Peabo Bryson, iconic singer behind ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘A Whole New World,’ dies at 75

MARIETTA, GEORGIA: The Grammy-winning R&B singer Peabo Bryson, famous for singing classics like ‘Beauty and the Beast' and 'Whole New World’, died on Tuesday, June 2. 

Bryson, 75, was hospitalized after suffering a stroke. His death was announced by his family in a statement in which they stated that he “transitioned peacefully” and was “surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him” during his final moments.

Peabo Bryson's family overwhelmed with outpouring of love

“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” the statement read.

The family added that “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.”

But during this difficult time, his family has also asked for “privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, family member, friend and artist whose impact extended far beyond the stage.”

Peabo Bryson always knew 'music was my thing'

Bryson loved music and always knew that he wanted to be a singer. 

In a 1978 interview for Soul magazine, he had said, “As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been into music.  It’s all I ever wanted to really deal with and of course, like everyone else, I had to make that decision — I guess when I was around 14 — as to what I was going to get into, career-wise.”

“Well, I’d thought about being a doctor or something like that, but I really felt that music was my thing,” he stated at the time.

Peabo Bryson began singing as a teenager

Bryson also revealed that his mother thought he would “turn into a drug addict or something like that”. But he proved her wrong and began singing while in high school.

“I was with a local group called Al Freeman and The Upsetters — and believe me, we were terrible! Yes, you could say we upset a whole lot of people — we were that bad!” he added.

Peabo Bryson's Oscar-winning songs

Later in his career, Bryson got the opportunity to work with Celine Dion for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and Regina Belle ‘A Whole New World’. Both songs won an Oscar.

He also worked with artists, like Roberta Flack and Natalie Cole. His collaboration with Flack on ‘Tonight, I Celebrate My Love’ went on to become one of the hit love songs of the 1980s.

Comedian Loni Love recalls Bryson talking 'passionately' about music

Meanwhile, following Bryson’s death, comedian and television host Loni Love posted on X that she worked with him “on the @somma.cruise last year.”

“One evening, I noticed him sitting alone on the deck, so I joined him. We ended up talking for hours. He shared incredible stories, spoke passionately about his music, and had such a deep love for his craft. I am so grateful to have had that special moment with him,” she added.