NEW YORK (AP) 鈥� Peabo Bryson, the two-time Grammy Award-winning R&B best known as the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney film duets 鈥淏eauty and the Beast鈥� with Celine Dion and 鈥淎 Whole New World鈥� with Regina Belle from 鈥淎laddin,” has died. He was 75.
His family said in a statement that Bryson died Tuesday evening, days after having a stroke.
鈥淲hile our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit,鈥� the family’s statement said. 鈥淗is legacy and music will live on for generations to come.鈥�
Internationally celebrated for his Disney classics, Bryson also built a career over five decades as one of R&B鈥檚 premier balladeers, recording hits including 鈥淔eel the Fire,鈥� 鈥淚鈥檓 So Into You” and 鈥淐an You Stop the Rain.”
鈥淔or more than five decades, Peabo鈥檚 extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life鈥檚 most cherished moments,鈥� the family’s statement said. 鈥淗is music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration.鈥�
Born and raised in South Carolina, the singer, songwriter and balladeer launched his career with the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display in the 1970s. Shortly afterward, Atlanta label Bang Records signed him as a solo artist.
He recorded for Capitol, Elektra and Columbia Records and became one of music鈥檚 most sought-after duet partners. Aside from Belle and Dion, he also collaborated with artists including Roberta Flack and Natalie Cole.
His duet with Flack, 鈥淭onight, I Celebrate My Love,鈥� became one of the defining love songs of the 1980s, while 鈥淚f Ever You鈥檙e in My Arms Again鈥� helped expand his audience beyond R&B radio. He later scored No. 1 R&B hits with 鈥淪how & Tell鈥� and 鈥淐an You Stop the Rain.鈥�
Beyond music, Bryson appeared in stage productions including 鈥淩aisin,鈥� 鈥淭he Wiz鈥� and 鈥淧orgy and Bess.鈥� In 2018, he returned with 鈥淪tand for Love,鈥� his 21st studio album, produced by hitmaking duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Bryson had a stroke in late May and was placed under medical care.
鈥淎t this time, the family requests privacy as they navigate this deeply personal moment together,鈥� a statement from his representative read at the time. “The thoughts, prayers and love of friends and fans are welcomed and deeply appreciated.鈥�
In 2019, Bryson made a full recovery
Comedian and television host Loni Love said she worked with Bryson on a cruise ship last year and spoke with him for hours on the deck one night after she noticed him sitting alone.
鈥淗e shared incredible stories, spoke passionately about his music, and had such a deep love for his craft,鈥� she wrote in a social media post Tuesday. 鈥淚 am so grateful to have had that special moment with him.鈥�
Bryson’s family said memorial and celebration-of-life arrangements will be announced at a later date.
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This story has been updated to correct that Bryson sang 鈥淏eauty and the Beast鈥� with Dion and 鈥淎 Whole New World鈥� with Belle, not the other way around. It has also been updated to correct a misspelling of 鈥淎laddin.”
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