Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning singer whose powerful tenor helped define some of Disney’s most beloved songs while establishing him as a major force in R&B, has died at the age of 75.
His family announced that Bryson died Tuesday evening while surrounded by loved ones. The singer’s passing marks the end of a career that stretched across more than five decades and produced a catalog of enduring ballads, chart successes, and award-winning collaborations.
Best known to many audiences for the Disney duets “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” Bryson built a reputation for combining soulful vocal delivery with remarkable technical precision, making him one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary R&B.
Disney Success Brought Global Recognition
Bryson achieved worldwide fame through his collaborations on two of Disney’s most successful animated films.
His duet with Celine Dion, “Beauty and the Beast,” became a signature song from the 1991 animated feature and earned both Grammy and Academy Award recognition. A year later, he teamed with Regina Belle for “A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme),” a recording that became one of Disney’s most successful soundtrack singles.
The two performances earned Bryson back-to-back Grammy Awards and contributed to songs that also won Academy Awards for Best Original Song, cementing his place in entertainment history.
Following news of his death, Belle paid tribute to her longtime collaborator, recalling a recent hospital visit after Bryson suffered a stroke. She described him as a trusted friend and creative partner whose talent and generosity had a lasting impact on her life and career.
A Career Built on Soul, Romance, and Collaboration
Born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1951, the future star began performing as a teenager before launching a solo recording career in the 1970s.
His breakthrough years produced a string of R&B favorites, including “Feel the Fire,” “Reaching for the Sky,” “I’m So into You,” and “Crosswinds.” As his profile grew, Bryson became known for both his solo work and successful collaborations with leading female vocalists.
Projects with Natalie Cole and Roberta Flack helped establish him as one of the genre’s premier duet performers. His 1984 hit “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” expanded his reach into mainstream pop audiences, while “Can You Stop the Rain” became one of the defining quiet-storm recordings of the early 1990s.
Health Challenges in Later Years
Bryson experienced several health setbacks in recent years.
He suffered a heart attack in 2019 and was hospitalized following a stroke in May 2026. His death comes only weeks after news of that medical emergency became public.
Outside of music, Bryson married British singer Tanya Boniface in 2010. The couple welcomed a son in 2018, and the singer continued sharing moments from family life with fans in later years.
Enduring Influence on Music and Film
While Bryson earned acclaim across the R&B landscape, his contributions to film music introduced his voice to generations of listeners worldwide. His Disney recordings remain staples of popular culture decades after their release, while his broader catalog continues to influence soul and adult contemporary artists.
In a statement announcing his death, Bryson’s family said they took comfort in the impact his music and generosity had on countless people throughout his life.
His legacy endures through a body of work that bridged R&B, pop, and cinematic storytelling, ensuring that his voice will remain familiar to audiences for years to come.
Tags: Peabo Bryson, Celine Dion, Regina Belle, Beauty and the Beast, A Whole New World, Aladdin, Disney Music, Grammy Awards, R&B Music, Tanya Boniface
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