Peabo Bryson, Iconic R&B Vocalist and Disney Star, Passes Away at 75

Peabo Bryson, the celebrated R&B artist whose vocals defined beloved Disney anthems such as "A Whole New World" and "Beauty and the Beast," has died. He was 75 years old.

According to a statement released by his family, Bryson passed away on Tuesday evening, surrounded by his loved ones. While no official cause of death has been made public, reports indicate that the singer suffered a stroke over the weekend and had been under medical care.

Bryson’s illustrious career spanned more than fifty years, producing hits from the 1970s through the 2010s. His discography includes popular tracks such as "Feel the Fire," "I'm So Into You," "Can You Stop the Rain," "If Ever You're In My Arms Again," and "Reaching for the Sky."

"For more than five decades, Peabo's extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life's most cherished moments," his family stated. They added, "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 and the countless lives he touched through song."

Bryson achieved significant critical acclaim, winning two Grammy Awards in 1992 and 1993. These honors recognized his duet performances that became synonymous with a specific era of Disney cinema: "Beauty and the Beast," sung with Celine Dion for the film’s title track, and "A Whole New World," performed with Regina Belle for the movie Aladdin.

Reflecting on his passing, his family 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."

At the time of his death, Bryson was actively touring. In May, he appeared on stage with Jeffrey Osborne in Georgia. He was also scheduled to embark on his "Golden Touch" tour later in the year, a series of shows celebrating his five decades in the music industry. Most recently, in April, the singer marked his 75th birthday, sharing images of the celebration with friends and family on social media.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 01:06:50 UTC