Good Morning.

I hope that you are enjoying this weekend with family and friends.

We lost the wonderful Peabo Bryson, who passed away this week at 75.

Peabo Bryson, R&B singer known for Disney classics, dies at 75

By Emily St. Martin
Staff Writer
June 2, 2026 Updated 9:02 PM PT

Peabo Bryson, a Grammy-winning R&B singer known for his duets from Disney classics “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast,” has died. He was 75.

His family confirmed to The Times that he died Tuesday in Marietta, Ga. The cause was complications from a stroke he suffered over the weekend.

“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.”

Bryson was a fixture on the R&B scene for decades, scoring with such hits as “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” and “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.

In a career peak in 1992, the singer was featured on recordings that topped four separate charts: “A Whole New World,” a duet with Regina Belle from the Disney animated movie “Aladdin,” topped the Pop and Adult Contemporary charts; “The King and I” album, featuring Bryson, was No. 1 on the Classical Crossover charts, and Kenny G’s “Breathless” album, featuring Bryson on “By the Time the Night Is Over,” topped the Contemporary Jazz charts.

He nabbed two Grammy Awards back to back in 1993 and 1994 for his performance of “Beauty and the Beast” with Céline Dion, and his performance of “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle.

“I don’t think there’s anything I can’t do,” Bryson told The Times. “I see myself as a true Renaissance man. I don’t like one-dimensional concepts of myself.”

Robert Peapo Bryson was born on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, S.C. He grew up attending concerts his mother would bring the family to, and by the time he was in high school, he knew he wanted a career in music.

In 1978, he told David Nathan, an editor for Blues & Soul magazine, that his mother wasn’t thrilled about the prospect of him chasing his dreams in the rhythm-and-blues biz and worried he’d get into trouble.

“As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been into music,” Bryson said. “It’s all I ever wanted to really deal with. … I had to make that decision, when I was around 14, as to what I was going to get into, career-wise. Well, I’d thought about being a doctor or something like that, but I really felt that music was my thing.”

JODY WATLEY
@jodywatley
Rest in Peace Peabo Bryson
@PeaboBryson2
😔💔🙏🏽🕊️

One of the greatest male soul vocalists of a generation..an honor to sing with and get to know over the years.

My condolences to Peabo’s wife Tanya, and family, and loved ones.

My heart is so heavy right now😔💔

This video montage was posted in celebration for his 75th birthday in April.

Peabo leaves an indelible everlasting legacy. I’m glad to have been able to tell him every time we toured and sang duets together on The Colors of Christmas-how much he meant to my journey, and thank him for his support, kindness and encouragement.

Posted on his birthday in April
“…….To grow up loving the music and then share the stage—time and time again—with one of my all-time favorite male vocalists is something I never take for granted. From my early days as an aspiring artist as a teen to fellow Grammy winning artist – to now, it remains a true honor and a full-circle blessing.

Reaching for the sky, indeed.
My Mom ❤️🌹🕊️✨ loved Peabo too and it’s a cherished memory when I introduced them in 2017 after the Colors of Christmas concert in Palm Desert, CA – she was so happy.. which made me even happier ❤️

Beyond the legendary voice, Peabo is the definition of class, intelligence, and authenticity—a genuine gentleman whose artistry and character continue to inspire.”
https://x.com/jodywatley/status/2062016680830865626

Kenny G
@kennyg
I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to make music with Peabo Bryson. What a naturally talented man who made it look so easy. You will be remembered fondly. – Kenny G
https://x.com/kennyg/status/2062568816014393464

Having been a longtime ABC Daytime Soap Opera Fan, when he did the theme for One Life To Live, I was over the moon.