Remembering Peabo Bryson: A Legacy in Music

Renowned R&B singer Peabo Bryson, who won two Grammy Awards, passed away at age 75. He was famous for Disney film duets, including “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle from “Aladdin.” His family shared he died on Tuesday after a stroke. They expressed comfort in the love he received and the lives he touched through his music.

Bryson was admired globally for his Disney classics and created a lasting career as a top R&B balladeer. His hits like “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You,” and “Can You Stop the Rain” are well-remembered. The family emphasized that his voice brought joy and inspiration across generations.

Born in South Carolina, Bryson started with the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display in the 1970s. He signed as a solo artist with Atlanta’s Bang Records. Bryson worked with major labels such as Capitol, Elektra, and Columbia Records, becoming a sought-after duet performer. Along with Dion and Belle, he collaborated with Roberta Flack and Natalie Cole. His song with Flack, “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” was a notable love song of the 1980s. “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” widened his reach beyond R&B radio.

Besides music, Bryson appeared in stage productions like “Raisin,” “The Wiz,” and “Porgy and Bess.” In 2018, he released his 21st studio album, “Stand for Love,” made with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Following a stroke in late May, he received medical care and eventually communicated a desire for privacy from his family during this time. Bryson had previously recovered from a heart attack in 2019.

Loni Love, comedian and television host, recalled working with Bryson on a cruise ship. She shared a special conversation they had, reflecting on his passion for music and storytelling.

Bryson’s family plans to announce memorial and celebration-of-life details in the future.