Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B singer behind Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘A Whole New World’, has died at 75 following a stroke. His family confirmed his passing on the evening of Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
Bryson, born Robert Peopo Bryson on 13 April 1951 in Greenville, South Carolina, built a career spanning five decades, from the American soul circuit of the 1970s to two consecutive Grammy wins on the Disney soundstage in the early 1990s, as reported by Deadline.
He died in Marietta, Georgia, on Tuesday evening, days after his representative announced he had suffered a stroke.
Peabo Bryson’s career: from soul stages to Disney
Bryson launched his recording career in 1976 with his debut album Peabo, and signed with Capitol Records the following year.
Over the decades that followed, his hits included Feel the Fire, I’m So into You, If Ever You’re in My Arms Again and Can You Stop the Rain, establishing him as one of the defining voices in American R&B through the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
His two Grammy Awards came in consecutive years. In 1992, he won for Beauty and the Beast, the duet he recorded with Celine Dion for the Disney animated film of the same name.
In 1993, he won again for A Whole New World from Aladdin, a song he performed with Regina Belle. Both became among the most widely played love songs in cinema history.
Beyond his recording work, Bryson made a brief television appearance in 1985 on the American soap opera One Life to Live, where he performed a lyrical version of the show’s classic theme.
It was a small moment in an enormous career, but one that spoke to how far his presence reached beyond the recording studio.
How Peabo Bryson died
Bryson passed away on the evening of Tuesday, 2 June 2026, in Marietta, Georgia, surrounded by family and those closest to him.
His death came three days after his representative confirmed he had suffered a stroke. He is survived by his wife, Tanya Bonaface Bryson; his children, Robert and Linda; and three grandchildren.
Bryson’s family acknowledged the public response in a statement.
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” they said.
“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 family continued.
“His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
What happens next
No memorial events or tribute concerts have been announced at this stage.
Given the enduring global popularity of Beauty and the Beast and A Whole New World, both of which remain among the most-streamed Disney soundtrack recordings in history, Bryson’s catalogue is expected to see a significant surge in plays as fans and new listeners revisit the voice that defined those songs.
