Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning singer best known for performing Disney film songs including "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World," has died. Celine Dion, who performed the title song from Beauty and the Beast with Bryson in 1991, described herself as heartbroken by his death.
Bryson's career spanned decades in R&B and pop music, but he achieved his widest recognition through his work with Disney. His duet with Dion on "Beauty and the Beast" became one of the most recognizable songs from the 1991 animated film. He followed that success with "A Whole New World," the signature song from Disney's 1992 film Aladdin, which he performed with Regina Belle. Both songs earned him Grammy Awards and cemented his place in popular culture.
The South Carolina-born singer began his career in the 1970s and released more than 20 albums over his lifetime. His smooth vocal style made him a sought-after duet partner, and he recorded romantic ballads with numerous artists beyond his Disney collaborations. His voice became synonymous with love songs that bridged R&B and adult contemporary genres.
Dion's tribute reflected the close working relationship the two singers shared. Their performance of "Beauty and the Beast" reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song has remained a staple at weddings and romantic occasions for more than three decades.
Bryson continued performing and recording music in recent years, maintaining a loyal fan base who appreciated his contributions to both R&B and film music. His Disney songs introduced his voice to multiple generations of listeners and ensured his legacy extended far beyond traditional music industry boundaries. The cause of death has not been disclosed.