Veteran R&B singer Peabo Bryson, best known for iconic Disney duets Beauty and the Beast and A Whole New World, has died at the age of 75, his family confirmed. He passed away peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on June 2, 2026, surrounded by family.
A cause of death was not officially disclosed, though the family said he had suffered a stroke earlier.
In a statement, his family said Bryson’s “extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments” and that his legacy would “live on for generations.” They requested privacy while mourning and thanked fans for global support.
Bryson’s celebrated career spanned more than five decades, producing hits like If Ever You’re in My Arms Again, Reaching for the Sky, Can You Stop the Rain, and Tonight, I Celebrate My Love. He also collaborated with artists including Céline Dion on Beauty and the Beast, earning a Grammy, and with Regina Belle on A Whole New World.
Dion said she was “heartbroken,” crediting Bryson with helping shape her early international success.
Born in South Carolina, Bryson began his career in the 1970s and rose to fame with a string of R&B and pop hits, also performing on television and maintaining a long touring career. He had recently performed in Georgia and was scheduled for upcoming tour dates.
