Peabo Bryson, a renowned rhythm-and-blues artist who won a Grammy and lent his voice to Disney movie duets like Beauty and the Beast with Céline Dion and A Whole New World from Aladdin with Regina Belle, has passed away at the age of 75.
The family expressed their sorrow over the loss but found solace in the widespread love for Peabo and the significant impact his voice and kind nature had on many lives. Known globally for his Disney classics, Bryson was also a prominent balladeer in the R&B genre, producing hits such as Feel the Fire, I’m So Into You, and Can You Stop the Rain during his illustrious career spanning over five decades.
Céline Dion, in a tribute on social media, remembered Bryson fondly for his support and mentorship during their collaboration on Beauty and the Beast, a song written and produced by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. The track received critical acclaim, winning two Grammy Awards and two Academy Awards for best original song and best original score, with Angela Lansbury performing it at the 1992 Oscars ceremony.
Throughout his career, Bryson earned a total of eight Grammy nominations and secured wins for his duet with Regina Belle. Hailing from South Carolina, the versatile singer and songwriter worked with various record labels like Capitol, Elektra, and Columbia Records, becoming a sought-after duet partner for artists such as Minnie Riperton, Roberta Flack, and Natalie Cole.
Bryson’s musical journey began in 1975 with his entry on the R&B charts through the song Do It With Feeling, which also made a brief appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His collaboration with Roberta Flack on Tonight, I Celebrate My Love became a quintessential love ballad of the 1980s, expanding his fan base beyond R&B radio listeners. With chart-topping hits like Show & Tell and Can You Stop the Rain, Bryson maintained a strong presence on the R&B charts until the mid-1990s.
In 2018, after an 11-year hiatus, Bryson returned to the studio for his album Stand for Love, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The successful collaboration continued with his 22nd album, Grace, released in February.
Aside from his musical achievements, Bryson also showcased his talent in stage productions like Raisin, The Wiz, and Porgy and Bess. Despite health challenges in recent years, including a heart attack in 2019 and a stroke in late May, Bryson continued to inspire fans and colleagues with his dedication to music and storytelling.
Tributes poured in from various personalities, including comedian Loni Love, R&B artists Jody Watley and Kenny Lattimore, and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, honoring Bryson’s legacy. The family plans to announce memorial and celebration-of-life arrangements at a later date.