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EXCLUSIVE: Debby Boone Reacts to You Light Up My Life Composer’s Shocking Arrest

June 24 2009, Published 10:03 a.m. ET

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Singer Debby Boone is heartbroken that the song which was such a huge part of her life and career became the calling card for an alleged serial rapist. 

Producer/director/composer Joseph Brooks, who won a Best Original Song Oscar in 1977 for You Light Up My Life, was arrested and charged June 23 in New York on 82 counts of sexual assault, including rape.

"I recorded You Light Up My Life as a pure expression of love,” Debby told RadarOnline.com exclusively.  “It has held a very special place in the hearts of so many people. Naturally, I am very concerned for all parties involved."

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Brooks, 71, had been under investigation for several months.  He turned himself in to a NYPD precinct station, accompanied by his attorney, Police Officer Otero told RadarOnline.com.

Brooks used his show business connections – he also produced and wrote the film, You Light Up My Life and co-produced the cult-fav 1983 rock flick, Eddie and the Cruisers – as a way to lure women to his apartment where he sexually assaulted them.

One of his victims was an American Idol contestant, Loretta Spruell. 

Brooks was released on $500,000 bail.  He’s facing a possible 25 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Boone, the daughter of Pat Boone, continues to record and tour.

(Photo: Zuma Press)

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