Peabo Bryson, the double Grammy Award-winning balladeer whose powerful vocals defined a generation of Disney classics and R&B hits, died Tuesday at the age of 75.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement, noting that the singer transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET surrounded by his loved ones. While the family did not cite an official cause of death, the announcement comes just two days after they shared that Bryson had suffered a stroke.
The veteran performer, known for his velvet-smooth delivery and mastery of the romantic duet, had a professional career that spanned more than 50 years. “For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments,” the family said in a statement.
“His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort.” Born in South Carolina, Bryson first rose to prominence in the 1970s as a member of Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display before launching a prolific solo career. He became a staple of R&B radio with early hits like “Feel the Fire” and “Reaching for the Sky.” By the mid-1980s, he successfully crossed over into mainstream pop stardom with the Top 10 hit “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.”
Bryson reached the pinnacle of global fame through his work with Disney. He famously performed “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion for the 1991 animated film and joined Regina Belle for “A Whole New World” from 1992’s “Aladdin.” Both tracks earned him Grammy Awards and became enduring standards in the American songbook.
Beyond the big screen, Bryson was a sought-after collaborator who recorded an acclaimed duet album with Roberta Flack and lent his voice to the theme song of the long-running soap opera “One Life to Live.” His ability to harmonize with female vocalists made him one of the most successful duet partners in music history.
The singer’s family expressed gratitude for the global outpouring of support following the news. They have requested privacy as they mourn the loss of a man they described as a beloved husband, father and friend. “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,” the family said.