Peabo Bryson, Legendary Duet Singer of ‘A Whole New World,’ Dead at 75

Peabo Bryson, Legendary Duet Singer of ‘A Whole New World,’
Peabo Bryson performs onstage during the Thurgood Marshall College Fund 28th Annual Awards Gala at Washington Hilton on November 21, 2016 in Washington, DC. ( Teresa Kroeger/Getty Images for Thurgood Marshall College Fund)/Getty Images

Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning singer best known for iconic Disney duets like "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World," has died at the age of 75.

Bryson passed away Tuesday, June 2, surrounded by his family, just days after suffering a stroke on May 31, according to reports shared by People. According to People, his family confirmed his death in a statement, thanking fans for their support during his final days.

"We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world," the family 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."

The news marks the end of a career that helped shape R&B and pop music for decades.

Bryson became a global name in the early 1990s when he teamed up with Céline Dion for "Beauty and the Beast," which earned him a Grammy Award. He later repeated that success with Regina Belle on "A Whole New World" from Disney's "Aladdin," another Grammy-winning duet that became one of the most beloved songs in film history.

Peabo Bryson Remembered for Disney Hits

Born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, he began performing as a teenager and built his career through years of touring and recording. Over time, he released 20 studio albums and earned eight Grammy nominations, working with major artists including Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, and Kenny G, PageSix reported.

His music career started gaining traction in the late 1970s with R&B hits like "Reaching for the Sky." But it was his smooth voice and talent for emotional duets that set him apart. Bryson often said that connection with his duet partners was key to his success, especially in his long-running collaborations with Flack.

"I think the secret to a really good duet is that you have to fall a little bit in love with your duet partner," he once said in an interview.

In later years, Bryson faced health challenges, including a heart attack in 2019, but recovered and continued to stay connected to music and fans. He is survived by his wife and two children.

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