René Angélil

René Angélil pictured above as Dominic Fagazi in the 2012 feature Omertà. Angélil started out as a singer in the 1960s in Montréal. His group was primarily known for covering hits from England or the United States. When group members went their separate ways, Angélil and a best friend, Guy Cloutier launched their careers in artist management. Early on the handled the careers of René Simard and Ginette Reno, among many others. In 1981 their partnership split with each man setting up their own company. Shortly after that he received a demo tape of the very young Celine Dion and signed her as a client. Although she is 26 years younger than him, their business relationship became personal and they married on December 17, 1994. He died at his home in Las Vegas two days before his 74th birthday after a long battle with cancer.