Canadian pop superstar Celine Dion says she is “heartbroken” by the death of Grammy Award-winning singer Peabo Bryson.
“He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English,” Dion wrote of Bryson in a social media post early Wednesday morning. The pair won a Grammy Award for their version of “Beauty and the Beast,” the hit theme of the 1991 Disney film of the same name. It was also the lead single from her 1992 self-titled album. The song would help make Dion an international superstar.
Bryson would go on to record another Disney classic, “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin,” with Regina Belle. It became the first song from a Disney animated film to reach No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
“His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance,” Dion wrote of Bryson, later adding, “he will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought to my life.”
Bryson died Tuesday evening, days after suffering a stroke, according to a statement from his family. He was 75.
“My heart is with your family, and may you rest in peace, Peabo.” Dion said.
