Peabo Bryson, R&B singer and Disney duet star, dies at 75 after stroke
Consensus Summary
Peabo Bryson, the acclaimed R&B singer known for his iconic Disney duets with Celine Dion and Regina Belle, died on June 3, 2026, at age 75 after suffering a stroke in late May. His family confirmed his passing in statements that highlighted his enduring legacy, including two Grammy Awards and Oscar-winning collaborations on *Beauty and the Beast* and *Aladdin*. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Bryson built a five-decade career as a balladeer, recording hits like *Tonight, I Celebrate My Love* and *Can You Stop the Rain*, while also appearing in stage productions. Both sources agree he had a full recovery from a 2019 heart attack and that his music touched generations through joyful and emotional moments. Tributes from fans and colleagues have poured in, with memorial details to be announced later.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Peabo Bryson died at age 75 on June 3, 2026, after suffering a stroke in late May 2026.
- Bryson was best known for his Oscar-winning Disney duets: *Beauty and the Beast* with Celine Dion (1991) and *A Whole New World* with Regina Belle (1992).
- He won two Grammy Awards, including one for *Beauty and the Beast* (1992) and another for *A Whole New World* (1993).
- Bryson’s family released a statement saying, '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.'
- Born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1951, he later adopted the name Peabo.
- Bryson had a full recovery after a heart attack in 2019.
- He collaborated with artists including Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, and Celine Dion, with hits like *Tonight, I Celebrate My Love* (1983) and *If Ever You’re in My Arms Again* (1984).
- Bryson appeared in stage productions such as *The Wiz*, *Porgy and Bess*, and *A Raisin in the Sun*.
- His family requested privacy as they navigate his passing, and memorial arrangements will be announced later.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Bryson launched his career with the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display in the 1970s before signing with Atlanta’s Bang Records as a solo artist.
- He recorded for Capitol, Elektra, and Columbia Records and became one of music’s most-sought-after duet partners.
- Comedian Loni Love shared a personal anecdote about spending hours with Bryson on a cruise ship in 2025, describing his passion for music.
- Bryson released his 21st studio album, *Stand for Love*, in 2018, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
- Bryson’s first top 10 R&B hit was *Reaching for the Sky* (1978), and his duet with Natalie Cole, *Gimme Some Time* (1979), reached number eight on the R&B chart.
- He released 20 studio albums and was nominated for eight Grammys.
- The duet *A Whole New World* was the only song from an animated film to hit number one on the *Billboard* Hot 100 until *We Don’t Talk About Bruno* (2022).
- Bryson performed *As Long As There’s Christmas* with Roberta Flack in 1997 for *Beauty and the Beast*’s sequel end credits.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states Bryson died 'days after having a stroke,' while ABC does not specify the exact timing between the stroke and death.
Source Articles
Peabo Bryson, R&B singer behind classic Disney duets, dies aged 75
Two-time Grammy winner was best known for songs from Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin Peabo Bryson, the R&B singer best known as the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney film duets Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion, and A Whole New World with Regina Belle from Aladdin, has died. He was 75. His family said in a statement that Bryson, who won two Grammy awards, died Tuesday, days after having a stroke. Continue reading...
Singer known for Disney's Aladdin hit duet A Whole New World dies
Peabo Bryson, known for his Grammy and Oscar-winning Disney collaborations, has died at 75.