Peabo Bryson, Legendary R&B Balladeer, Dies at 75
The two-time Grammy-winning singer, known for his iconic Disney duets and soulful ballads, has passed away at 75 following a stroke.
Peabo Bryson, the celebrated R&B singer and songwriter whose velvet voice defined a generation of romantic ballads, has died at the age of 75. According to reports, the two-time Grammy winner passed away on Tuesday evening following a stroke.
In a statement released to the media, his family expressed their profound grief: “With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing.”
Bryson’s health had been a concern in recent years, as he previously suffered a heart attack in 2019. Reports indicate that he suffered a stroke this past Sunday and had been receiving medical care before his passing.
Known as the “King of Ballads,” Bryson’s career spanned five decades, during which he released 21 solo studio albums and numerous collaborative projects with legends such as Natalie Cole and Roberta Flack. He is perhaps best remembered by global audiences for his contributions to Disney’s animated classics, including the title track for Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion and the chart-topping Aladdin anthem “A Whole New World.”
His final studio album, Stand For Love, was released in 2018. Produced by the legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the project featured collaborations with artists like Chanté Moore and Gary Clark Jr. Reflecting on the creative process during an interview, Bryson noted, “This project started with trust. There’s probably not more than two other people on this planet I would have trusted with this album for me than Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.”
Jimmy Jam praised Bryson’s enduring artistry, stating, “He’s like that fabric maker who is bringing you the best silk and the best cotton in the highest quality. So when we put those fabrics together and custom make our suits, it’s the finest suit you can buy.”
Before his passing, Bryson had been preparing to release a new album titled Grace, alongside a memoir and a celebratory tour, The Golden Touch Tour. “Most people don’t get to say they’ve had a five-decade career in anything, let alone music,” Bryson had shared regarding his milestone. “The tour is a celebration — of survival, of 50 years of music, and of the incredible fans who have supported me through it all.”
Peabo Bryson is survived by his wife, daughter, son, and three grandchildren. His legacy as a master of soul and a titan of the adult r&b genre remains firmly cemented in music history.