The world has lost one of its most romantic voices.
Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning singer and hitmaker behind legendary love songs like Tonight, I Celebrate My Love and If Ever You’re in My Arms Again, died on Tuesday in Marietta, Ga, his rep confirmed to Billboard.
He was 75.
Mr. Bryson had suffered a stroke over the weekend and was under medical care before passing away. For decades, his velvety tenor provided the soundtrack to first dances and magical movie moments – including unforgettable Disney duets – leaving behind a legacy that will forever touch our hearts.
“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,” as reported by Billboard.
His first album, titled Peabo, was released in 1976, at the height of funk and disco. Four of the album’s romantic ballads – It’s Just a Matter of Time, Underground Music, Just Another Day and I Can Make It Better” – made it into the top 30 of the U.S. soul charts. This success marked him as a successor to his musical idols, Sam Cooke and Nat King Cole.
Mr. Bryson remained a major force on the soul and R&B charts for almost twenty years. His songs often explored complicated relationships and deep love, resonating with the adult-contemporary audience that made up the majority of his fans.
Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, a heartfelt duet featuring the smooth vocals of R&B titan Roberta Flack, became a standout hit in 1983 when it climbed to No. 4 on Billboard’s U.S. adult contemporary chart. The track was just the first of many that would find their way into the top 20.
The following year, Mr. Bryson reached new heights with his solo effort, If Ever You’re in My Arms Again which soared to No. 1 on the same chart. However, it was in the early 1990s that he truly cemented his legacy with a series of remarkable collaborations. One of the highlights was his stunning duet with Celine Dion on Beauty and the Beast in 1991, a platinum-selling rendition of the iconic theme from the beloved Disney animated film. This magical song not only captivated audiences but also garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for both best song and best record at the Grammys. Ultimately, it took home the award for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals, proving that his artistry and his ability to connect through music would leave an indelible mark on the industry.
A year later, he achieved the same success by winning the same award for his rendition of A Whole New World, the theme song from the Disney movie Aladdin, which he sang with another R&B legend, Regina Belle. This song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, taking the top spot from Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You after it had been number one for 14 weeks.
“I have to make music without giving up who I am,” he told The New Pittsburgh Courier in 1992, “not for any pop dream or for any promise of greater success.”
Robert Peapo Bryson, born on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, had a childhood shaped by both absence and support. With his father, Telford Copeland, often out of the picture, it was his mother, Marie Bryson, along with his maternal grandparents, who played pivotal roles in his upbringing on their farm in Mauldin. Marie recognized her son’s burgeoning passion for music and actively nurtured it. She took young Robert to see legendary performances by artists like Little Richard and Sam Cooke, exposing him to the vibrant world of rhythm and blues. These experiences not only fueled his love for music but also laid the groundwork for a creative path that would resonate throughout his life.
“I saw all the greats, and by the time I was 5 or 6 I could sing right along with them,” he shared with The Philadelphia Tribune in 2022. “When I was that little, I could sing most of their songs, astonishing people in the audience around me who couldn’t believe that music was coming out of a little boy.”
As reported by The New York Times, at just 12 years old, Mr. Bryson took his first major step into the music world by winning a talent show, which ultimately led him to sing backup for a local band called Al Freeman and the Upsetters. His teenage years were marked by a pivotal partnership with his musical mentor, Moses Dillard, as he performed with Dillard and the Tex-Town Display, a funk and R&B band that toured across the country.
It was during this time that he earned the affectionate nickname “Peabo,” a playful twist on his middle name that Mr. Dillard struggled to pronounce. While Dillard and the Tex-Town Display may not have achieved widespread fame, Peabo’s undeniable talent did not go unnoticed. Talent scouts recognized his potential as a solo artist, paving the way for his first self-titled album released under Bang Records. In 1977, he made a significant move to Capitol Records, setting the stage for a career that would eventually see him become an acclaimed figure in the music industry.
Mr. Bryson leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson; their son, Robert, affectionately known as Kit; his daughter from a previous relationship, Linda Bryson; and three cherished grandchildren.
Known for his impactful songwriting, he attracted a predominantly female fanbase but was determined to create music that connected with men as well. In an interview with The Philadelphia Tribune, he expressed his desire to challenge traditional gender norms, stating, “I want to show men that it’s okay to be sensitive and sensual, rather than feeling like they have to be macho.”
This heartfelt perspective reflects a broader, refreshing cultural shift towards embracing vulnerability in men. His legacy, marked by both personal connections and a commitment to breaking down stereotypes, will continue to inspire future generations of artists and fans alike.
