Regina Belle
Grammy and Academy Award-winning American singer-songwriter Regina Belle (born July 17, 1963), known for her versatile vocal range spanning R&B, soul, jazz, and gospel, rose to prominence in the mid-1980s and is most widely recognized for her record-breaking duet "A Whole New World" from Disney’s Aladdin. Born in Englewood, New Jersey, Belle began singing at age three and performed her first solo in church at age eight.
During high school, she studied the trombone, tuba, and steel drums. She studied opera at the Manhattan School of Music and later attended Rutgers University, where she was the first female vocalist in the school's jazz ensemble. After leaving early to tour, she eventually returned to Rutgers and completed her B.A. in Africana Studies in 2015.
New York radio DJ Vaughn Harper introduced her to the R&B group The Manhattans, for whom she became an opening act. This led to a recording deal with Columbia Records. Her debut album, All by Myself (1987), included hits such as "So Many Tears" and "Show Me the Way". Other notable singles include "Baby Come to Me" (1989), "Make It Like It Was" (1990), and "If I Could" (1993).
Belle is famous for her collaborations with Peabo Bryson, particularly "Without You" (1987) and "A Whole New World" (1992). The latter reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won both a Grammy and an Oscar.
She married former NBA player John Battle on June 25, 1991. The couple resides in Atlanta, where Battle serves as a pastor. Belle has five children, some of whom are adopted.
In 2008, she released her debut gospel album Love Forever Shines, followed by Higher in 2012. In 2009, she underwent surgery for a brain tumor, which left her deaf in her left ear.
In June 2025, she was inducted into the Women's Songwriters Hall of Fame. She graduated with a Master of Divinity (MDIV) in May 2024 from the Interdenominational Theological Center.
Passion
Written-By – N.M. Walden, R. Belle
5:56
2 Quiet Time
Written-By – S. Grissette, S. Grissette, T. Gant, T. Dickerson
5:09
3 If I Could
Written-By – K. Hirsch, M. Sharron, R. Miller
4:03
4 Do You Wanna Get Serious
Written-By – D. Thomas
5:34
5 Dream In Color
Written-By – A. Lang, S. Peiken
4:13
6 My Man
Lyrics By [English] – C. Pollack
Lyrics By [French] – A. Willemetz, J. Charles
4:50
7 The Deeper I Love
Written-By – P.L. Stewart, III, T. Haynes
4:55
8 A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme)
Lead Vocals – Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle
Lyrics By – T. Rice
4:07
9 Love
Written-By – C. Lieberman, D. Champ, L. Armor
5:55
10 Heaven's Just A Whisper Away
Written-By – A. Smith, K. Diamond, L. Henley
3:56
11 Tango In Paris
Written-By – K. Beethoven, M. Mani, M. Dewese, N.M. Walden, V. Black
4:12
12 One Love
Written-By – B. Russell, N.M. Walden
5:49
Label: Columbia – CK 48826
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1993
Genre: R&B Soul, Soft Rock
Style: Soul, Contemporary R&B
Regina Belle's Passion album, her most commercially successful, is praised for showcasing her captivating vocals across soulful R&B, jazz, and pop tracks, with critics highlighting her mesmerizing delivery, particularly on the suited ballads and mid-tempo songs that convey deep emotion, making it a strong, enjoyable collection for fans of classic R&B.
The album fully utilizes Belle's vocal talents, with every song considered worthy of attention, notes AllMusic editor Craig Lytle. It seamlessly blends soulful R&B, jazz, and pop-oriented tunes, offering variety within its focus on heartfelt emotion.
As the title suggests, Belle pours passion into each performance, with many tracks being ballads or mid-tempo songs perfect for her style.
Passion became Belle's biggest hit, reaching #63 on the Billboard 200 and #13 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, eventually earning Gold certification, says joesrecords.com.
Many listeners consider it a classic, with some loving it so much they bought multiple copies, appreciating the mix of soulful singing and danceable moments, notes Amazon.com.be.
In essence, Passion is seen as a stellar collection where Belle delivers mesmerizing vocals and heartfelt performances, solidifying her place in R&B and soul music.
Stay With Me
Written-By – J. Cohen, N.M. Walden 5:41
2 When Will You Be Mine
Written-By – E. Foster White 4:43
3 Dream Lover
Written-By – D. Kyles, M. Grady 5:29
4 What Goes Around
Written-By – C. Mitchell 5:35
5 Make It Like It Was
Written-By – C. Winans 5:09
6 Good Lovin'
Written-By – C. Bourelly, R. Davis 5:44
7 It Doesn't Hurt Anymore
Written-By – A. Armato, R. Neigher 5:01
8 This Is Love
Written-By – J. Butler 4:43
9 (It's Gonna Take) All Our Love
Written-By – B. Eastmond, M. Eastmond 4:36
10 Someday We'll All Be Free / Save The Children
Written-By – D. Hathaway, E. Howard, M. Gaye 6:55
11 All I Want Is Forever
Written-By – D. Warren 4:30
Label: Columbia – CK 44367
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1989
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Contemporary R&B, Soul
Regina Belle's
Stay With Me (1989) is a highly praised R&B/soul gem, celebrated for Belle's rich, sincere vocals and heartfelt, relatable lyrics about love and companionship, featuring hits like "Baby Come to Me," "Make It Like It Was," and the duet "All I Want Is Forever," making it a definitive album of her early career, solidifying her as a powerful voice in late '80s music, despite some reviewers finding weaker up-tempo tracks.
Reviewers consistently highlight Belle's beautiful, powerful voice and her ability to convey deep sincerity, making listeners feel personally connected to her stories.
The album features lush, adult-oriented arrangements with soft keyboards and subtle orchestration, giving her vocals ample space to shine.
It spawned multiple R&B chart-toppers, including the iconic "Baby Come to Me," "Make It Like It Was," and the duet with James "J.T." Taylor "All I Want Is Forever". Stay With Me reached #1 on the US R&B chart and #63 on the Billboard 200, earning Gold certification and establishing Belle as a major force.
While ballads are universally praised as her strength, some critics found the faster tracks less compelling, though many listeners found the entire album modern and enjoyable.
Fans and critics view Stay With Me as a must-have, an essential part of Belle's legacy, showcasing classic '80s R&B at its finest, brimming with timeless romance and honest storytelling.