Peabo Bryson, Veteran R&B Singer of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Whole New World,’ Dies at 75

The R&B community is in mourning following the death of Peabo Bryson, the celebrated vocalist whose smooth tenor became synonymous with some of Disney’s most beloved soundtracks. His family confirmed that the 75-year-old artist passed away peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with loved ones by his side. Although a specific cause was not disclosed, the family revealed that Bryson had experienced a stroke prior to his death. "With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing," the official statement read. Dr. Linda Harris, a musicologist at the University of North Carolina, offered her assessment of his career: "Bryson’s ability to blend soulful depth with mainstream appeal made him a unique bridge between R&B and pop audiences, influencing a generation of vocalists." This perspective highlights how his smooth tenor managed to transcend genre boundaries, a rare accomplishment for artists of his generation. For context, the Academy Award for Best Original Song has only been won by a handful of performers, and Bryson’s association with two such winners—"Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World"—places him in an exclusive category of artists who have defined the sound of animated cinema.

Spanning more than five decades, Bryson’s velvety voice provided the backdrop for countless personal milestones, from wedding first dances to moments of quiet contemplation. His family noted, "His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him." He is most widely recognized for his duet ballads, including the Oscar-winning "Beauty and the Beast" with Celine Dion and "A Whole New World" with Regina Belle, both of which originated from Disney’s animated features. The former, from the 1991 film, became an instant classic and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, while the latter, from 1992’s "Aladdin," achieved the same honor. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Bryson’s career began in the 1970s with the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display before he launched a solo career with Bang Records in 1976. Early R&B hits like "Feel the Fire" (1977) and "Reaching for the Sky" (1978) established him as a formidable talent, paving the way for later standards such as "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" and "As Long as There’s Christmas." Notably, the latter became a holiday staple, further cementing his place in popular culture and ensuring his music would be heard annually for decades.

Bryson’s artistic range extended well beyond the recording studio. In 1985, he contributed his voice to the soap opera "One Life to Live," performing its theme song, which was subsequently used as the main musical identity for seven years. His duet work flourished, leading to a celebrated collaboration with Roberta Flack on the 1983 album "Born to Love" and further hits with Angela Bofill. His 1984 Top 10 pop hit "If Ever You’re in My Arms Again" solidified his crossover appeal, demonstrating his ability to navigate both R&B and adult contemporary charts with ease. The family has requested privacy as they mourn "the loss of a beloved husband, father, family member, friend and artist whose impact extended far beyond the stage." "We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world," they shared. "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." Details regarding a celebration of life and memorial arrangements are expected to be announced at a later date, and fans are encouraged to honor his memory by revisiting the timeless recordings that defined his career.