Peabo Bryson Passes Away at 75
Peabo Bryson, the renowned R&B artist celebrated for his unforgettable performances in Disney classics like “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” has died at the age of 75. He passed away from a stroke on Tuesday night in Marietta, Georgia, while surrounded by loved ones.
In a family statement, they expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and prayers from fans and friends worldwide. “We are heartbroken but comforted by knowing how deeply loved Peabo was and how many lives were touched by his voice and generous spirit. His legacy will live on,” they stated.
Bryson, whose full name was Robert Peabo Bryson, was born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1951. He discovered his passion for music early on.
“I’ve always been into music. That was all I really wanted to do. When I was around 14, I thought about becoming a doctor or something, but music felt like my true calling,” Bryson once shared.
He began his professional music journey as a teenager, backing local acts. Bryson achieved his first significant success in 1978 with the Top 10 hit “Reaching for the Sky.”
Over his impressive career, spanning more than five decades, he established himself as a prominent duet partner. Bryson won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for his famous Disney songs—1992’s “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and 1993’s “A Whole New World” alongside Regina Belle.
Disney Music expressed condolences on social media, recalling how Bryson’s rendition of “A Whole New World” became the first song from an animated film to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His contributions to music will surely be cherished by many.
In the studio, Bryson created a unique chemistry with Dion during the recording of “Beauty and the Beast,” despite her initial hesitations. “We connected in a really intimate way,” Bryson remembered fondly.
Later, he was reunited with Belle for “A Whole New World,” where the collaboration felt natural and well-timed given their previous successful partnership.
Peabo Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Bonaface Bryson, two children, Robert and Linda, and three grandchildren.
