The two-time Grammy winner passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, just days after suffering a stroke.
Legendary R&B singer Peabo Bryson, whose smooth tenor helped define a generation of romantic ballads and Disney classics, has died at the age of 75. Bryson passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET, surrounded by his family.
His death came just two days after he suffered a stroke on May 31, for which he had been receiving medical care. Although an official cause of death has not been publicly shared, the rapid decline in his health following the cardiovascular event marks a sorrowful end for the “Pavarotti of Soul.”
A Legacy of Love Songs
In a statement released to the press, Bryson’s family expressed their profound grief while celebrating his enduring legacy.
“With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing,” the family said. “He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”
The statement continued: “For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments… 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. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
Disney Royalty and Chart-Topping Duets
For millions of millennials, Bryson’s voice is inseparable from the golden age of Disney animation. In 1991, he teamed up with Celine Dion for the title track of Beauty and the Beast. The song became an instant classic, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song and earning the duo a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Bryson repeated that magic the following year, partnering with Regina Belle for A Whole New World from Aladdin. The track also won a Grammy, making Bryson a back-to-back winner and confirming his place as the go-to voice for sweeping love themes.
Celine Dion paid tribute to her former collaborator, saying she was “heartbroken.” She added: “His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance.”
More Than a Balladeer
Born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, he began by singing backup in local groups before starting his solo career in the 1970s. Before his Disney fame, he was already an R&B favorite with hits like Feel the Fire, I’m So Into You, and the duet Tonight, I Celebrate My Love with Roberta Flack.
Bryson’s health had been a concern in recent years. In 2019, he suffered a “massive heart attack” but recovered and returned to performing. While the 2026 stroke proved fatal, his family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
BY FRANK JONES