Peabo Bryson, “Beauty and the Beast” Singer, Dies at 75
The music world has said goodbye to an icon.
R&B singer Peabo Bryson—known for his vocals on the pop versions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World”—died on June 2 at the age of 75, his family confirmed. His death comes days after they’d shared that he had suffered from a stroke.
“He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026,” his family said in a statement to Variety, “surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”
“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments,” the statement continued. “His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.”
The family—including wife Tanya Boniface and their son Robert, 8, and his daughter Linda, 58, from a previous relationship—asked for privacy as they navigated Bryson’s death.
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” they said. “While 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. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
Bryson was born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, S.C., on April 13, 1951 and began his professional singing career while still a teen.
He experienced several R&B hits in the 1970s, including “Feel the Fire” and “I’m So into You.” In 1983 he recorded an album of duets with Roberta Flack titled Born to Love, which included the song “Tonight I Celebrate My Love.”
Steven Ferdman/Getty Images
And it was his duet alongside Celine Dion for 1991’s “The Beauty and the Beast” from the Disney cartoon, as well as with Regina Belle for “A Whole New World” from 1992’s Aladdin that brought Bryson further success. He picked up the Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group two years in a row for his Disney duets.
“Disney songs don’t come with a manual,” Bryson said on Closer Look With Rose Scott in 2018. “It’s whatever you give it. There’s no suggestion on how you approach it. You have to have something to give it; you have to make it yours.”
Jacques Bourguet/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images
And at the time, Bryson was ready to keep making his music entirely his for as long as he could.
“I have miles to go before I sleep,” he said. “There’s a gazillion things to sing about, to write about, to shout about.”
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Leave a comment