Peabo Bryson, the velvet-voiced R&B singer and songwriter celebrated for his romantic ballads and unforgettable contributions to Disney’s animated classics, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the age of 75. He died peacefully in Atlanta, surrounded by family, just two days after suffering a stroke.
Born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, Bryson grew up on his grandfather’s farm in Mauldin. His mother’s love for music and live performances by prominent Black artists profoundly shaped his early passion. He adopted the stage name “Peabo” after a bandleader struggled to pronounce his given name.
Bryson began his professional career at just 14, singing backup in local groups before touring the Chitlin’ Circuit. His big break came at Atlanta’s Bang Records, where he transitioned from backup singer to songwriter, producer, and solo artist. He released his debut album Peabo in the mid-1970s and signed with Capitol Records in 1977, launching a string of smooth R&B hits including “Feel the Fire,” “Reaching for the Sky,” “I’m So into You,” and “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again,” which reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
A master of the romantic duet, Bryson collaborated with legends such as Roberta Flack (Born to Love, 1983), Angela Bofill, and Regina Belle. His partnership with Belle produced the timeless “A Whole New World” from Disney’s Aladdin (1992). Paired with Celine Dion on the title track of Beauty and the Beast (1991), these performances earned him two Grammy Awards and made history as the first songs from animated films to win Oscars for Best Original Song.
Beyond pop and R&B, Bryson explored theater and opera, notably performing the role of Sportin’ Life in Porgy and Bess. He released music well into his later career, including the 2018 album Stand for Love, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. In recent years, he celebrated 50 years in the industry with the “Golden Touch Tour.”
Bryson’s personal life included challenges and triumphs. He overcame a serious heart attack in 2019, crediting his wife, British singer Tanya Boniface (a former member of the group The 411), with saving his life through CPR. The couple married in 2010 and shared a son, Robert. Bryson also had a daughter, Linda, from a previous relationship, and three grandchildren.
Tributes poured in quickly from fans, fellow artists, and the entertainment industry, many highlighting how Bryson’s soaring tenor provided the soundtrack to countless love stories and childhood memories.
“Peabo Bryson’s voice was pure magic — smooth, powerful, and full of heart,” said one industry statement. His duets with Dion and Belle remain staples of romantic playlists and Disney legacies worldwide.
Bryson is survived by his wife Tanya, children Robert and Linda, and his grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time while expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.
The music world has lost one of its most enduring romantic voices, but Peabo Bryson’s catalog — from soulful 1970s ballads to generation-defining Disney anthems — ensures his legacy will continue to inspire for decades to come.
