The music world is reeling after the death of Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B legend whose soaring voice defined a generation of Disney classics. He was 75.
Remembering Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B legend who defined Disney classics with his powerful voice.
Bryson died peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 2, 2026, following a recent stroke, according to his family and representatives.
“He was a devoted husband, father, and artist whose music touched generations of fans worldwide,” his family said in a statement.
Born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, the singer built an extraordinary career spanning more than five decades. He first caught the ear of the music world in the 1970s with soulful hits like “Feel the Fire,” “Reaching for the Sky,” and “I’m So Into You.” By the 1980s and 1990s, Bryson had cemented himself as one of R&B’s most celebrated vocalists, known for his romantic ballads and masterful collaborations.
But it was his work on Disney soundtracks that catapulted him to worldwide fame. His duet with Celine Dion on “Beauty and the Beast” became a global smash and won a Grammy Award. Then came “A Whole New World,” his collaboration with Regina Belle from Disney’s “Aladdin”—a song that would become one of the most beloved movie tracks of all time and earn him another Grammy.
Beyond the Magic Kingdom, Bryson worked with some of music’s biggest names, including Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, and Kenny G, releasing more than 20 albums over his storied career.
In recent years, Bryson faced health struggles, including a heart attack in 2019, but continued recording and performing. His final album, “Stand for Love,” came out in 2018.
As tributes flooded in from fellow artists and fans, Bryson’s legacy stands as a testament to a voice that helped create some of cinema’s most unforgettable moments.
