Peabo Bryson, the veteran R&B singer best known for performing Disney classic songs “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World” from Aladdin, has died at the age of 75, according to a statement from his family.
“With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and balladeer Peabo Bryson announces his passing,” the statement read.
According to the announcement, Bryson died peacefully at 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones.
“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments,” the statement continued. “His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.”
“The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the compassion shown during this time and asks for continued privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss. They remain deeply appreciative of the prayers, love, and support from around the world,” wrote the family.
The singer suffered a stroke several days prior. In a May 31 statement to Essence, Bryson’s rep shared the health update, noting that he “suffered a stroke and is currently under medical care.” He previously suffered a heart attack in 2019.
Born April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, Bryson made his professional debut at the age of 14 as a backup singer for Al Freeman and the Upsetters. In 1976, he debuted his first album, Peabo, and soon signed to Capitol Records in 1977. His first big hit single was “Feel the Fire” in 1977, a signature classic from his breakthrough self-titled album that cemented his soulful style. Following that hit was “Reaching for the Sky” (1978), “I’m So into You” (1978), and “I’m So into You” (1978).
In the ’80s and ’90s, Bryson became known for his soulful singles, duets, and film soundtracks, including 1983’s “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” with Roberta Flack, 1991’s “Can You Stop the Rain,” 1991’s “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion, 1992’s “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle, and 1992’s “By the Time This Night Is Over” with Kenny G, just to name a few.
Over the course of his career, Bryson released 20 studio albums and was an eight-time Grammy nominee, winning two for “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World.”
In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, Bryson reflected on the career that made him one of the most recognizable voices in R&B and adult contemporary music, expressing gratitude not only for his success but also for staying true to himself throughout decades in the spotlight.
“If I were to tell you the emotions I feel most every day: gratitude for one, humility for another, and validation,” Bryson says. “Not how you think, but validation in the faith that I’ve kept in myself and those around me, and the person that I’ve managed to maintain myself to be. I’m really happy about that. I like me. And I like that I don’t feel the need to chronicle my accolades to anyone, shout them out to anybody. But, if someone were to stop and do the research, there’s nobody like me.”
Bryson is survived by his wife and children.