R&B music icon Peabo Bryson has died at age 75 after suffering a stroke, according to TMZ, which was first to report the news on June 2, 2026.
In a statement issued to the outlet, Bryson’s family wrote, “With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing.”
Peabo Bryson Received 2 Grammys for His Disney Duets
Bryson was best known for being the voice of two huge Disney duets — “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion in 1991, and “A Whole New World” from the “Aladdin” soundtrack with Regina Belle the following year. That tune became the first song from an animated film to top Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, according to People.
According to USA Today, he won back-to-back Grammys for those songs in the best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals category. Both tracks were also nominated for record of the year, and he received a total of eight Grammy nominations during his illustrious career.
He also released numerous hit singles with the late songstress Roberta Flack, per the outlet, including “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” and “You’re Looking Like Love to Me” from the 1983 duet album “Born To Love.” Another big hit for him was “As Long as There’s Christmas.”
Bryson suffered a stroke on May 31 and had been under medical care, per People. After his death, they issued a statement to the outlet that said, “We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world. 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.”
Peabo Bryson Celebrated His 75th Surrounded by Family & Friends
Bryson had just celebrated his 75th birthday in April, surrounded by family and friends, and posted pics from the celebration. He often shared photos and videos with his wife Tanya and their young son Kit, who was born on December 31, 2017, according to Black America Web.
He tweeted the news just before midnight that night, writing “It is with honor and humility my lovely one and I announce the God given gift of Kit Bryson/RobertKittrick-Peabo Bryson to the world … selah” and then followed that by tweeting, “Robert Kittrick-Peabo Bryson/ Kit Bryson, is here to bring in the New Year, a new life, a greater love and God willing, a extended legacy.”
Bryson was still performing his hits live, including during his “Golden Touch Tour” in 2025, criss-crossing the U.S. in celebration of 50 years in music.
Bryson’s first Top 10 hit on the R&B chart was “Reaching for the Sky” in 1978, but he was known for his epic collaborations over the years. His 1979 duet with Natalie Cole, “Gimme Some Time,” reached the number eight spot on the chart, per People. In 1980, they scored another hit with “What You Won’t Do for Love.” Bryson also had a Top 20 hit with his cover of the Doobie Brothers’ “Minute by Minute.”
