Peabo Bryson, the Grammy Award-winning singer best known for his performances of Disney movie themes, has died. The news prompted tributes from fellow artists, including Celine Dion, who described herself as heartbroken by his passing.
Bryson gained widespread recognition for his work on Disney soundtracks, including the Oscar-winning song "Beauty and the Beast," which he performed as a duet with Dion for the 1991 animated film. He also recorded "A Whole New World" for the 1992 film "Aladdin," another collaboration that became one of Disney's most recognized songs. Both performances earned him Grammy Awards and established him as a defining voice in animated film music during the 1990s.
Born in South Carolina, Bryson built a career that spanned several decades in R&B and pop music. Before his Disney work brought him mainstream fame, he had already established himself as a successful recording artist with a string of romantic ballads. His smooth vocal style made him a natural fit for the emotional themes that accompanied Disney's animated features during their renaissance period.
Dion's tribute highlighted the personal and professional bond the two singers shared through their collaborations. Their duet on "Beauty and the Beast" became a cultural touchstone and introduced Bryson's voice to a new generation of listeners. The song reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1993.
Bryson's influence extended beyond his Disney work, as he recorded numerous solo albums and collaborated with other major artists throughout his career. His contributions to film music helped define the sound of Disney's animated classics during a pivotal era for the studio. The cause of death has not been disclosed.