Peabo Bryson, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘A Whole New World’ Hitmaker, Dies at 75

Legendary R&B singer and Grammy-nominated vocalist Peabo Bryson has died at the age of 75, his family confirmed.

According to The People, Bryson passed away on Tuesday, June 2, just days after suffering a stroke, surrounded by loved ones.

The singer was widely celebrated for his timeless duets, especially his iconic Disney collaborations — “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle — both of which became global classics and defined a generation of animated film music.

Born Robert Peapo Bryson in South Carolina in 1951, Bryson began performing as a teenager and rose through the R&B scene with a signature smooth, soulful sound. Over the decades, he built a career rooted in powerful ballads and unforgettable collaborations with artists like Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, and Celine Dion.

His family described him as “deeply loved” and said his voice and legacy “will live on for generations.”