Peabo Bryson, the acclaimed Grammy-winning R&B vocalist known for his collaborations on Disney film soundtracks including Beauty and the Beast with Céline Dion and Aladdin’s A Whole New World with Regina Belle, has passed away at the age of 75.
The family expressed their sorrow, acknowledging the profound love for Peabo and the impact his voice and generous nature had on many lives. Alongside his Disney classics, Bryson was renowned as one of the foremost R&B balladeers, with a string of hits like Feel the Fire, I’m So Into You, and Can You Stop the Rain throughout his illustrious five-decade career.
Céline Dion, in a tribute on X, conveyed her condolences to Bryson’s family, reminiscing about their collaboration on the song Beauty and the Beast, which garnered two Grammy Awards and two Academy Awards. Angela Lansbury, who voiced Mrs. Potts in the film, performed the song at the 1992 Oscars.
Hailing from South Carolina, Bryson worked with esteemed artists such as Minnie Riperton, Roberta Flack, and Natalie Cole in his career that spanned Capitol, Elektra, and Columbia Records. His musical journey began with hits like Do It With Feeling in 1975 and later soared with chart-toppers like Tonight, I Celebrate My Love and If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.
In 2018, after an 11-year hiatus, Bryson returned with Stand for Love, his album produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. His latest album, Grace, released in February, continued his successful collaboration with the duo.
Apart from his musical endeavors, Bryson showcased his talents in stage productions such as Raisin, The Wiz, and Porgy and Bess. Despite health challenges in the past, including a heart attack in 2019 and a recent stroke, Bryson continued to inspire and connect with audiences through his music.
Tributes poured in from various personalities, including R&B artists Jody Watley and Kenny Lattimore, as well as Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, honoring Bryson’s legacy. The family plans to announce memorial arrangements at a later time.
