Rebekah Del Rio, the acclaimed vocalist behind the haunting Spanish rendition of “Crying” in Mulholland Drive, has died at the age of 57. The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office confirmed she passed away at her home on June 23. No cause of death was disclosed.
Breakthrough with “Llorando”
Born in Chula Vista, California, Del Rio recorded “Llorando” — the Spanish version of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” — in 1994. The track led to a record deal in Nashville and her debut album Nobody’s Angel that same year.
David Lynch Collaboration
Del Rio met director David Lynch through a shared agent. After performing “Llorando” for him at his studio, Lynch was inspired to create the unforgettable Club Silencio scene in Mulholland Drive (2001). Del Rio was cast in the film to perform the piece live on set.
In a 2022 interview with IndieWire, she explained, “I sang along for every take of that scene… I didn’t want anyone to think I was lip-syncing.” Though the scene depicts her collapsing mid-song, she emphasized the importance of live performance: “No hay banda. It’s all an illusion.”
Later Film Work
Del Rio reunited with Lynch in Twin Peaks: The Return, performing “No Stars” alongside Moby in one of the show’s moody roadhouse scenes. She also appeared in Southland Tales (2006) and contributed vocals to soundtracks for Sin City and Man on Fire.
Final Performance
Just weeks before her passing, Del Rio performed “Llorando” live during a charity screening of Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles.
For more on the farewell to the late actor, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.