Veteran R&B singer and two-time Grammy Award winner Peabo Bryson has died at the age of 75, just days after suffering a stroke.
Reports confirm that the singer passed away on June 2, 2026, in Marietta, Georgia, surrounded by his loved ones.Bryson, born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, developed his passion for music early in life.
He was raised on his grandfather’s farm in Mauldin, where he was regularly exposed to music and later inspired by performances of prominent African-American artists his mother took him to see.He began his professional journey at just 14 years old, singing backup for Al Freeman and the Upsetters before launching a successful solo career.In 1976, he released his debut album Peabo, followed by a string of successful projects including Reaching for the Sky (1977) and Crosswinds (1978), both of which helped establish him as one of R&B’s most respected vocalists.Known for his smooth tone and romantic ballads, Bryson earned the nickname “King of Balladeers.” His career spanned more than five decades and included over 20 albums.He is also widely celebrated for his iconic duets, including Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast and A Whole New World, which earned him Grammy Awards and Academy Awards recognition.Bryson collaborated with major international stars such as Celine Dion, Regina Belle, Roberta Flack, and Natalie Cole, leaving behind a lasting legacy in global music.
