Peabo Bryson, the Grammy Award-winning singer behind two of Disney’s most beloved songs, has died. He was 75.
His family confirmed the news, saying he passed away peacefully at 5:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by his family and those closest to him. He died after suffering a stroke.
“With broken hearts and profound sadness, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson, announces his passing,” the family said in a statement. “We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
A Voice That Defined Disney’s Musical Legacy
Bryson was the voice behind two Oscar-winning Disney classics. He recorded “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion in 1991, and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle for Disney’s Aladdin in 1992. Both songs won Grammy Awards.
“A Whole New World” reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making it the first song from an animated film to do so.
Both performances remain among the most recognizable songs in Disney history. Generations of fans grew up hearing Bryson’s warm baritone in movie theaters, on the radio, and in Disney Parks around the world.
A Career Spanning Five Decades
Bryson was born Robert Peopo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina. He launched his music career in 1976 with his debut album Peabo.
He became one of the premier male vocalists in contemporary music, with 20 albums to his credit. He holds the distinction of being the first artist in music history to have separate records top four different charts simultaneously.
In 2026, Bryson was celebrating 50 years in music with his “Golden Touch” tour and was preparing to release a new album called Grace, produced by Jam and Lewis. He had previously suffered a heart attack in 2019 but fully recovered.
Remembering Peabo
Bryson’s connection to Disney runs deep. His contributions to Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin helped define the Disney Renaissance era of the early 1990s. Those films are still celebrated today, and his voice is a huge part of why.
His family said his music “served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments” and “carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration.”
He leaves behind a legacy that will live on every time those classic songs play at Disney Parks, in Disney films, and in homes around the world.
