Celine Dion
“A fourteenth child, a ship’s ballad, a Vegas Tuesday, then a disease she named in public.”
In 1997, Celine Dion recorded "My Heart Will Go On" for the film Titanic, and the ballad topped charts worldwide and won an Academy Award. It cemented her status as one of the biggest-selling vocalists on the planet.
Quebec Beginnings
The youngest of 14 children, Celine Dion began performing in her family's piano bar at age five. By 12 she had impressed manager Rene Angelil enough that he launched her career.
Global Superstar
Crossing over to English-language pop, she became the queen of the power ballad. Albums like Falling into You and Let's Talk About Love sold tens of millions worldwide.
Resilience
After a celebrated Las Vegas residency, Dion revealed a 2022 diagnosis of stiff person syndrome. Her gradual return, including the 2024 Paris Olympics, drew worldwide admiration.
Career Timeline
- 1968Born in Charlemagne, Quebec. Fourteenth of fourteen.
- 1988Eurovision, for Switzerland.
- 1997My Heart Will Go On.
- 2016René Angélil dies. She sings the next night.
- 2022Stiff-person syndrome named in public.
Biggest Hits
- She won the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest representing Switzerland, not her native Canada, with the song "Ne partez pas sans moi."
- Manager Rene Angelil mortgaged his home to finance her first album; the two later married.
Portrait: Georges Biard · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons