American music icon Peabo Bryson, widely celebrated for performing the theme song of Disney’s 1991 animated classic Beauty and the Beast, has died at the age of 75.
His family confirmed that the Grammy-winning singer passed away on Tuesday, just days after suffering a stroke.
In a statement announcing his death, the family paid tribute to the legendary vocalist and the impact he made throughout his career.
“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,” the statement reads.
“His legacy and music will live on for generations to come. For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments.
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“His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration.”
Born and raised in South Carolina, Bryson began his musical journey in the 1970s as a member of Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display before launching a solo career after signing with Bang Records in Atlanta.
Over the course of his career, he worked with several major record labels, including Capitol, Elektra and Columbia Records. He also earned a reputation as one of the music industry’s most sought-after duet partners.
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Bryson achieved global recognition through his duet with Celine Dion on Beauty and the Beast, the title song for Disney’s beloved animated film. The track earned him one of his two Grammy Awards and cemented his status as a leading voice in adult contemporary and R&B music.
Across a career that spanned more than 50 years, Bryson produced a string of memorable hits, including Feel the Fire, I’m So Into You, If Ever You’re in My Arms Again, Show & Tell and Can You Stop the Rain.
Following news of his passing, Dion shared an emotional tribute on social media, describing herself as devastated by the loss.
“His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance,” she wrote on X.
“He was so wonderful and generous to me all those years ago, when we recorded Beauty and the Beast. He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English.
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“He will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought to my life. His voice and his talent will be missed… My heart is with your family, and may you rest in peace, Peabo.”
Bryson leaves behind a rich musical legacy that influenced generations of listeners and helped define the sound of contemporary R&B ballads. His voice, known for its warmth, emotion and versatility, remains one of the most recognizable in modern music history.
