AT A GLANCE
- Peabo Bryson died Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at age 75.
- His family said he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones after recently suffering a stroke.
- Bryson was known for classic R&B ballads and Disney hits including A Whole New World and Beauty and the Beast.
- Funeral arrangements and a celebration of life will be announced later.
Peabo Bryson, Beloved Voice Behind A Whole New World, Dies At 75
Peabo Bryson, the Grammy winning R&B singer whose voice helped define generations of love songs, has died at 75.
Bryson’s family announced Tuesday that the beloved singer, songwriter and balladeer passed away at 5 p.m. ET on June 2, 2026, surrounded by family and those closest to him. His death came days after his family shared that he had suffered a stroke and was recovering.
“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 in a statement.
The family said Bryson’s voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments for more than five decades.
“His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song,” the statement continued.
The family also asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of Bryson as a husband, father, family member, friend and artist.
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” the family shared. “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.”
A Voice That Carried R&B And Disney Classics
Bryson became one of R&B’s most respected voices, known for smooth ballads, emotional delivery and unforgettable duets with some of music’s most recognizable women.
His career included collaborations with Regina Belle, Celine Dion, Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack and others. He became known worldwide for performing A Whole New World with Regina Belle for Disney’s Aladdin in 1992. The song became the first track from an animated film to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, according to People.
One year earlier, Bryson performed Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion for the Disney film of the same name. The song became another defining moment in his career and helped introduce his voice to a new generation of listeners.
Bryson’s Music Reached Across Generations
Before his Disney success, Bryson had already built a lasting place in R&B with songs such as Feel The Fire, If Ever You’re In My Arms Again, Show And Tell and Can You Stop The Rain.
His catalog also included beloved duets such as Tonight, I Celebrate My Love with Roberta Flack, a song that became a staple for weddings, anniversaries and slow dance moments that did not need a TikTok trend to survive.
Bryson’s voice was polished, rich and unmistakable. He belonged to an era when singers had to truly sing, and his music remained connected to listeners because it carried romance, heartbreak and warmth without needing spectacle.
A Lasting Legacy In Music
Bryson’s career spanned more than five decades. He recorded multiple albums, won two Grammy Awards and remained one of the most recognizable balladeers in American music.
He is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson, their son, Robert, and his daughter, Linda Bryson.
Funeral arrangements and details for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
For fans who grew up with Bryson’s music, his voice was not just part of a soundtrack. It was part of memory. From R&B radio to Disney classics, Peabo Bryson leaves behind songs that will continue playing wherever love songs still matter.
