Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B singer known for his Disney classics, died Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at age 75 [1], [2].
Bryson's death marks the loss of one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary pop and R&B. His work bridged the gap between traditional soul music and global cinema, making him a household name through his collaborations with Disney.
Reports indicate Bryson died from complications following a stroke [2], [4]. Some reports noted he had been hospitalized for several days prior to his death [2].
His family described him as a generous spirit who died [3], [5]. In a statement, the family said, "His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories, and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration" [1].
Bryson earned international fame for his duets in major animated films. He provided the vocals for "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World" from Aladdin, songs that became staples of the Disney songbook and earned him critical acclaim and Grammy awards [1], [3].
Beyond his film work, Bryson maintained a successful career as a solo R&B artist, blending smooth vocals with romantic themes. His ability to navigate both the commercial success of movie soundtracks and the intimacy of soul music defined his professional legacy [3].
“He was a generous spirit.”
The passing of Peabo Bryson removes a pivotal figure from the intersection of R&B and mainstream film scoring. His contributions to the Disney Renaissance helped define the sonic identity of the 1990s and established a blueprint for how pop artists could integrate into animated storytelling to reach a global audience.
