Peabo Bryson, the two-time Grammy-winning balladeer celebrated globally as the “Voice of Love,” passed away at age 75 on June 2, 2026. The iconic singer transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET in Marietta, Georgia, following complications from a stroke. His family confirmed the devastating news in a joint statement, noting that he was surrounded by those closest to him.
“With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of Peabo Bryson announces his passing,” the statement shared with Variety reads. “For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved.”
🌟 A Legacy Written in Duets and Disney Magic
Born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, the singer’s smooth, velvety tenor voice defined the adult contemporary and “Quiet Storm” R&B genres. While he earned massive success on the R&B charts throughout the 1970s and 1980s, his career reached historic heights in the early 1990s through his work on legendary Disney animated soundtracks.
- “Beauty and the Beast” (1991): Partnering with a then-burgeoning Celine Dion, Bryson anchored the film’s title track, earning his first Grammy Award.
- “A Whole New World” (1992): Recorded with Regina Belle for Aladdin, the track made history by topping the Billboard Hot 100 and dethroning Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” after a 14-week run, securing Bryson his second Grammy.
Beyond film music, Bryson was widely considered the music industry’s premier duet partner, most notably teaming up with Roberta Flack for the 1983 romantic staple “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love”. His solo catalog was equally potent, featuring massive crossover hits like 1984’s “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” and the 1991 R&B chart-topper “Can You Stop the Rain”.
💔 Outpouring of Tributes From Around the World
The news of Bryson’s passing triggered a massive wave of grief and remembrance across the music industry.
Taking to Instagram, long-time collaborator Celine Dion shared an emotional throwback photo and expressed her heartbreak. “His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance,” Dion wrote. “He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English. He will remain for me always as a real symbol of joy.”
Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson, his children, Robert and Linda, and three grandchildren. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and details regarding a public celebration of life are expected to be announced soon.
