The music world is mourning the loss of Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B singer whose voice helped define generations of love songs, movie soundtracks, and soul classics. Bryson died on Tuesday, June 2, at the age of 75, surrounded by family and loved ones, according to a statement released by his family. News of his passing quickly prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists who reflected on both his musical impact and personal generosity.
While an official cause of death has not been publicly released, the BBC indicates that Bryson suffered a stroke over the weekend and had been receiving medical treatment. His death comes just months after he celebrated his 75th birthday and just weeks after he performed alongside fellow R&B icon Jeffrey Osborne in Georgia. Bryson had also been preparing for additional dates on his Golden Touch tour, which was set to celebrate more than five decades in music.
Few artists occupied the intersection of R&B and pop culture quite like Bryson. His catalog included enduring hits such as “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You,” “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again,” “Can You Stop the Rain,” and “Reaching for the Sky.”
Beyond his solo success, he became a household name through a series of blockbuster duets, including “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” with Roberta Flack and two Disney classics: “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle.
Those recordings earned Bryson back-to-back Grammy Awards and introduced his voice to audiences far beyond traditional R&B circles.
Among those paying tribute was Kenny Lattimore, who called Bryson “one of the greatest voices our genre has ever known.” In a social media post, Lattimore thanked the singer for “the legendary music, the excellence, and your supreme example,” adding that Bryson’s legacy is “forever etched into the heart of R&B & beyond.”
Jody Watley also shared an emotional remembrance, describing Bryson as “one of the greatest male soul vocalists of a generation.” The Grammy winner reflected on touring with him during The Colors of Christmas concert series and recalled repeatedly thanking him for his “support, kindness, and encouragement.”
Watley said Bryson was “the definition of class, intelligence, and authenticity—a genuine gentleman whose artistry and character continue to inspire.”
Perhaps one of the most poignant tributes came from Celine Dion, whose career was forever linked to Bryson through their Oscar-winning Disney duet. The singer said she was “heartbroken” by his passing and remembered how welcoming he was during the recording process.
“He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English,” Dion wrote, adding that Bryson’s “incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance.”
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