The Song That Changed The Duo’s Lives
The timing of that support would prove significant. “Beauty and the Beast” became one of the defining songs of both artists’ careers and helped introduce Celine to a much wider audience.
The soundtrack for Disney’s animated classic earned seven Grammy nominations at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards and won four trophies.
Among those wins were Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television for Peabo and Celine’s duet.
Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson attend the World Music Awards ceremony May 14, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
The soundtrack also made Grammy history by becoming the first animated film soundtrack ever nominated for Album of the Year. For Celine, the song represented another major milestone.
The duet earned her first Grammy Award in 1992, just two years after the release of her first English-language album.
Celine Dion attends the 35th Annual Grammy Awards on January 25, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
In a previous reflection on the song, Celine credited “Beauty and the Beast” as one of the most important duets of her early career, saying it gave her a major boost during those formative years.
Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson attend the American Music Awards on January 25, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
Why She Never Forgot
As her tribute continued, Celine explained why Peabo’s memory would remain so meaningful to her.
“He will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought to my life,” she wrote. “His voice and his talent will be missed…”
Peabo Bryson performs during Met Life Presents the Apollo Theatre Hall of Fame on June 1, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
She concluded by extending her condolences to his family. “My heart is with your family, and may you rest in peace, Peabo.” Signing off the message, she added: “Love, Celine xx.”
Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson attend the 20th Annual American Music Awards on January 25, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
More than 30 years after Peabo helped put her at ease in the recording studio, that memory was among the first things Celine chose to share after learning of his death.
Her tribute offered a glimpse of the kindness she experienced firsthand — a quality that many others would soon remember as news of the singer’s passing spread.
