5 Things Learned From Watching Regina Belle’s Episode of Unsung

On Sunday, June 10, 2018, TV One released another episode its longest-running and five-time NAACP Image Award winning series, “Unsung,” which “celebrates the lives and careers of artists or groups who have overcome great odds in their journey to stardom, yet their stories have yet to be fully explored.” This episode featured music artist Regina Belle, who pursued her professional music dreams by a chance of circumstances. Belle has done Jazz, Pop, R*B, and Gospel music, her voice transcends through genres, and captivates audiences. Belle “Isn’t selling sex, she was selling a song and her voice.”

1. Belle got her start a few months shy of graduating college. Being a native of New Jersey, Belle attended Rutgers university, and a few months before graduation, she got an opportunity to go on tour with The Manhattans. She also got the chance to be featured on their song, “Where Did We Go Wrong,” caught the attention of executives at Columbia Records, where she later signed.

2.  Although Belle was enjoying entertaining millions, she was struggling internally. She lost two sets of twin boys due to miscarriages. Belle and her husband John Battle adopted 3 children prior to finally conceiving two girls of their own.

3. After being released from Columbia Records, Belle was at a crossroads. Belle’s switch to Gospel music came after a letter she was writing to God in 2008. Belle creating a Gospel album shortly after that letters shows the artistry and dedication she possesses.

4. In 2009, Belle got diagnosed with a brain tumor. She underwent surgery to try and remove the tumor, but the process could not be completed.  The initial surgery took 8 hours, and due to a excessive bleeding; doctors had to stop the surgery and try again 6 months later. They were able to remove the tumor, which was benign.

5. Although she left Rutgers University a few months shy of graduating in 18981, she returned about 30 years later to complete her degree. She graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Africana studies with a minor in music.

Bonus:

I’m surprised most people did not know about this one. A lot of people know the song, “A Whole New World,” but not the real singers behind it. Peabo Bryson and Belle are the voices behind the original singing of the song from the Disney movie “Aladdin.”