Peabo Bryson, the celebrated R&B singer whose velvet voice became synonymous with love ballads and Disney classics, has died at the age of 75. Bryson passed away peacefully on the evening of June 2, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones, several days after suffering a stroke, according to a statement released by his family and reported by multiple outlets including Variety and USA TODAY. The loss marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned more than five decades and left an indelible mark on contemporary music.
Bryson’s family, expressing their “broken hearts and profound sadness,” described his passing as peaceful and surrounded by the love of 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 family said in a statement shared by Variety. “His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration.”
The singer’s death follows a period of hospitalization after suffering a stroke over the weekend prior to June 2. While the precise cause of death was not immediately released, his family had previously asked for privacy as they navigated the difficult days following his medical emergency. “The thoughts, prayers and love of friends and fans are welcomed and deeply appreciated,” the family added, as reported by USA TODAY.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Peabo Bryson’s journey to stardom began in the late 1960s. Over the course of his career, he released 20 albums and became renowned for his smooth, emotive vocal style. Bryson’s repertoire included solo hits like “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again,” “Can You Stop the Rain,” “Feel the Fire,” “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” and “Reaching for the Sky.” His collaborations with other musical greats, including Roberta Flack and the late Aretha Franklin, further cemented his status as a leading balladeer of his generation, as noted by USA TODAY and Atlanta News First.
But it was Bryson’s work with Disney that introduced his voice to millions of new listeners and earned him two Grammy Awards. His duet with Céline Dion on the title track for Beauty and the Beast became an instant classic, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1993. The following year, Bryson teamed up with Regina Belle for “A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme),” which not only won another Grammy but also soared to the top of the Billboard charts. According to Gray News, “A Whole New World” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s list, underscoring Bryson’s unique ability to bridge R&B and pop with timeless appeal.
Bryson’s impact was perhaps felt most strongly in Atlanta, where his artistry flourished and where he was considered a hometown hero. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens spoke to this connection, saying, “Atlanta mourns the loss of one of music’s most beloved voices, Peabo Bryson. For decades, Peabo’s extraordinary talent, timeless artistry and unmistakable voice provided the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments. From Grammy-winning classics to unforgettable duets that transcended generations, his music brought joy, comfort and inspiration to millions around the world.” Dickens emphasized Bryson’s role in shaping Atlanta’s rich musical legacy and extended condolences to his family, friends, and fans worldwide.
Throughout his career, Bryson’s music was a fixture at celebrations and in moments of reflection alike. His ballads, often characterized by lush arrangements and heartfelt lyrics, resonated with listeners across generations. Songs like “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” a duet with Roberta Flack from their 1983 album Born To Love, and “As Long as There’s Christmas” became standards in their own right. Bryson’s solo work also garnered critical acclaim, with tracks such as “Can You Stop the Rain” earning a nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance in 1992, as noted by USA TODAY.
Bryson’s accolades extended beyond the Grammys. He received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Original Song for “I Found Love,” co-written with Earl Rose for the soap opera All My Children in 1993. Even in the later years of his career, Bryson remained active, releasing his most recent album, Stand for Love, in 2018.
His personal life was marked by resilience and devotion to family. Bryson was treated in Atlanta in 2019 following a mild heart attack, according to Atlanta News First and USA TODAY. He is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson, their son Robert, his daughter Linda Bryson, and three grandchildren, as reported by TMZ and Essence.
In the wake of his passing, tributes poured in from across the music world and beyond. Fans, friends, and colleagues shared memories and expressed gratitude for Bryson’s contributions to music and culture. The family, moved by this outpouring, stated, “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.”
Details for a memorial and celebration of life are expected to be announced at a later date, as the family and the city of Atlanta prepare to honor a man whose artistry shaped the soundtracks of countless lives. For now, the world remembers Peabo Bryson not only for his awards and chart-topping hits but for the warmth, inspiration, and joy he brought to so many through his music.
Bryson’s voice, once described as both powerful and comforting, will continue to echo in the hearts of those who found solace and celebration in his songs. The world has lost a legend, but his melodies endure, timeless as the love stories they so often accompanied.