Peabo Bryson, the celebrated Grammy-winning R&B singer known for timeless hits such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” has died at the age of 75 following complications from a stroke suffered days earlier. His family confirmed that he passed away on June 2, 2026, in Marietta, Georgia, surrounded by loved ones.
For more than five decades, Bryson’s smooth vocals and romantic ballads made him one of the most recognizable voices in R&B and adult contemporary music. From chart-topping solo hits to unforgettable Disney soundtracks, he built a legacy that touched generations of music lovers worldwide.
In a statement released after his death, his family said:
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world.”
They added:
“While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
Who Was Peabo Bryson?
Robert Peapo Bryson was born on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, Peabo Bryson developed a passion for music at an early age. Raised in a musical household, he attended concerts with his family and decided as a teenager that music would be his lifelong career.
His unusual middle name, “Peapo,” was often mispronounced by fellow musicians, leading him to adopt the stage name “Peabo” early in his career. Before becoming a solo star, Bryson performed as a backing vocalist and musician in several bands, including working with songwriter and producer Moses Dillard during the late 1960s.
He signed his first recording deal with Bang Records in 1967 and later launched his solo career with the album Peabo in 1976. His talent quickly earned industry recognition, paving the way for a long and successful career.
Career, Awards and Lasting Legacy
Bryson’s breakthrough came in the late 1970s after signing with Capitol Records. His albums Reaching for the Sky (1977) and Crosswinds (1978) both achieved gold certification and established him as one of R&B’s leading vocalists.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he recorded a string of successful songs, including:
- “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again”
- “Feel the Fire”
- “Can You Stop the Rain”
- “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” (with Roberta Flack)
- “By the Time This Night Is Over” (with Kenny G)
However, Bryson achieved global superstardom through his Disney collaborations.
In 1992, he recorded “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle for Disney’s Aladdin. The song topped major music charts and became one of Disney’s most beloved theme songs.
A year later, he won a Grammy Award for “Beauty and the Beast” alongside Céline Dion. He followed that success with another Grammy for “A Whole New World,” earning back-to-back Grammy wins in 1993 and 1994.
His achievements included:
- Two Grammy Awards
- More than five decades in the music industry
- Over 20 studio albums
- Multiple gold-certified records
- Collaborations with artists such as Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, Regina Belle, Céline Dion and Kenny G
Beyond recording music, Bryson also appeared in stage productions including The Wiz, Raisin, and Porgy and Bess. In 2018, he released Stand for Love, his 21st studio album, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Despite suffering a major heart attack in 2019, Bryson recovered and continued performing. In 2024, he launched his Golden Touch tour as part of his celebration of 50 years in the music industry.
Known as the “Voice of Love” for his romantic duets and soulful ballads, Bryson remained active on stage until shortly before his death.
He is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson, his son Robert “Kit” Bryson, his daughter Linda Bryson, and three grandchildren. Memorial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family at a later date.
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