Photo Credit: Peabo Bryson for Sister Circle TV (YouTube) / CC by 3.0
Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer Peabo Bryson, known for his Disney duets in “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast” in the ‘90s, has passed away.
Peabo Bryson, the R&B singer best known as the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney film duets from “Beauty and the Beast” (with Celine Dion) and “Aladdin” (with Regina Belle), has passed away at 75. His family shared a statement that Bryson died on Tuesday evening, a few days after suffering a stroke.
“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,” the statement read. “His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
Though he was celebrated internationally for his Disney classics, Peabo Bryson also enjoyed a 50-year career as an R&B ballad master, with hits like “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You,” and “Can You Stop the Rain.”
“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments,” his family’s statement continued. “His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories, and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration.”
The South Carolina native got his start with the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display in the 1970s, but his obvious talent secured him a solo record deal with Atlanta’s Bang Records shortly thereafter. Throughout his career, Bryson recorded for Capitol, Elektra, and Columbia Records, becoming one of the industry’s highly sought-after duet partners. He collaborated with artists like Roberta Flack (“Tonight, I Celebrate My Love”) and Natalie Cole (“Gimme Some Time”), besides his Disney ballads with Belle and Dion.
In 2018, he released his 21st studio album, Stand for Love. The following year, he had a heart attack, but impressively made a full recovery.
Late last month, he had a stroke and was placed under medical care. Bryson’s family said memorial and celebration-of-life arrangements will be announced at a later date.
