Legendary R&B singer Peabo Bryson, whose soaring voice helped define two of Disney’s most beloved movie ballads, has died at 75 after suffering a stroke.
Bryson’s family announced his death in a statement to TMZ, saying the two-time Grammy winner left behind a towering musical legacy.
“With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing,” his loved ones said.
Bryson reportedly died at 5 p.m. Tuesday, “surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”
The velvet-voiced singer became a household name for generations of fans through his unforgettable movie duets.
His 1991 performance of “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion became one of the most recognizable love songs of the era and helped introduce Bryson’s voice to younger audiences.
A year later, Bryson teamed up with Regina Belle for “A Whole New World” from Disney’s “Aladdin.” The song climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made history as the first song from an animated film to reach the top of the chart.
Bryson was also known for smooth R&B staples including “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” and “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.”
His family said the response from fans and fellow performers has been overwhelming.
We are heartbroken by the passing of legendary R&B singer Peabo Bryson. His performance of “A Whole New World,” with Regina Bell, from Disney’s Aladdin was the first-ever song from an animated film to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and we will forever treasure his… pic.twitter.com/r1fBOLF0gY
— Disney Music (@DisneyMusic) June 3, 2026
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” Bryson’s family said in a statement shared with People.
“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.”
— Peabo Bryson (@PeaboBryson2) June 3, 2026
Bryson’s career stretched across decades, earning him a reputation as one of R&B’s great balladeers and one of the most dependable voices in romantic music.
His songs became wedding staples, soundtrack favorites and radio mainstays, carried by the kind of polished vocal power that made him instantly recognizable.
Though younger fans may know him best from Disney classics, Bryson’s catalog ran far deeper than the animated hits that brought him mainstream crossover success.
He remained a respected performer on stage, continuing to appear before audiences years after his biggest chart-topping moments.
Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya, their son, Robert, his daughter, Linda, and three grandchildren.
For fans who grew up hearing his voice in some of the most cherished love songs ever recorded, Bryson’s death marks the loss of a singer whose music became part of American pop culture.
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