Robert Peapo “Peabo” Bryson was an American singer and songwriter born on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina. He died on June 2, 2026, at a hospital in Marietta, Georgia, at the age of 75.
🎵 Early Life and Career Start
Bryson spent much of his childhood on his grandfather’s farm in Mauldin, South Carolina. His love for music stemmed from his mother, who often took the family to concerts of well-known black artists.
He made his professional debut at age 14 singing backup for Al Freeman and the Upsetters. Freeman’s difficulty pronouncing Bryson’s French West-Indian name, Peapo, led him to perform as Peabo.
💿 Recording Career and Hits
After collaborating with Luther Vandross and Cissy Houston on his debut album Peabo (1976), he signed to Capitol Records. His 1978 albums Reaching for the Sky and Crosswinds were certified Gold by the RIAA.
His greatest solo hits include “Feel the Fire,” “Reaching for the Sky,” “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again,” and “Can You Stop the Rain.” He also recorded successful duets with Roberta Flack, Regina Belle, and Angela Bofill.
🏆 Disney Soundtracks and Grammy Awards
Bryson contributed to Disney animated feature soundtracks, collaborating with Celine Dion on “Beauty and the Beast” and Regina Belle on “A Whole New World.” “A Whole New World” became the first song from an animated feature film to top the Billboard Hot 100.
He won two Grammy Awards: in 1992 for “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and in 1993 for “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle.
🎭 Later Career and Personal Life
In 2000, he won the international competition at the 41st International Festival of the Song of Viña del Mar representing France. He was married in 2010 to Tanya Boniface, and they had a son in 2018.
On April 29, 2019, Bryson suffered a heart attack and was taken to an Atlanta hospital, where he made a full recovery. On May 31, 2026, he suffered a stroke and died two days later on June 2.
| Year | Event | Collaborator | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Debut album Peabo | Luther Vandross, Cissy Houston | Signed to Bang Records |
| 1983 | Album Born to Love | Roberta Flack | Included hit “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” |
| 1992 | Grammy Award win | Celine Dion | For “Beauty and the Beast” |
| 1993 | Grammy Award win | Regina Belle | For “A Whole New World” |