The cultural world is in mourning tonight as news breaks of the death of Peabo Bryson, the soul and R&B legend whose voice defined an era. Celine Dion, who collaborated with Bryson on the iconic duet “Beauty and the Beast,” has expressed her heartbreak, saying in a statement that he was “a true artist and a dear friend.” For workers in the music industry and beyond, Bryson’s passing marks the loss of a man who used his platform to champion the underdog, often speaking out on issues of inequality and the struggles of the working class.
His music, from “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” to “A Whole New World,” provided solace to millions navigating the daily grind of rising costs and stagnant wages. As one fan in Manchester put it, “His songs were the soundtrack to my shifts on the factory floor.” Bryson’s legacy is one of resilience and empathy, reminding us that even in times of hardship, art can lift the spirit.
The real economy of music loses a titan tonight.
