The Voice Behind Disney’s Most Magical Duets, Peabo Bryson, Dies at 75 – Cause of Death Revealed

Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B singer known for his smooth voice and iconic Disney duets, has died at the age of 75. The news was reported by PEOPLE, which cited a statement from his family confirming his passing on June 2. According to reports, he had suffered a stroke just days before his death.

His family shared their grief and appreciation for the support they have received from fans and colleagues around the world. In a statement provided to PEOPLE, they said, “We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world. 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.”

Bryson was one of the most recognizable voices in R&B and soul music. He was especially known for his romantic ballads and his ability to bring emotional depth to every song he performed. Over his long career, he built a strong legacy both as a solo artist and through collaborations with other major singers.

Born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, he began his recording career in the mid-1970s. His debut album Peabo was released in 1976 and marked the beginning of a long run in the music industry. The following year, he signed with Capitol Records and released Reaching for the Sky, which helped establish his place in R&B music.

Throughout his career, Bryson released many well-known songs that became classics in the genre. These included tracks like “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So into You,” “Crosswinds,” “Let the Feeling Flow,” and “Can You Stop the Rain.” His music often focused on love, heartbreak, and emotional storytelling.

One of the most important parts of his career came through his work with Disney. He performed two major movie duets that became global hits. In 1991, he sang “Beauty and the Beast” with Céline Dion, which became a Top 10 hit and earned Grammy recognition. The following year, he performed “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle for Aladdin, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

These songs helped introduce Bryson to a wider global audience and made him a household name beyond R&B fans. Both tracks became defining pieces of Disney’s musical history and are still widely recognized today.

Bryson won two Grammy Awards during his career, both in the category of Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for his Disney collaborations. He also received several additional Grammy nominations between 1992 and 2000.

His career also included successful collaborations outside of Disney. In 1983, he worked with Roberta Flack on the duet album Born to Love, which featured the hit song “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.” He also partnered with artists like Kenny G on “By the Time This Night Is Over,” which became a major Adult Contemporary hit.

Over the years, Bryson released 20 solo albums between 1976 and 2018. Several of these albums performed strongly on the Billboard R&B charts, and many of them achieved gold certification. His consistent output helped him remain active in music for decades.

He also made appearances in television, including a 1985 role on One Life to Live, where he performed a version of the show’s theme song.

Peabo Bryson leaves behind a long legacy in music, marked by emotional ballads, award-winning duets, and a voice that became tied to some of the most beloved songs in modern pop culture.

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