What Is Celine's Legacy?

[Si J'etais Quelqu'un]

I've seen this discussed on this forum a bit in the past week so I think it would be an interesting topic for a thread of its own, unless there is one and I've missed it.

 

Celine is one of the biggest-selling artists in music history. No one will ever sell the amount of albums she sold ever again. Here's the question though: as time goes by, as Celine ages and eventually withdraws from public life and performing, and eventually passes away, what do you think her legacy will be? How will she be remembered? Was Celine merely very popular for a while, or did she have a deeper impact? She had a huge voice and inspired a generation of singers afterward, but she wasn't the first one to do that. She definitely wasn't the first mainstream pop singer who used songs to glorify her voice rather than the other way around (imo that honor would go to Whitney Houston).

 

I don't mean to suggest that everyone has to make some extraordinary change; she's made people's lives slightly richer for her presence in them, and that's a great thing. I'm just wondering if anyone here feels she's done something beyond making people happy with her songs. Does anyone feel she was the cause of any major shifts in aesthetics or public tastes, etc? People like Michael Jackson, Madonna, The Beatles, Elvis, they're all credited with being more than commercially successful acts; I don't mean to compare Celine to any of them, I just use them as examples of artists whose achievements can't be summed up simply by saying "and they sold x-hundred million records."

 

What sets Celine Dion apart from all the rest, in your opinion? And what should they say about her in the years to come? What WILL they say about her, do you think?

[LukeD]

I had started a similar topic almost a year ago and nobody replied. I think her legacy will be more ''evident'' by the end of this decade. For sure, her singing inspired several singers of the following generations and she does have classic albums & classic songs. Moreover, being the greatest representative of francophone music on a global scale is also part of her legacy & it also seems her shows have had an impact. All these are very good signs, but I feel we'll be in position to judge the whole thing more objectively by the end of this decade. Edited April 11, 2013 at 02:16 AM by LukeD

[lucassfilho]

To 90% of the world, she's "the one who sings the Titanic song" and this is her legacy. We can call this 90% of people... hm. posers? hahaha

 

She's not a composer, she's not a performatic artist, she's not a generic pop star... It's kinda complicated to explain. Céline inspired many artists, cuz she is a huge name in the 90's, but we now that her music style was popular in the 90's. Today, it's all about pop/dance/bubblegum choruses (Of course, Adele isn't on this list.) Delta Goodrem is the only singer that reminds me Céline's musical style and know that she isn't a big seller and popular.

 

 

Céline is one of the greatest names in industry with no doubts. Her legacy, in my opinion, is related to her voice. Only her and Whitney can be so passionate, so emotional... (Hey! I'm a fan! I can't be impartial! haha) I now that Whitney is knowed as 'The Voice' but i think that Céline should have this title too!

 

She's still relevant and will forever be. She might not be so popular today, but she's still famous. Her personality ("If I may, i would like to...." Who else got this kind of trademark? hahahah She's so kind!) and her classic will always be remembered.

 

Céline's legacy is a beautiful trophy... And it will be placed on the same shelf where are Whitney's legacy, Liza's, Barbra's...

 

OH! And we can't forget the Queen of Las Vegas title! She'll always be remembered as the one who saved the city from bankruptcy! hahaha

[Bell]

To 90% of the world, she's "the one who sings the Titanic song" and this is her legacy.

I'd even say 95%...and it's a shame.

[Si J'etais Quelqu'un]

I had started a similar topic almost a year ago and nobody replied. I think her legacy will be more ''evident'' by the end of this decade. For sure, her singing inspired several singers of the following generations and she does have classic albums & classic songs. Moreover, being the greatest representative of francophone music on a global scale is also part of her legacy & it also seems her shows have had an impact. All these are very good signs, but I feel we'll be in position to judge the whole thing more objectively by the end of this decade.

 

Hahaha, this morning this topic was bare and I was like "Well, I guess that thread ended before it began."

 

I saw a photo someone put together recently with the Top 5 Females of the 90s, per Billboard. It was Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Celine Dion, Madonna, and Whitney Houston. I love all five of these acts and my heart just swelled. As big as the biggest female acts today are, they can't even compare to that group. And Celine is part of that. These five women didn't just happen to be the top 5 female acts of that decade, they are all among the biggest icons in music history, the most successful, the most everything, every one of them is larger than life. To have Celine be part of that sorority is incredible, and nothing can touch what those five did and have done together, even separately. To me that's an important part of her legacy, particularly with regards to Whitney and Mariah, with whom she's mentioned in the same breath. You see all these reality shows and I love it when they say "We always say never touch Whitney, Mariah, or Celine." That she's part of setting such a high standard that even very good singers wilt in comparison is a real feat.

 

To 90% of the world, she's "the one who sings the Titanic song" and this is her legacy. We can call this 90% of people... hm. posers? hahaha

 

She's not a composer, she's not a performatic artist, she's not a generic pop star... It's kinda complicated to explain. Céline inspired many artists, cuz she is a huge name in the 90's, but we now that her music style was popular in the 90's. Today, it's all about pop/dance/bubblegum choruses (Of course, Adele isn't on this list.) Delta Goodrem is the only singer that reminds me Céline's musical style and know that she isn't a big seller and popular.

 

Céline is one of the greatest names in industry with no doubts. Her legacy, in my opinion, is related to her voice. Only her and Whitney can be so passionate, so emotional... (Hey! I'm a fan! I can't be impartial! haha) I now that Whitney is knowed as 'The Voice' but i think that Céline should have this title too!

 

She's still relevant and will forever be. She might not be so popular today, but she's still famous. Her personality ("If I may, i would like to...." Who else got this kind of trademark? hahahah She's so kind!) and her classic will always be remembered.

 

Céline's legacy is a beautiful trophy... And it will be placed on the same shelf where are Whitney's legacy, Liza's, Barbra's...

 

OH! And we can't forget the Queen of Las Vegas title! She'll always be remembered as the one who saved the city from bankruptcy! hahaha

 

Look above to what I said in reply to LukeD, because much of it applies here as well. I also agree with what you say about her in Vegas. As a live performer she's so potent that it's another thing for people to measure up to. On Idol a few years ago a great singer did River Deep, Mountain High (which isn't even Celine's to begin with but the fact that she was roped into the critique means something), and Jennifer Lopez said "When Celine gets on stage, she stomps that stage, and that's something you need to work on." This is why though her record sales have slowed, she hasn't had to downgrade and she sells out tickets. It's as if she's grown more popular as a live draw in recent years, look at what the Taking Chances Tour did. She has a reputation as one of the best live acts out there, and people just instinctively get it. Mariah can't even sell out a 2,000 seat theater now, despite her own legacy. Celine's relentless touring in the 90s was an investment, and now it's paying off for her.

 

It's funny, because sometimes I get the feeling Celine is very ambivalent about My Heart Will Go On. I read that when she first heard the song played, she gave Rene a thumbs-down signal. In 1998 when she was asked if she got tired of performing the song she said "It's the song people want to hear, so no, I love giving them that thrill." Even last year she responded to Kate Winslet saying the song made her want to throw up by saying "Singing that song gave me the opportunity to be part of one of the greatest films of all time, that will last forever," and her justification of the song was more about its place in history via a movie, than expressing any joy in it for its own merits. She went on to say "If Kate feels sick hearing it, at least she wasn't the one who had to sing it." The way she put it wasn't like she was throwing the song under the bus, but it still didn't sit right.

Edited April 11, 2013 at 05:49 AM by Si J'etais Quelqu'un

[Irate_Ninja]

Generally, her legacy is going to be ballads, you want a ballad? look up Celine. With us fans of course it will be deeper then that, but this is just what i think. I also believe,when she passes on,the same people that ridculed her, will be the first ones saying they were huge fans. Sad, but true. Her accolades are undeniable, her talent is in a class of it's own. I just don't understand,she has sold just as many records as Mariah, maybe more im not sure, and she is percieved as a after-thought.

[Macaronie]

95% is a bit too much.

 

Here in the UK Think Twice was massive too. Everytime I sing it for karaoke in front of drunk gay boys I can hear them whisper the ''No no no no''. And she had way more hits in the US.

 

No one will ever sell the amount of albums she sold ever again.

 

 

http://en.wikipedia..../Nana_Mouskouri

Edited April 11, 2013 at 09:07 AM by Macaronie

[DionFanAlways]

Her legacy is/will be ballads (as many of us know) and love songs. I wonder how many times she has mentioned the word "love" in her songs?

[Timster]

I think her legacy will be:

 

- My Heart Will Go On / Titanic (obviously)

- Only female artist to have 2 albums that have sold 30m+ (FIY & LTAL)

- The Queen of Las Vegas

- Introducing Francophone music to a global audience (and successfully - D'eux reached #7 in the UK!)

[wjd]

The single biggest thing that she needs to be proud of is that she worked harder, for longer than any of her peers. Her legacy is her voice - which in my opinion is the greatest ever. Her legacy is that she brought Francophone music and French and Canadian culture to a wider audience than any other celebrity or musician, her legacy is that reinvented and revolutionised the entertainment scene in Las Vegas, and on top of all this - she's sold more records in the last 25 years, than anybody else.

 

Just because she doesn't write her music, doesn't mean she isn't the supremely iconic star than Madonna or Whitney or Mariah are - the fact her music consistently ranks higher than any of her peers - far higher than Mariah Carey's music - on iTunes and Amazon etc, shows just how powerful her legacy is. She's truly global haven impacted every single corner of the globe.

[Macaronie]

I think her legacy will be:

 

- My Heart Will Go On / Titanic (obviously)

- Only female artist to have 2 albums that have sold 30m+ (FIY & LTAL)

- The Queen of Las Vegas

- Introducing Francophone music to a global audience (and successfully - D'eux reached #7 in the UK!)

 

...and marrying an old cigar, Ruhnee.

[Bell]

I wonder how many times she has mentioned the word "love" in her songs?

Maybe too many.

[Daysleeper]

Very interesting topic. We all agree on one thing and that is Céline's unique voice, which is her most important legacy. She will definitely be remembered for "Titanic". That's often the first thing that comes to people's minds when they hear the name Céline Dion. However, I wish she was more remembered for the music and artistic expression than for the song that was popular because it was a part of a blockbuster.

 

The fact that she has two careers in two different languages makes her special, that's true. And even more special if we compare Céline to other divas (Mariah, Whitney, Madonna...) . But did she really introduce francophone music to the world as some of you say? I'm not sure. The only french song that she will be remembered for (if we exclude the francophone countries) is "Pour que tu m'aimes encore". And that's even a question how popular this song was or still is among the general public. Lot of people ignore her French career. And even here some fans write that they don't have interest for her french career.

 

For me, the most important thing, except her voice, is that she is a diva who knew how to preserve simplicity and stay down to earth.

[Si J'etais Quelqu'un]

http://en.wikipedia..../Nana_Mouskouri

 

I've always taken the claims on Nana's behalf with a grain of salt, just because there aren't any official numbers or certifications that I've seen to back it up. They could be there, it's just that no one ever seems to have located them or put them online. My meaning was that nobody who has emerged in the past ten years, or will emerge in the years to come, is going to be able to hit numbers like Celine and a few of her peers and predecessors were able to hit. The notion of an artist's popularity per sales has changed in the past ten years; back then people were discussed in terms of albums sold, and today they're discussed in terms of records sold, including both albums and singles, which have control of the market today but it also unfairly inflates some of today's acts and makes it look like commercially they're on the same footing as those in the past. Artists like Rihanna and Katy Perry (who I'm not begrudging, I have a lot of respect for what they've built for themselves and I like many of Rihanna's songs) may sell a lot of singles, but I'm not that moved by their ability to sell 4-5 million copies of a song, because it's pretty easy to click 'Buy' for $1.99 on your computer screen, never having to leave home. Just imagine what some of Celine's songs would have sold had they been available in that way in the 90s. Never mind the fact that Rihanna can barely reach platinum sales in the United States with her albums as of late.

Edited April 11, 2013 at 03:39 PM by Si J'etais Quelqu'un

[québecflower]

Her legacy , the Titanic song for sure...Try to imagine someone else singing the song.....Would it have been so succesfull?. So for me, Celine can do things that others could only dreams to do. She has the will, the stamina, the longevity. She is very charismatic, and wath a Voice. And she stays on her path,

[comingback]

MY HEART WILL GO ON from TITANIC - the biggest and best movie hit ever

 

http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/16300000/Celine-Dion-s-My-Heart-Will-Go-On-Titanic-Theme-Music-Video-titanic-16316696-320-240.jpg

 

 

POUR QUE TU M'AIMES ENCORE - the biggest modern french song

 

http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/119/Video/b0/49/87/mzi.daufwggh.227x170-99.jpg

 

THE QUEEN OF POWER BALLADS - highlight: IT'S ALL COMING BACK TO ME NOW

 

http://www.clipland.com/StillsInt.jpg?file=944433850/clipland682.jpg

 

 

QUEEN OF VEGAS

 

http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/tools/shared/mediahub/00/21/00/slideshow_1002104716_Celine_Dion_Vegas.JPEG-0b1c.jpg

[GoldenLeaf]

She definitely wasn't the first mainstream pop singer who used songs to glorify her voice rather than the other way around (imo that honor would go to Whitney Houston).

Whitney Houston wasn't the first mainstream pop singer who used songs to glorify her voice rather than the other way around. Barbra Streisand and Dionne Warwick did it before her.

[wjd]

95% is a bit too much.

 

Here in the UK Think Twice was massive too. Everytime I sing it for karaoke in front of drunk gay boys I can hear them whisper the ''No no no no''. And she had way more hits in the US.

 

 

 

http://en.wikipedia..../Nana_Mouskouri

 

Nana Mouskouri has sold around 40m albums worldwide - she has not sold anywhere close to 100m, let alone 300m records.

[Si J'etais Quelqu'un]

Whitney Houston wasn't the first mainstream pop singer who used songs to glorify her voice rather than the other way around. Barbra Streisand and Dionne Warwick did it before her.

 

It's definitely a matter of opinion, and I should have clarified that it was only my opinion in the initial post. I just feel that Barbra Streisand, from what I know and have heard, picked songs very carefully and then used her voice and her inflections to communicate the point of the songs. If they glorified her voice in the process, that was like the fries on the side of the burger for her. By her account, singing was just a stepping stone to acting at the early stage of her career, so if she regarded herself as an actress first and a singer second, I'd just assume that telling a story and putting the lyric across would have mattered more to her than "how many high notes can I hit in this?" If you look at a lot of her signature songs, there's a lot of restraint for someone whose voice is so famous. She doesn't do things just for the sake of doing them, and when the high notes come in, more often than not they have purpose beyond showiness. With Whitney, it was all about the voice, and what songs would make it pop, regardless of whether they were melodically or lyrically trite or whatever. It's almost as though what the song is saying doesn't matter, because it's just the vehicle that delivers the voice to the radio. Which isn't to say that song choices with her or others in her lane didn't evolve over time or that some of those songs aren't great pop songs, it's just that in the beginning it was more about showing off to sell records. With a lot of songs by Whitney, Mariah, Celine, it's like they start at 50 miles per hour so by the end they're like three times the legal speed limit lol. But again, that's just my take on it. I appreciate your reminder not to seem like I'm putting things across as though they're fact when they're just, again, my personal take.

Edited April 12, 2013 at 12:27 AM by Si J'etais Quelqu'un

[Macaronie]

Nana Mouskouri has sold around 40m albums worldwide - she has not sold anywhere close to 100m, let alone 300m records.

 

Such bitterness. WikiKouri never lies.

[GoldenLeaf]

Through the the years she imposed herself as one of the most recognized pop vocalist of all time on a worldwide level and she will always be remembered as such.

 

She broke the language barrier by bringing French music all over the world and managed to maintain a lasting and highly sucessful career for more than 3 decades.

 

She also revolutioned the entertainment world in Las Vegas by imposing herself as a sucessful entertainer. Then, other singers like Elton John, Beth Midler, Cher, Shania Twain and Britney Spears have been following her footsteps.

 

She was the first Pop Diva to feature a rapper in one of her song (Unison in 1990).

[québecflower]

she doesn't take herself seriously, name me a Diva like her...She is very nice. In todays world , i think it is an accomplishment . Even if i would like her to be a little more bitc.... Edited August 20, 2013 at 07:21 PM by québecflower

[ehild]

I think there is still more to come to add to what her legacy will be. So far, though, I'd definitely have to say her voice and the power of her voice. And the emotion that she and her fans feel when she sings. Few other artists can even compare. Crossing the language barrier successfully will definitely be a part of her legacy as well. I don't think any other artist can say that, which I think is also why so many other artists look up to and respect her. Of course, we can't forget Vegas. She paved the way for a new Vegas and no one has even come close to what she has done there.

 

To each of us fans, she will have a deeper more personal impact that will vary based on our own experiences. The one thing that will also be a part of her legacy is My Heart Will Go On (& Titanic) of course. However, I do find it sad that so many people will only remember this about her, especially here in the states. She's so much more than the "Titanic" singer! We shall see what's in store in the future!

[DionFanAlways]

she doesn't take herself seriously, name me a Diva like her...She is very nice. In todays world , i think it is an accomplishment . Even if i would like her to be a little more bitc....

yes tell it like it is! Speak her mind in the public world.

[Neddo]

Can anyone tell me how much Taking Chances sold from 2008? I know that Celine sold 3.1 million albums til 1.1.2008

[LukeD]

Can anyone tell me how much Taking Chances sold from 2008? I know that Celine sold 3.1 million albums til 1.1.2008

 

3.5m is the sales roof for this album, as far as I know.

[LukeD]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoINJdqVsdw Christina says she always looked up to Celine.

[Wita19]

I agree with you about the Amazing Voice, Las Vegas Diva, singing in French all over the world , MHWGO and many other things.

 

But I am surprised that no one mentioned about us, fans. We'll be her legacy!

 

Don't you think that the way she attracts people is extraordinary? Once you enter the world of Celine, there's no way out.

And you don't want to get out. She shares with us her love through the songs. And we repay the same.

 

Why do we go to her concerts? Because it is an unforgettable experience of union with people who feel the same as you

(I will have the chance of being a part of that at a concert in Paris and I can't wait!).

 

Being a fan of Celine is like a drug, you still want more.

It starts with one song, and then you listen to the next one, next, next... list goes on. It's not enough.

 

You buy CDs, DVDs.

 

You start to get to know The Owner of this Magical Voice while watching various videos on YT (recording sessions, making ofs, interviews, personal stuff - there's a lot of that).

 

You fall in love with Celine. Because how can you not fall in love with her ​​personality?

 

(You sign up for this forum. You meet as crazy people as you. )

 

She has 13 brothers and sisters. Everybody sings. But only she has the gift to win people over.

 

For the fans, for those who know her a little bit, I'm sure she will always be one of the most amazing person they've ever met.

 

(Tell me if I exaggerated. When I start write something with passion I don't know where is the right moment to stop...)

 

 

[Prima_Donna1]

I agree with you about the Amazing Voice, Las Vegas Diva, singing in French all over the world , MHWGO and many other things.

 

But I am surprised that no one mentioned about us, fans. We'll be her legacy!

 

Don't you think that the way she attracts people is extraordinary? Once you enter the world of Celine, there's no way out.

And you don't want to get out. She shares with us her love through the songs. And we repay the same.

 

Why do we go to her concerts? Because it is an unforgettable experience of union with people who feel the same as you

(I will have the chance of being a part of that at a concert in Paris and I can't wait!).

 

Being a fan of Celine is like a drug, you still want more.

It starts with one song, and then you listen to the next one, next, next... list goes on. It's not enough.

 

You buy CDs, DVDs.

 

You start to get to know The Owner of this Magical Voice while watching various videos on YT (recording sessions, making ofs, interviews, personal stuff - there's a lot of that).

 

You fall in love with Celine. Because how can you not fall in love with her ​​personality?

 

(You sign up for this forum. You meet as crazy people as you. )

 

She has 13 brothers and sisters. Everybody sings. But only she has the gift to win people over.

 

For the fans, for those who know her a little bit, I'm sure she will always be one of the most amazing person they've ever met.

 

(Tell me if I exaggerated. When I start write something with passion I don't know where is the right moment to stop...)

 

 

True! Ofcourse we are her legacy because we are her main support system. She would be flat broke without us. Also we defend her from the wrong people and from the haters!

Edited August 20, 2013 at 11:11 PM by Prima_Donna1

[Matias]

Copyright the use of the expression "if I may" hahaha