Peabo Bryson, the acclaimed R&B vocalist who won a Grammy and lent his voice to Disney movie hits like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin’s A Whole New World, has passed away at the age of 75.
The family expressed their sorrow, acknowledging the immense love for Peabo and the profound impact his voice and kind nature had on many lives. Apart from his Disney contributions, Bryson was renowned in the R&B genre for his ballads such as Feel the Fire, I’m So Into You, and Can You Stop the Rain throughout his career spanning over five decades.
Céline Dion paid tribute to Bryson through a heartfelt message, reminiscing about their collaboration on Beauty and the Beast. The iconic song, produced by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, garnered critical acclaim, winning two Grammy Awards and two Academy Awards. Bryson, a multiple Grammy nominee, also achieved success with his duet with Regina Belle.
Born and raised in South Carolina, Bryson collaborated with various artists such as Minnie Riperton, Roberta Flack, and Natalie Cole, establishing himself as a sought-after duet partner. His musical journey began in the 1970s with hits like Do It With Feeling, leading to chart-topping success with songs like Tonight, I Celebrate My Love and If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.
In 2018, Bryson marked his comeback with Stand for Love, his first album in over a decade, followed by Grace in February 2021, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Beyond music, he also showcased his talent in stage productions like Raisin, The Wiz, and Porgy and Bess.
After experiencing a heart attack in 2019, Bryson made a full recovery but sadly suffered a stroke in late May, requiring medical attention. Colleagues and fans, including R&B artists Jody Watley and Kenny Lattimore, as well as Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, paid tribute to Bryson’s legacy.
The family plans to announce details for a memorial and celebration-of-life service at a later time.
