Peabo Bryson, the American R&B and soul singer famous for his duets on Disney songs "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World," died June 2, 2026, from complications of a stroke in Marietta, Georgia [1, 2, 3, 4]. He was 75.

Born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, he launched his music career with the 1976 release of his first solo album titled "Peabo" [1, 2, 3]. Over a career spanning five decades, Bryson recorded more than 20 studio albums and became known as the "Voice of Love" and the "King of Balladeers" for his powerful and romantic singing style [2, 4].

Bryson won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals. The first came with Céline Dion for their 1991 duet "Beauty and the Beast," and the second for "A Whole New World," his 1992 duet with Regina Belle, which also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 [1, 2, 3, 4]. He also recorded hits like "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" with Roberta Flack which reached No. 4 on the US adult contemporary chart in 1983 [2, 3].

Bryson suffered a stroke in late May 2026 that led to his hospitalization and passing [1, 4]. He had previously survived a heart attack in 2019 and made a full recovery [1, 4].

He was married to Tanya Boniface Bryson since 2010 and had two children, a son born in 2018 and a daughter from an earlier relationship [4]. Despite his health challenges in later years, Bryson remained a beloved figure, known for his heartfelt lyrics. He once said, "Relationships are a vast thing. They’re like people: Everyone is different. So I write about them as I see them, and as I have experienced them" [2].

His family said in a statement, "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" [1]. They added, "We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world" [4].

Bryson’s death follows a brief illness beginning in late May. No public events have been announced yet.