Peabo Bryson, the R&B singer best known for his Disney film duets 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'A Whole New World', has died aged 75. In a statement, his family said he died on Tuesday evening, days after suffering 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."
A two-time Grammy Award winner, Bryson was celebrated for his partnership with Celine Dion on the Oscar-winning film Beauty and the Beast. He repeated that global success with Regina Belle on 'A Whole New World' from Disney's Aladdin.
Bryson's musical roots ran deep within the industry over five decades cementing his place as one of R&B’s premier singer-songwriters. He notched up notable hits including 'Feel the Fire,' 'I’m So Into You' and 'Can You Stop the Rain.'
Born and raised in South Carolina, he began 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 went on to record 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.'
Bryson's family said memorial and celebration-of-life arrangements will be announced at a later date.
