Peabo Bryson: Remembering a Legendary R&B Voice
Peabo Bryson, the acclaimed R&B singer renowned for his Grammy Award-winning Disney duets, has passed away at 75. His notable contributions include the Oscar-winning songs Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion and A Whole New World with Regina Belle from Aladdin.
Bryson’s family announced via a statement that he died on a Tuesday evening, following a stroke. They expressed solace in the widespread affection and influence he garnered throughout his life, stating, “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.” They added, “His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
His career spans five decades, during which he established himself as one of R&B’s prominent balladeers. Bryson crafted hits such as Feel the Fire, I’m So Into You, and Can You Stop the Rain. His family noted, “For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments.”
Born in South Carolina, Bryson began with Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display in the 1970s. Later, he joined Atlanta’s Bang Records as a solo act. He worked with Capitol, Elektra, and Columbia Records, becoming a sought-after duet partner, collaborating with Roberta Flack and Natalie Cole among others. His duet Tonight, I Celebrate My Love with Flack became an iconic love song of the 1980s. His song If Ever You’re in My Arms Again expanded his reach beyond R&B audiences.
Beyond singing, Bryson appeared in stage productions such as Raisin, The Wiz, and Porgy and Bess. In 2018, he released Stand for Love, his 21st studio album, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. After suffering a stroke in May, Bryson was under medical care, with his family requesting privacy during this challenging time. Previously, in 2019, he had recovered from a heart attack.
Comedian Loni Love, who spent time with Bryson on a cruise ship, recalled their meaningful exchange, saying, “He shared incredible stories, spoke passionately about his music, and had such a deep love for his craft.”
The family plans to announce memorial and celebration-of-life arrangements later.