NEW YORK (AP) — Peabo Bryson, the two-time Grammy Award-winning R&B singer best known as the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney film duets “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle from “Aladdin,” has died. He was 75.
His family said in a statement that Bryson died Tuesday evening, days after having a stroke.
“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’s statement said. “His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
The two-time Grammy Award-winning singer grew his career in Atlanta. He spoke to WABE’s “Closer Look” in 2018 about his 21st and final album release, “Stand For Love.”
“In terms of subject matter, I could write about love everyday for the rest of my life and never repeat myself because love is a separate entity that is individual from one heart to the next heart,” he said. “It’s about as different as snowflakes are.”
Mayor Andre Dickens wrote in a statement that Atlanta was “proud to call Bryson one of our own.”
“For decades, Peabo’s extraordinary talent, timeless artistry and unmistakable voice provided the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments,” Dickens said. “From Grammy-winning classics to unforgettable duets that transcended generations, his music brought joy, comfort and inspiration to millions around the world.”
“His career was deeply connected to this city, where his artistry flourished and where he helped shape Atlanta’s rich musical legacy, creativity and culture,” he added.
Internationally celebrated for his Disney classics, Bryson also built a career over five decades as one of R&B’s premier balladeers, recording hits including “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You” and “Can You Stop the Rain.”
“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments,” the family’s statement said. “His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration.”
Born and raised in South Carolina, the singer, songwriter and balladeer launched his career with the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display in the 1970s. Shortly afterward, Atlanta label Bang Records signed him as a solo artist.
He recorded for Capitol, Elektra and Columbia Records and became one of music’s most sought-after duet partners. Aside from Belle and Dion, he also collaborated with artists including Roberta Flack and Natalie Cole.
His duet with Flack, “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” became one of the defining love songs of the 1980s, while “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” helped expand his audience beyond R&B radio. He later scored No. 1 R&B hits with “Show & Tell” and “Can You Stop the Rain.”
Beyond music, Bryson appeared in stage productions including “Raisin,” “The Wiz” and “Porgy and Bess.” In 2018, he returned with “Stand for Love,” his 21st studio album, produced by hitmaking duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Bryson had a stroke in late May and was placed under medical care.
“At this time, the family requests privacy as they navigate this deeply personal moment together,” a statement from his representative read at the time. “The thoughts, prayers and love of friends and fans are welcomed and deeply appreciated.”
In 2019, Bryson made a full recovery after having a heart attack.
Comedian and television host Loni Love said she worked with Bryson on a cruise ship last year and spoke with him for hours on the deck one night after she noticed him sitting alone.
“He shared incredible stories, spoke passionately about his music, and had such a deep love for his craft,” she wrote in a social media post Tuesday. “I am so grateful to have had that special moment with him.”
Bryson’s family said memorial and celebration-of-life arrangements will be announced at a later date.
WABE’s Lily Oppenheimer contributed to this report.
