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Peabo Bryson, Grammy-Winning R&B Singer, Dies at 75
The Hollywood Reporter ^ | June 2, 2026 | Carly Thomas

Posted on 06/02/2026 4:55:27 PM PDT by nickcarraway

He performed on "Beauty and the Beast" with Céline Dion and on “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle.

Peabo Bryson, the two-time Grammy-winning R&B artist memorable for his work on the hit Disney songs “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World,” died Tuesday. He was 75.

Bryson died in Marietta, Georgia, three days after a representative for the singer announced he had suffered a stroke. He also had a massive heart attack in 2019. The rep 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.”

“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” Bryson’s family said in a statement. “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.”

Born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, he launched his professional music career right after high school.

He toured with Moses Dillard in the late 1960s before going on to release his first album, Peabo, in 1976 and signing with Capitol Records a year later. He moved to Elektra Records in 1984, where he voiced the theme song for the soap opera One Life to Live in 1985, before returning to Capitol a few years later.

Across his music career, he released some 20 albums, with songs including If “Ever You’re in My Arms Again,” “Can You Stop the Rain,” “Feel the Fire” and “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” with Roberta Flack.

In addition to several Grammy nominations, Bryson won two Grammys for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal for “Beauty and the Beast” with Céline Dion in 1993 for Beauty and the Beast and for “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle in 1994 for Aladdin.

In the late 1990s, Bryson also performed on the U.S. concert tour of The Wiz revival. He released his most recent album, Stand for Love, in 2018 through Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis’s Perspective Records.

Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Bonaface Bryson; his children, Robert and Linda; and three grandchildren. Details about a celebration of life and memorial arrangements will be announced.


TOPICS: Music/Entertainment
KEYWORDS: 80s; music; peabobryson
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Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson - Tonight I Celebrate My Love (Official Music Video)

If Ever You're in My Arms Again

1 posted on 06/02/2026 4:55:27 PM PDT by nickcarraway
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To: nickcarraway

Great singer. RIP


2 posted on 06/02/2026 4:56:23 PM PDT by JZelle
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To: nickcarraway

Dang! They’re dropping like flies now!.............


3 posted on 06/02/2026 4:56:33 PM PDT by Red Badger (Iryna Zarutska, May 22, 2002 Kyiv, Ukraine – August 22, 2025 Charlotte, North Carolina Say her name)
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To: nickcarraway

I had some of his stuff, especially his stuff with Roberta Flack, she also did duets with Donnie Hathaway. Lots of talent there.


4 posted on 06/02/2026 4:57:53 PM PDT by Captain Peter Blood
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To: nickcarraway

I wonder if Peabo Bryson was voting conservative the last 20 years. The IRS raided his house and stole his money and possessions in 2003.


5 posted on 06/02/2026 4:57:56 PM PDT by nickcarraway
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To: nickcarraway

A major voice in my childhood. He lent his voice to so many beautiful Disney classics. 👑 God’s peace…🕊️


6 posted on 06/02/2026 5:01:37 PM PDT by CondoleezzaProtege (🩰🎶)
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To: JZelle
Previous FR posts from 2003:

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/967982/posts

IRS Raids Singer's (Peabo Bryson) Home (Million Dollar Home in Buckhead/Atlanta)


This is the kind of thing that could change how you vote forever.

7 posted on 06/02/2026 5:03:02 PM PDT by nickcarraway
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To: nickcarraway

I would have led with this as his best known work

“Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” with Roberta Flack.


8 posted on 06/02/2026 5:03:35 PM PDT by PAR35
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To: PAR35

If you notice, I did do that.


9 posted on 06/02/2026 5:04:35 PM PDT by nickcarraway
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To: nickcarraway

10 posted on 06/02/2026 5:07:09 PM PDT by Libloather (Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)
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To: nickcarraway

Yes, but Carly didn’t.


11 posted on 06/02/2026 5:10:24 PM PDT by PAR35
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To: PAR35

yup- though the Disney songs he did were terrific....


12 posted on 06/02/2026 5:11:10 PM PDT by God luvs America
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To: PAR35
She is not the reporter I am.


A lot of us think of him from his 80's hits, but I guess many think of him from whatever Disney songs he did.

13 posted on 06/02/2026 5:12:05 PM PDT by nickcarraway
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To: nickcarraway

Rest In Peace, Peabo Bryson.


14 posted on 06/02/2026 5:14:01 PM PDT by No name given ( Anonymous is who you’ll know me as )
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To: God luvs America

Big time.


15 posted on 06/02/2026 5:14:55 PM PDT by No name given ( Anonymous is who you’ll know me as )
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To: nickcarraway

A beautiful voice......every time I hear “Can You Stop The Rain” the tears come......RIP Peabo and thanks for the beautiful memories...


16 posted on 06/02/2026 5:17:30 PM PDT by Dawgreg
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To: nickcarraway
Aww, man! He was one of greats! One of the most romantic R&B crooners ever. Rest in peace, Peabo, and thank you so much for all the memories:

Peabo Bryson - Can You Stop the Rain

17 posted on 06/02/2026 5:23:35 PM PDT by fidelis (Ecce Crucem Domini! Fugite partes adversae! Vicit Leo de tribu Juda, Radix David! Alleluia!)
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To: nickcarraway

RIP...his “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” is my favorite, and takes me back to a better place, and time.


18 posted on 06/02/2026 5:41:03 PM PDT by mononymous
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To: nickcarraway

I just sang that at a party

75 is too damn young


19 posted on 06/02/2026 5:56:07 PM PDT by Vendome (I've Gotta Be Me https://youtu.be/wH-pk2vZG2M)
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To: nickcarraway

Sorry, I didn’t realize you worked for the Hollywood Reporter and that was your real name.


20 posted on 06/02/2026 6:46:07 PM PDT by PAR35
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