'Beauty and the Beast' singer Peabo Bryson dies at 75
Legendary singer and songwriter Peabo Bryson has died. He was 75.
The Grammy Award winner, known for his hit songs and duets, including "Beauty and the Beast," "A Whole New World" and several R&B classics, died on Tuesday, according to a statement from his family.
"He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him," according to the statement.
The statement continued, "In this deeply difficult moment, the family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, family member, friend and artist whose impact extended far beyond the stage."
The statement went on to say: "We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world. 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."
The news of Bryson's death comes days after a representative for the singer confirmed to ABC News that he suffered a stroke and was receiving medical care.
For more than five decades, Bryson was the voice behind some of the most iconic soul ballads and timeless R&B classics, from "Feel the Fire," "I'm So Into You," "Can You Stop the Rain," "If Ever You're in My Arms Again," "Reaching for the Sky" and many more.
Born Robert Peapo "Peabo" Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, Bryson's love for music began with his mother, Marie Bryson.
In an interview with The Philadelphia Tribune in September 2022, he said that his mom had a "passionate love of music and would take me to hear all the giants in music all the time."
"I saw all the greats, and by the time I was five or six I could sing right along with them," he added at the time. "When I was that little, I could sing most of their songs, astonishing people in the audience around me who couldn't believe that music was coming out of a little boy."
By the age of 14, Bryson was singing backup for a local band called Al Freeman and the Upsetters. His career continued to soar as he toured the Southern "chitlin' circuit" with another local band called Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display in 1968.
It was during a recording session at Atlanta's Bullet/Bang Records that the label's then-manager, Eddie Biscoe, heard Bryson sing and signed him. Bryson released his self-titled debut studio album in 1976.
Two years later, Bryson moved to Capitol Records and released his second studio album titled "Reaching for the Sky," which was certified gold.
He went on to release several more albums as well as two collaboration albums before he released the hit romantic ballad, "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love," with Roberta Flack for their second album together in 1983 called "Born to Love."
The song served as the love theme for "Days of Our Lives" couple Bo Brady and Hope Williams. It has also appeared in several moments across pop culture.
In 1991, Bryson teamed up with Celine Dion for "Beauty and the Beast," the hit song for the Oscar-winning Disney film of the same name. The song earned Bryson his first Grammy in 1993 for best pop performance by a duo or group.
Bryson won another Grammy in 1994 for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals for "A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme)" with Regina Belle.
Bryson and Belle reunited in 2019 and performed the song for the finale of the Broadway production of "Aladdin."
In an interview with "Good Morning America" at the time, Bryson reflected on the Disney classic and said, "This song inspires everyone who listens to it in a specific sort of way in that it represents every positive and, you know, every hope and promise that you’re ever going to make, and every facet of life, because it can be a new food you just tried."
Throughout his entire career, Bryson released a total of 20 studio albums.
In 2019, Bryson suffered a heart attack, but recovered.
He is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface, whom he married in 2010, and their son, Robert, whom they welcomed in 2018, according to People. Bryson also has a daughter, Linda, whom he welcomed in 1968 from a previous relationship.
