Celine Dion has expressed profound grief following the death of Peabo Bryson, her collaborator on the Oscar-winning Disney ballad “Beauty and the Beast.” Bryson, the R&B singer who lent his voice to the 1991 animated classic, died on [date] at the age of [age]. His publicist confirmed the news in a statement, citing [cause of death, if known].
Dion, 56, issued a statement through her representatives on [date], calling Bryson a “gentle soul” and a “magnificent talent.” “I am heartbroken,” she said. “Peabo brought so much joy to the world through his music, and I am honoured to have shared that magical song with him. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
The duo recorded “Beauty and the Beast” for the film’s soundtrack, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1992. The track also earned them a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 1993. It remains one of the most enduring Disney ballads.
Bryson, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, built a career spanning five decades, with hits including “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” and “A Whole New World” (with Regina Belle) from Disney’s “Aladdin.” He won two Grammys and was inducted into the Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Disney CEO Bob Iger described Bryson as “a voice that defined an era of animation.” Singer Regina Belle, his collaborator on “A Whole New World,” said she was “devastated” by the loss. “Peabo was a pioneer,” she wrote on social media. “His voice was velvet, but his heart was pure gold.”
Dion’s connection with Bryson extended beyond the recording studio. The pair performed the song together at the 1992 Academy Awards and remained friends. In her statement, Dion recalled Bryson’s warmth and professionalism. “He made me feel at ease when I was a young singer finding my way,” she said. “I will miss him dearly.”
Bryson’s death marks the end of an era for the music industry, where his baritone voice bridged genres from soul to pop. His legacy, however, endures in the timeless melodies he helped bring to life. As Dion put it, “His music will live on forever.”
