Celine Dion

She is the most successful female singer in the world and her Titanic theme tune topped British charts for five weeks. She comes from a tight family unit. Celine was the youngest of 14 children (nine girls and five boys). She grew up in humble circumstances in a tiny house near Montreal. Her parents worked hard but money was tight and music often paid the bills. The Dion family was singing and dancing at weddings and parties. Celine’s father was the family’s band leader. He also did all kinds of jobs, and her mother never worked. Celine laughs: “Are you kidding, raising 14 kids!” Every Sunday the family grew bigger. All neighbours and friends wanted to be round them, and they never locked the door.

In 1980, the 12-year-old Celine already showed an extraordinary vocal range. Rene Angelil, a music entrepreneur in Quebec, recognized a star voice and paid for Celine’s first album.
Dion quickly became a national treasure in Canada. Her song My Heart Will Go On has won two Golden Globe Awards. Celine has houses near Montreal and in Florida, but isn’t driven by a desire for money. She rates health and happiness above everything else. “I consider a human being who has had happiness and health has had it all. Everything extra is a blessing.”

MY HEART WILL GO ON
Music by James Homer
Lyrics by Will Jennings

Every night in my dreams I see you, I feel you.
That is how I know you go on.
Far across the distance and spaces between us
You have come to show you go on.

Near, far, wherever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on.
Once more, you open the door
And you’re here in my heart,
And my heart will go on and on.

Love can touch us one time and last for a lifetime.
And never let go till we’re gone.
Love was when I loved you, and one true time to hold to.
In my life we’ll always go on.

Near, far, wherever you are,
I believe that the heart does go on.
Once more, you open the door And you’re here in my heart,
And my heart will go on and on.

You’re here, there’s nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on.
We’ll stay forever this way,
You are safe in my heart,
And my heart will go on and on.

From Speak Out 5-6, 1998