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Grammy-winning R&B singer Peabo Bryson, celebrated for timeless duets like Beauty and the Beast with Céline Dion and A Whole New World with Regina Belle, has died at the age of 75. His family confirmed he passed away on June 2, surrounded by loved ones, just days after suffering a stroke.
In a heartfelt statement, his family said, "For more than five decades, Peabo's extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life's most cherished moments. His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration."
They added that while their hearts are broken, they take comfort in knowing how deeply he was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and generous spirit.
Born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1951, he began performing professionally as a teenager before releasing his debut album Peabo in 1976. His career quickly flourished with hits like Reaching for the Sky, Feel the Fire, I'm So Into You, and If Ever You're in My Arms Again.
Bryson became especially renowned for duets, working with Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, and later Dion and Belle. His collaboration with Flack produced the beloved ballad Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, while his Disney recordings cemented his place in pop culture history.
Bryson's duet with Dion on Beauty and the Beast won a Grammy in 1992, followed by another Grammy in 1993 for A Whole New World, which became the first song from an animated film to reach No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100. He later returned to Disney for As Long As There's Christmas with Flack in 1997. Over his career, Bryson released 20 studio albums and earned eight Grammy nominations.
Despite health challenges, including a heart attack in 2019, Bryson continued performing. He recently appeared in concert with Jeffrey Osborne in Georgia and had planned shows for his Golden Touch tour this year, celebrating five decades in music.
Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface, their son Robert, and his daughter Linda. His family emphasized that his legacy will live on for generations, carried by the songs that defined love, hope, and inspiration for millions around the world.