Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B singer famous for Disney movie duets, died Tuesday [1].

Bryson's death marks the loss of a vocalist who bridged the gap between contemporary R&B and global cinematic pop. His work on some of the most successful animated films in history brought a sophisticated soul influence to the Disney songbook, reaching millions of listeners worldwide.

Bryson was 75 years old [2]. He died on June 2, 2026 [3], according to reports. The singer was surrounded by family when he died after suffering a stroke, a CBS News reporter said [4].

Throughout his career, Bryson earned two Grammy Awards for his contributions to music. He is most widely recognized for his performances of "A Whole New World" from the film Aladdin, and the title track from Beauty and the Beast. These songs became staples of popular culture and helped define the sound of the Disney Renaissance era.

Beyond his work with Disney, Bryson established himself as a prominent figure in the R&B genre. His ability to blend romantic ballads with a polished vocal delivery allowed him to maintain a steady presence on the charts for several decades. His collaborations with other artists further solidified his reputation as a premier duet partner in the industry.

Family members and colleagues have mourned the loss of the singer, who remained a respected figure in the music community until his death this week.

“Bryson died Tuesday, surrounded by family, after suffering a stroke.”

The passing of Peabo Bryson removes one of the primary architects of the modern Disney soundtrack. By integrating R&B sensibilities into animated features, Bryson helped shift the industry toward a more contemporary, adult-contemporary sound that expanded the demographic appeal of children's films.