Disney’s Peabo Bryson, who sang Beauty and the Beast, dies aged 75

Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning singer whose voice became synonymous with some of Disney’s most beloved love songs, has died at the age of 75.

He died on Tuesday evening, surrounded by family and loved ones, after suffering a stroke over the weekend and subsequently receiving medical care.

His family wrote in a statement: ‘For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments.

‘His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.

peabo bryson

‘In 1991, Bryson teamed up with Celine Dion for the title song from Beauty and the Beast, helping transform the animated movie’s theme into a global hit.

Celine has now paid tribute to her former musical collaborator, writing on Instagram: ‘I’m heartbroken to heart that we lost Peabo Bryson today. His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance.’

She continued: ‘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. He will remain for me always as a real symbol of joy that music has brought to my life. His voice and talent will be missed.

‘My heart is with your family, and may you rest in peace Peabo. Love, Celine xx.’

The following year, in 1992, Bryson partnered with Regina Belle on A Whole New World from Aladdin, which became the first song from an animated film to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

The songs earned Bryson two Grammy Awards and helped cement him as one of the defining voices of Disney’s music.

Long before Disney came calling, Bryson had already built a successful career with romantic hits including Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, his famous duet with Roberta Flack, alongside tracks such as If Ever You’re in My Arms Again and Can You Stop the Rain.

Raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Bryson first broke into music during the 1970s as part of funk and soul group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display before launching a solo career.

His duet with Flack, Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, became one of the era’s most recognisable slow dances, while solo tracks including If Ever You’re in My Arms Again, Show & Tell and Can You Stop the Rain cemented his crossover success across both pop and R&B charts.

Bryson was also a music theatre actor who stepped onto the stage in productions of The Wiz, Porgy and Bess, and Raisin.

Even decades into his career, he continued recording new music, releasing his 21st album, Stand for Love, in 2018 with production from legendary hitmakers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.