Written by | Ray Cornelius
When Disney releases its live action version of the animated classic “Beauty and the Beast” on March 17, it will also include the film’s new soundtrack featuring Grammy winning singer and songwriter John Legend and Grammy nominated performer Ariana Grande. The two will be performing the film’s title song, “Beauty and the Beast” which was originally recorded in 1991 by pop stars Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson.
I caught up with Bryson on the red carpet of the recent Trumpet Awards in Atlanta and asked him about the remake of his song that eventually won a Golden Globe, an Oscar and two Grammys including Best Pop Performance by a Duo in 1992.
“They’re great artists in their own right and there is nothing to be taken away from them. I am happy to be quite frankly,” said Bryson, who was honored with this year’s Legend Trumpet Award.
Bryson and Dion’s “Beauty and the Beast” was such a success for Disney that the R&B crooner was invited back to perform the theme song for their 1992 animated film, “Aladdin.” “A Whole New World” featured Bryson’s smooth vocals along with R&B songtress Regina Belle. Much like “Beauty and the Beast”, the song also picked up a Grammy in 1994 and is the only musical recording from a Disney animated film to top the Billboard Hot 100.
“Beauty and the Beast” stars Emma Watson as the Belle, young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle in exchange for the freedom of her father Maurice. The film also includes Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Audra McDonald, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson.
Watch the trailer below and tell us what you think…
Photo Credits: Disney and RayCornelius.com
