Peabo Bryson, singer of classic Disney songs, dies at 75
Grammy Award winner Peabo Bryson has passed away after being hospitalized after suffering a stroke. He is known for his classic Disney hits and R&B ballads.
Peabo Bryson, the Grammy Award-winning singer who created numerous R&B and Disney hits, has died. He was 75 years old.
Bryson passed away “peacefully” at 5 p.m. on June 2, “surrounded by the love of his family and loved ones,” according to a statement from Bryson’s family provided to USA TODAY.
“We are so touched by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from our fans, friends and colleagues around the world,” the statement said. “While our hearts are broken, we take solace in knowing how deeply loved Peabo was and how many lives were touched by his voice and generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
The news comes two days after Variety reported that Bryson had suffered a stroke and was receiving treatment. A representative for Bryson confirmed to USA TODAY on June 1 that he is “currently receiving treatment” following a medical emergency.
The South Carolina-born musician is known for his work on the Disney hit “Beauty and the Beast” and Celine Dion’s duet “Beauty and the Beast” with singer-songwriter Regina Belle, which was featured on the “Aladdin” soundtrack. Best known for their song “A Whole New World,” they won back-to-back Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1993 and 1994, respectively. Both tracks were also nominated for Record of the Year.
Bryson also released a string of hit singles with the late Roberta Flack, including “Tonight I Celebrate My Love,” “You’re Looking Like Love to Me,” and “As Long as There’s Christmas” from their 1983 duet album Born to Love.
He was also known for several hit solo ballads, including “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” and “Can You Stop the Rain.” “Can You Stop the Rain” was nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance in 1992. Other Grammy-nominated songs include “Lost in the Night” and “Did You Ever Know.”
Bryson had suffered a “mild” heart attack in 2019.
The singer’s music was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Song along with Earl Rose for the 1993 song “I Found Love” from “All My Children.”
The singer has been active for many years and released her latest album “Stand for Love” in 2018.
