Remembering the famous singer known for his roles in “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” who passed away at the age of 75.

Peabo Bryson, the beloved R&B balladeer whose voice helped define some of Disney’s most unforgettable love songs, has died at the age of 75. The singer, best known for his soaring performances on Beauty and the Beast and A Whole New World, died on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by his family, just days after suffering a stroke. (People.com)

Source: People

His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement, saying they were deeply moved by the love, prayers, and support that had poured in from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world. They said that although their hearts were broken, they found comfort in knowing how deeply Bryson was loved and how many people were touched by his voice and generous spirit. (People.com)

Only two days before his death, a representative shared that Bryson had suffered a stroke and was under medical care. At the time, his family asked for privacy as they faced the deeply personal moment together, while welcoming the thoughts, prayers, and love of those who admired him. (People.com)

Source: People

Bryson was born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1951. His love of music started early, and by his teenage years he was already performing professionally. After working with local groups and touring with Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display, he launched a solo career in 1976 with his debut album Peabo. (People.com)

Source: People

Over the decades, he became one of R&B’s most recognizable romantic voices. His career included hit songs such as Reaching for the Sky, Feel the Fire, I’m So Into You, If Ever You’re in My Arms Again, Show & Tell, and Can You Stop the Rain. He also became known as one of music’s great duet partners, recording memorable collaborations with Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, Regina Belle, Céline Dion, and Kenny G. (People.com)

His partnership with Roberta Flack produced one of the defining love songs of the 1980s, Tonight, I Celebrate My Love. Their chemistry helped establish Bryson as a master of the romantic duet, a role that would later bring him global recognition through Disney’s animated classics. (People.com)

Source: People

In 1991, Bryson joined Céline Dion for Beauty and the Beast, the title song from Disney’s animated film. The duet became a major success and earned them the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards. (People.com)

A year later, Bryson teamed with Regina Belle for A Whole New World from Aladdin. The song became the first track from an animated film to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Bryson and Belle won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards. (People.com)

Source: People

Those two Disney performances became the signature achievements of his career, but they were only part of a much larger body of work. Bryson released albums across several decades, recorded for major labels including Capitol, Elektra, and Columbia, and remained active well into the 2010s. In 2018, he released Stand for Love, an album produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. (AP News)

Beyond the recording studio, Bryson also appeared in stage productions including Raisin, The Wiz, and Porgy and Bess. His artistry extended across R&B, pop, adult contemporary, Disney soundtracks, live performance, and theater, making him one of the rare vocalists whose music reached several generations of listeners. (AP News)

Bryson’s health had been a concern in recent years. In 2019, he suffered a heart attack but made a full recovery. His death in 2026 came shortly after the stroke that placed him under medical care in late May. (People.com)

He is survived by his wife and two children. His family said memorial and celebration-of-life arrangements would be announced later. (AP News)

Peabo Bryson leaves behind a legacy built on warmth, elegance, and one of the most recognizable voices in romantic music. For millions of listeners, his songs were part of weddings, anniversaries, childhood memories, and unforgettable movie moments. His family said his music will live on for generations, and for anyone who ever heard him sing Beauty and the Beast or A Whole New World, that promise already feels true.