Two-time Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Peabo Bryson died on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the age of 75. His family confirmed his death, stating he died following a stroke and was surrounded by family at his home in Marietta, Georgia. The exact time of death was reported by some sources as 5:00 p.m. ET.
Health & Circumstances of Death
Bryson suffered a stroke in late May 2025 and was under medical care at the time of his passing. According to family statements, he "transitioned peacefully." He had previously suffered a heart attack in 2019 from which he recovered.
Career Overview
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, he began his professional music career as a teenage backing vocalist. He initially performed with Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display, playing percussion, guitar, and piano. He later changed the spelling of his stage name from "Peapo" to "Peabo" for pronunciation. He signed his first record deal with Bang Records in 1967 and released his debut solo album, Peabo, in 1976.
Rise to Prominence
Bryson moved to Capitol Records in 1977, where he released two gold-certified albums: Reaching for the Sky (1977) and Crosswinds (1978). His first top 10 R&B hit was "Reaching for the Sky." Throughout his career, he scored 17 top 20 R&B hits, including "Feel the Fire," "I'm So into You," "If Ever You're in My Arms Again," and "Can You Stop the Rain."
He was widely recognized for his duets, most notably with Roberta Flack. Their 1983 album Born to Love included the hit "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love." He also collaborated with Natalie Cole, Regina Belle, and Brian McKnight.
Disney Duets and Grammy Awards
"He won two Grammy Awards for performances on Disney film songs."
In 1993, he won for "Beauty and the Beast" (with Celine Dion), and in 1994, he won for "A Whole New World" (with Regina Belle from the film Aladdin). Both songs also won Academy Awards for Best Original Song. "A Whole New World" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat no other song from an animated film had achieved until 2022.
Later Career
Bryson appeared in stage productions including Raisin, The Wiz, and Porgy and Bess. He released his 21st studio album, Stand for Love, in 2018. In total, he was nominated for eight Grammy Awards.
Family Statement and Survivors
"We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world," the family said 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."
Bryson is survived by his wife and children. The family has requested privacy and stated that memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date.