Peabo Bryson dies at 75, powerful legacy lives on

Grammy-winning singer Peabo Bryson has died at 75, his representative confirmed to Billboard. Before his passing, Bryson was under medical care after suffering a stroke over the weekend. He was best known for hit R&B love ballads and Disney film duets.

“With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing,” a statement from Bryson’s family reads, adding: “He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him.”

Throughout his career, Bryson earned 12 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, the first being his 1981 duet with Melissa Manchester, “Lovers After All.” Bryson made his top 10 debut in 1992 with the Disney classic “Beauty and the Beast,” recorded with then-23-year-old Celine Dion, which reached at No. 9 on the Hot 100. Bryson earned three top 10 hits, with his and Regina Belle’s recording of Disney’s “A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme)” holding a one-week run at No. 1 in 1993.

The same two Disney hits brought Bryson his two Grammy wins out of eight nominations, with both duets winning best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals in 1993 and 1994.

Between 1976 and 1993, Bryson placed 41 hits on Billboard‘s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart,

including 10 top 10 hits, with “Show & Tell” and “Can You Stop the Rain” both reaching No. 1. He also had 21 entries on Billboard‘s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart between 1976 and 2007, seven of which reached the top 10 and one, Can You Stop the Rain, earning No. 1.

One of Bryson’s final social media posts featured a carousel of family photos celebrating his 75th birthday in April. “This is 75!!,” the photos are captioned. “Thank you for all my well wishes,” he added, with a heart-hands emoji.

“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” Bryson’s family shared in a statement.

“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.”