Peabo Bryson, the R&B singer best known for his Oscar-winning Disney duets, has died at the age of 75. His family confirmed that he passed away on Tuesday, days after suffering a stroke.
Bryson won two Grammy awards for his performances on 'Beauty and the Beast' with Celine Dion and 'A Whole New World' with Regina Belle from the film Aladdin. His family said in a statement: '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.'
Celine Dion expressed her heartbreak on social media, recalling how Bryson made her feel comfortable when they recorded together. 'His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance,' she wrote.
Over a five-decade career, Bryson became one of R&B's premier balladeers, with hits including 'Feel the Fire', 'I'm So Into You' and 'Can You Stop the Rain'. He also collaborated with artists such as Roberta Flack and Natalie Cole, and his duet with Flack, 'Tonight, I Celebrate My Love', became a defining love song of the 1980s.
Born in South Carolina, Bryson began his career with the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display before signing as a solo artist with Bang Records. He later recorded for Capitol, Elektra and Columbia Records. Beyond music, he appeared in stage productions including 'Raisin', 'The Wiz' and 'Porgy and Bess'.
Bryson had a stroke in late May and was placed under medical care. He had made a full recovery from a heart attack in 2019. His family has requested privacy and said memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date.
