Celine Dion ‘heartbroken’ by death of Beauty And The Beast singer Peabo Bryson
By Carla Feric, Press Association Entertainment Reporter
Celine Dion has said she is “heartbroken” following the death of US singer Peabo Bryson, who she duetted with for Disney’s Beauty And The Beast.
The French-Canadian singer also remembered the award-winning musician as “wonderful and generous” and said his “voice and talent will be missed”, following his death aged 75.
Bryson died on Tuesday evening days after suffering from a stroke according to a statement from his family which said that his “legacy and music will live on for generations to come”.
In a post to her 11.2 million Instagram followers on Wednesday, Dion shared an old photo of herself alongside Bryson, smiling for photos on a red carpet as they attended the American Music Awards together.
The five-time Grammy winner, 58, wrote: “I’m heartbroken to heart that we lost Peabo Bryson today. His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance.”
Reflecting on their famous collaboration on the titular song for Disney’s 1991 musical animation film, Dion continued: “He was so wonderful and generous to me all those years ago, when we recorded Beauty And The Beast.
“He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English. He will remain for me always as a real symbol of joy that music has brought to my life. His voice and talent will be missed.
“My heart is with your family, and may you rest in peace Peabo. Love, Celine xx.”
Bryson was best known for his contribution to Disney alongside Dion, which won him his first Grammy Award, and was also famed as the voice behind the theme song for Aladdin (1992).
The veteran musician picked up another Grammy for the track titled A Whole New World – which was a duet with Regina Belle.
The singer-songwriter was also known for his popular R&B tracks, and had a successful music career spanning over five decades which launched in the 1970s.
Bryson was known for songs such as Feel The Fire, I’m So Into You, Can You Stop The Rain, If Ever You’re In My Arms Again and Reaching for the Sky – and has also collaborated with famous saxophonist Kenny G.
He also released a duet album with the late Roberta Flack, titled Born To Love, in 1983. It featured their hit Tonight, I Celebrate My Love – which peaked at number two on the UK singles chart.
