."

• Richard Chamberlain, 90, on March 27. An actor and singer, he was Dr. Kildaire and later Father Ralph de Bricassart of "The Thorn Birds," whose theme "Three Stars Will Shine Tonight" was his big hit.

• Johnny Tillotson, 86, on April 1. The rock and roll singer from the ‘60s was known for "Poetry in Motion" and "Tears on My Pillow."

• Pilita Corrales, 87, on April 12. A singer, actress, and comedienne, she was Asia’s Queen of Songs, who gave a new spin to native music with her album "Philippine Love Songs."

• Nora Aunor, 72, on April 17. As the Superstar, she went from singing champion to global acclaim. She dominated the charts with her songs and the box office with her films. She was the country’s first Best Actress winner in a major film festival, "The Flor Contemplacion Story" in Cairo.

• Hajji Alejandro, 71, on April 4, 2025. The member of the Circus Band-turned-pop idol was dubbed the "Kilabot ng mga kolehiyala."

• Freddie Aguilar, 72, on May 27. Olongapo folk singer whose song "Anak" became the first Filipino song to hit big internationally.

• Sly Stone of the funk band Sly and the Family Stone, 82, on June 9. Big hits were "Everyday People" and "Dance to the Music."

• Brian Wilson, 83, on June 11. Founder of the Beach Boys, the American rock and roll band who introduced the Surfin’ sound.

• Cocoy Laurel, 72, on June 14. The multi-talented actor, singer, songwriter, poet, and painter was The Engineer in "Miss Saigon" and Nora’s leading man in "Lollipops and Roses."

• Lalo Schifrin, 93, on June 26. A pianist, arranger, and conductor, he provided music to "Mission Impossible" and "Enter the Dragon."

• Connie Francis, 87, on July 16. She was the girl singer of the ‘60s era with hits like "Who’s Sorry Now" and "Pretty Little Baby."

• Alan Bergman, 99, on July 17. He and his wife, Marilyn, composed "The Windmills of Your Mind" and "The Way We Were."

• Cleo Laine, 97, on July 24, was a British jazz singer and actress.

• Chuck Mangione, 84, on July 22, was the instrumentalist who introduced the flugelhorn to pop music with "Feel So Good."

• Ozzy Osbourne, 77, on July 22, was Rock’s Prince of Darkness and creator of heavy metal sounds.

• Jane Morgan, 101, on August 4, was the singer and actress of the iconic recording of "Two Different Worlds."

To all of them, let us say, thank you for the music.