Peabo Bryson, known for duets from Disney's 'Aladdin' and 'Beauty and
the Beast,' has died at 75
[June 03, 2026]
By MARIA SHERMAN
NEW YORK (AP) — Peabo Bryson, the two-time Grammy Award-winning R&B
singer best known as the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney film
duets “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World”
with Regina Belle from “Aladdin," has died. He was 75.
His family said in a statement that Bryson died Tuesday evening, days
after having a stroke.
“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,” the family's statement said. “His legacy and music
will live on for generations to come.”
Internationally celebrated for his Disney classics, Bryson also built a
career over five decades as one of R&B’s premier balladeers, recording
hits including “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You" and “Can You Stop the
Rain."
“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the
soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments,” the family's
statement said. “His music carried generations through joyful
celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and
inspiration.”
Born and raised in South Carolina, the singer, songwriter and balladeer
launched his career with the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town
Display in the 1970s. Shortly afterward, Atlanta label Bang Records
signed him as a solo artist.
He recorded for Capitol, Elektra and Columbia Records and became one of
music’s most sought-after duet partners. Aside from Belle and Dion, he
also collaborated with artists including Roberta Flack and Natalie Cole.
His duet with Flack, “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” became one of the
defining love songs of the 1980s, while “If Ever You’re in My Arms
Again” helped expand his audience beyond R&B radio. He later scored No.
1 R&B hits with “Show & Tell” and “Can You Stop the Rain.”
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Celine Dion, left, and Peabo Bryson perform the song "Beauty
and the Beast," that won them the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal
Performance by a Group or Duo, at the 35th annual Grammy Awards in
Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 25, 1993. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)
Beyond music, Bryson appeared in stage productions including
“Raisin,” “The Wiz” and “Porgy and Bess.” In 2018, he returned with
“Stand for Love,” his 21st studio album, produced by hitmaking duo
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Bryson had a stroke in late May and was placed under medical care.
“At this time, the family requests privacy as they navigate this
deeply personal moment together,” a statement from his
representative read at the time. "The thoughts, prayers and love of
friends and fans are welcomed and deeply appreciated.”
In 2019, Bryson made a full recovery after having a heart attack.
Comedian and television host Loni Love said she worked with Bryson
on a cruise ship last year and spoke with him for hours on the deck
one night after she noticed him sitting alone.
“He shared incredible stories, spoke passionately about his music,
and had such a deep love for his craft,” she wrote in a social media
post Tuesday. “I am so grateful to have had that special moment with
him.”
Bryson's family said memorial and celebration-of-life arrangements
will be announced at a later date.
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