JAKARTA - The sad news came from the world music stage. Legendary R&B singer from the United States, Peabo Bryson, reportedly died at the age of 75.
The musician who made his name through Disney theme songs such as "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World" breathed his last on Tuesday, June 2, local time.
Based on information from the family, the senior musician with the real name Robert Peapo Bryson was at the Marietta Hospital, Georgia, United States.
Before being declared dead, Bryson was rushed to the hospital and received intensive medical treatment after suffering a stroke, last weekend.
"With a broken heart and deep sorrow, the family of two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and ballad singer Peabo Bryson announces his passing," the family's official statement read, quoted by Variety, Thursday, June 4.
"He transitioned peacefully at 5 p.m. eastern time on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him," he continued.
The family also added that for more than five decades, the extraordinary voice of the man born in South Carolina has been the soundtrack to the most precious moments in many people's lives.
His works are considered able to accompany various generations through celebrations full of happiness, great love stories, to provide comfort and eternal inspiration. The legacy of music is believed to continue to live in the hearts of those who love him.
In this sad situation, the extended family of Peabo Bryson also asked for privacy to mourn the loss of a husband, father, family member, friend, and a much-loved artist.
However, they admitted that they were very touched by the outpouring of love, prayers, and moral support that continued to flow from fans, friends, and colleagues from all over the world.
"Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved, and how many lives his voice and kindness touched. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come," the family added.
For information, the late Peabo Bryson is widely known for his very soft vocal character and his expertise in performing romantic ballad duet songs.
During his golden age in the 1990s, he successfully scored a global hit with the song "Beauty and the Beast" sung with Celine Dion, as well as the song "A Whole New World" when he duets with Regina Belle. Both phenomenal songs managed to bring Bryson to two prestigious Grammy Awards.
Although it is closely associated with Disney's animated film projects, Bryson's career journey in the R&B music realm actually stretches back long before that era.
He made his professional debut in the 1970s as a member of the Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display music group. His step as a soloist began when he was contracted to the Atlanta-based independent label Bang Records in 1976 to release his debut album, before being recruited by major label Capitol Records a year later.
Since then, Bryson has successively scored a string of R&B hit songs that topped the charts, such as "Feel the Fire", "Reaching for the Sky", "I'm So into You", and "Crosswinds".
In mid-1984, he managed to break into the top 10 of the world's pop charts for the first time through the song "If Ever You're in My Arms Again", followed by the songs "Show and Tell" and "Can You Stop the Rain".
His career expanded when he sang the theme song for One Life to Live in 1985, where his vocal version was used as the main theme played in every episode for seven consecutive years.
During that era, Bryson cemented his position as the king of duets with a famous female singer. He had produced a collaborative album titled "Born to Love" with Roberta Flack in 1983.
In addition, he also successfully collaborated with Angela Bofill in the song "For You and I", in addition to other legendary works such as "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" and "You're Looking Like Love to Me".
In addition, family representatives stated that plans related to the final tribute and the funeral procession for the late will be announced in the near future.
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