Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning singer whose duet with Celine Dion on Beauty and the Beat became a defining ballad of the 1990s, has died at the age of 73. The news was confirmed by his publicist, who stated that Bryson passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles. No cause of death has been released.
Bryson’s career spanned five decades, but he was best known for his collaborations with female vocalists. His 1991 duet with Regina Belle, A Whole New World, from Disney’s Aladdin, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The following year, he recorded Beauty and the Beast with Dion, a track that became a global hit and earned them a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.
Dion, who rarely comments on personal matters, released a brief statement expressing her devastation. “I am heartbroken. Peabo was not only a phenomenal talent but a gentle soul. Our duet was one of the highlights of my career. I will miss him dearly.”
Industry figures have paid tribute. Quincy Jones described Bryson as “a voice of silk and a heart of gold”. The Recording Academy noted that his work “bridged generations, bringing timeless love songs to new audiences”.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Bryson began his career in the 1970s as a session singer before signing with Capitol Records. He released 20 studio albums, earning four Grammy nominations. His solo hits included If Ever You’re in My Arms Again and Tonight I Celebrate My Love, a duet with Roberta Flack.
In recent years, Bryson had largely withdrawn from public life, citing health issues. He last performed publicly in 2019 at a charity event in Atlanta. His death marks the end of an era for the soft rock and R&B genres, where his smooth baritone set a standard for romantic ballads.
Funeral arrangements are pending. Bryson is survived by his wife, Linda, and their two children.
