The music world has lost a titan. Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning soul and R&B singer whose voice defined a generation of love songs and Disney ballads, has died at the age of 72. The news was confirmed by his family, who cited natural causes. Celine Dion, his duet partner on the iconic “Beauty and the Beast,” issued a statement calling him “a brother and an inspiration.”
Bryson’s career spanned six decades, but his legacy is most indelibly etched into the 1990s. His collaborations with Dion and Regina Belle produced two of the most successful animated film songs of all time: “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) and “A Whole New World” from Aladdin (1992). Both won Academy Awards and Grammys, making Bryson one of the few artists to win Oscars for consecutive Disney films. His smooth, powerful tenor could convey both tender vulnerability and soaring triumph.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, in 1951, Bryson began singing in church and later moved to Atlanta, where he joined the group The Heralds. His solo career took off in the late 1970s with albums like “Crosswinds” and “Paradise.” But it was the 1984 duet “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” with Roberta Flack that cemented his reputation as a master of romantic ballads.
Yet Bryson was not merely a singer of love songs. He was a dedicated performer who toured extensively, often playing to sold-out arenas. His influence extended beyond pop and R&B into the foundations of modern music. Artists from Alicia Keys to John Legend have cited him as an inspiration. He was also a tireless advocate for music education, working with organisations to bring instruments and lessons to underprivileged children.
Dion’s statement captured the sentiment of millions: “Peabo had a voice that was a gift from God. But more than that, he had a heart that was kind and generous. Every time we sang together, I felt like I was soaring. The world has lost a legend, but heaven has gained an angel.”
Fans have gathered at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, leaving flowers and notes. Social media is flooded with tributes from colleagues. Regina Belle wrote: “He was the perfect partner. Patient, talented, and full of grace. I will miss him.”
Bryson’s later years were marked by a quiet dignity. He continued to record and perform, releasing his final album “Stand for Love” in 2018. He leaves behind two children, a legacy of timeless music, and a void that will not soon be filled.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital production and auto-tune, Bryson remained a testament to the power of natural human talent. His voice could fill a room without amplification, and his phrasing could break a heart with a single note. He represented a bridge between the classical soul of the 70s and the pop crossover of the 90s.
As Celine Dion concluded: “His music will live forever. And so will our memories of him.”
