Peabo Bryson, R&B singer and one-half of the vocals behind two iconic Disney songs, died on Tuesday at the age of 75. His family shared the news after previously announcing that Bryson had suffered a stroke on Sunday.
“With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing,” the statement read. “He transitioned peacefully at 5 p.m. ET on the evening of June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” Bryson’s family continued. “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.”
While a nominated singer and songwriter in his own right, it was Bryson’s contributions to the Oscar-winning soundtracks for Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin that introduced to his voice to a younger generation and won him two Grammys.
“Can You Stop the Rain”
Bryson’s first Grammy nomination came for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance with the song “Can You Stop the Rain,” off of his 15th studio album. The title track was a major hit for the singer and spent two weeks at the top of the R&B charts.
“Lost in the Night”
After going so long without a nomination, Bryson wouldn’t have to wait for his second. He was nominated in the same category the following year for another track off of Can You Stop the Rain, “Lost in the Night.”
“Beauty and the Beast”
But “Lost in the Night” wasn’t Bryson’s only nomination in ’93. He got two more from his duet with Celine Dion on their rendition of “Beauty and the Beast.” The song, which won Alan Menken and Howard Ashman the Academy Award for Best Original won, earned Bryson his first Grammy, for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. He was also nominated for Record of the Year.
“A Whole New World”
Disney pulled off the exact same awards feat the following year with the romantic anthem from Aladdin. Before the track won the Oscar for Best Original Song, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle’s version was nominated for Record of the Year and won Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
It also has one of the most wonderfully low-budget music videos of all time.
Unconditional Love
Bryson’s final two Grammy nominations stemmed from his 1999 album Unconditional Love. His work on the record earned a nomination for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, and the track “Did You Ever Know” received a nod for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
