Legendary R&B Singer Known for Disney Duets and Soulful Voice Dies at 75
American singer-songwriter and legend in the R&B scene from the '70s and '80s Peabo Bryson died on June 2nd, 2026. He was 75 years old. Bryson reportedly suffered a stroke two days prior on May 31st, though no official cause of death was released.
His family released a statement to announce the musician's death saying:
"With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing. He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.
"We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world. 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."
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Known for his buttery rich voice and impressive vocals, Bryson came up in the 1970s singing a long string of R&B hits. "Feel the Fire," "Reaching for the Sky," "I'm So into You," and "Crosswinds" all cemented him on the charts. In 1985, he recorded a version of the theme song for the soap opera One Life to Live after appearing on an episode. His vocals were added to the theme and his voice would be heard daily until television until the '90s for the daytime staple.
Bryson became incredibly well known for his various romantic duets with female musicians. In particular, his duet with Celine Dion for titular song for the Academy Award winning film Beauty and the Beast solidified his voice in the pop culture zeitgeist as well as winning him a Grammy Award. Bryson also recorded the lead song "A Whole New World" for the film Aladdin with Regina Belle, securing him another Grammy.
Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson, their son, Robert, his eldest daughter, Linda Bryson, and three grandchildren. A celebration of life and funeral will be announced at a later date.
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 7:53 PM.