Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter best known for contributions to Disney films like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, has died at 75.
According to a statement from his family to TMZ, Bryson passed away peacefully at 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 2nd, following a stroke. (Reports via Facebook indicate that the stroke itself happened some days prior.)
The family’s statement reads, “With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing.” Bryson was reportedly “surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”
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In a subsequent statement to People, Bryson’s family wrote, “We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world. 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.”
Born Robert Peapo Bryson in April 1951, the crooner started his career in the late ’60s on the famed Chitlin’ Circuit. Into the late ’70s and mid ’80s, he released a series of beloved pop singles, including 1978’s “I’m So into You” and “Crosswinds,” the 1983 Robert Flack duet “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” and 1984’s “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” (which landed at No. 10 on the US charts). However, his biggest hits — and his two Grammy wins — were his 1992 recording of “Beauty and the Beast” alongside Celine Dion, and his 1993 duet with Regina Belle on “A Whole New World,” from Aladdin.
Bryson was also a featured performer on the U.S. concert tour of The Wiz revival in the late ’90s, and continued to perform and record in recent years. His latest album, Stand for Love, debuted in 2018. Bryson was also apparently set to release a new album titled Grace (produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis) sometime this year. He released 20 albums total during his lifetime.