The music world has lost an absolute legend. Peabo Bryson, the R&B singer whose romantic ballads became the soundtrack to some of the biggest Disney classics of the ’90s, has passed away at the age of 75.
According to a statement from his family, Bryson died peacefully on Tuesday evening, just days after suffering a stroke.
“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 shared. They noted that he transitioned at 5:00 p.m. ET on June 2, surrounded by his closest friends and loved ones.
While the family didn’t list an exact cause of death, they had previously announced on Sunday that the singer had suffered a stroke.
If you grew up in the ’90s, you undoubtedly know Bryson’s voice. He became a global household name by delivering the vocals on two of Disney’s most massive soundtrack hits: Beauty and the Beast alongside Celine Dion, and A Whole New World (from Aladdin) with Regina Belle.
But true R&B fans know his legacy goes way deeper than his Disney era. Hailing from South Carolina, Bryson cut his teeth in the 1970s soul scene, originally coming up with the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display. He eventually launched a highly successful solo career, delivering timeless R&B staples throughout the ’70s and ’80s like Feel the Fire, Reaching for the Sky, and I’m So into You.
The family has asked for privacy during this deeply difficult time but expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans around the world. Memorial and celebration of life arrangements will be announced at a later date.
