ORLANDO, Fla. — Grammy Award-winning R&B singer and songwriter Peabo Bryson is recovering after reportedly suffering a stroke, according to his representative.
Bryson’s representative confirmed to Variety that the legendary vocalist is currently under medical care as he recovers. Additional details about his condition have not been released.
The South Carolina native has spent decades building one of the most recognizable careers in R&B and pop music. He is best known for his iconic Disney duets, including “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle from Disney’s animated film Aladdin.
The songs earned Bryson back-to-back Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1993 and 1994. Both recordings were also nominated for Record of the Year and remain among Disney’s most celebrated musical collaborations.
Decades of R&B Success
Beyond his Disney success, Bryson recorded several hit duets with the late Roberta Flack, including “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” “You’re Looking Like Love to Me,” and “As Long as There’s Christmas.”
As a solo artist, Bryson became known for romantic ballads such as “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” and “Can You Stop the Rain.” The latter earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance in 1992.
His extensive catalog also includes Grammy-nominated songs such as “Lost in the Night” and “Did You Ever Know.”
Bryson’s reported stroke comes several years after he suffered what was described as a mild heart attack in 2019.
From Greenville to Grammy Winner
Born in South Carolina, Bryson began performing professionally at age 14, singing backup with a local Greenville group called Al Freeman and the Upsetters. According to accounts of his early career, the singer adopted the stage name “Peabo” after bandleader Al Freeman had difficulty pronouncing his given name, Peapo.
By age 16, Bryson was touring the Chitlin’ Circuit with Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display. His talent eventually caught the attention of music executive Eddie Biscoe during a recording session at Atlanta’s Bang Records.
Although the label was not interested in signing the band, Biscoe recognized Bryson’s potential and signed him as a songwriter, producer and arranger. Bryson later launched his solo recording career with the 1976 release of Underground Music and his debut album Peabo before signing with Capitol Records in 1977.
Legacy Continues
Throughout his career, Bryson has earned widespread acclaim for his rich, operatic voice and smooth delivery, becoming one of the defining male vocalists of contemporary R&B.
His accomplishments extend beyond music charts and Grammy Awards. Bryson also received a Daytime Emmy nomination alongside Earl Rose for the original song “I Found Love,” featured on the daytime television drama All My Children.
Despite health challenges, Bryson has remained active in music. His most recent studio album, Stand for Love, was released in 2018.
Fans across the country continue to send well wishes as the acclaimed singer recovers.
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