Peabo Bryson, Atlanta R&B singer, dies after a stroke
Legendary R&B singer and longtime Atlanta resident Peabo Bryson has died five days after suffering a stroke, a representative for the artist told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution via email. He died Tuesday afternoon.
The 75-year-old, who resided in Cobb County, was best known for his Disney film duets “A Whole New World” (with Celine Dion) and “Beauty and the Beast” (with Regina Belle).
“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends and colleagues around the world,” Bryson’s family shared in a statement. “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.”
On Sunday, a representative for Bryson shared he was receiving medical care after having a stroke on May 28.
One of the most esteemed male balladeers of all time, Bryson has called Atlanta home for over five decades. Born Robert Peapo Bryson (his stage name was a riff off his middle name) in Greenville, South Carolina, he launched his music career as a teenager, singing backup for several bands: Al Freeman & the Upsetters, Moses Dillard & the Tex-Town Display and Michael Zager and the Moon Band.
A move to Atlanta in the 1970s crystallized his step into the spotlight, securing a recording contract with Bang Records, which released his eponymous 1976 debut.
“It equated with my vision of Atlantis because you had that domed restaurant (Polaris) on top of the Hyatt Regency,” he told the AJC in 2024 about his transition to the city. “For a country boy like me, that was always fascinating.”
Bryson later signed with Capitol Records, which released his 1978 album “Reaching for the Sky.” He dropped roughly 20 more LPs, including joint projects with Roberta Flack and Natalie Cole. His glossy tenor powered hits like “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again,” “Can You Stop the Rain” and “Feel the Fire.” The singer swiftly became one of the most defining voices of R&B in the 1980s.
He shared a longtime friendship with soul pioneer Aretha Franklin, singing at her birthday party in 1989.
In the 1990s, Bryson earned two Grammy Awards, winning consecutive honors for best pop performance by a duo or group (for “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World”). By 2003, however, the IRS auctioned off his hardware as part of his $1.2 million tax debt.
After an eight-year hiatus, Bryson returned to music with his 2007 album “Missing You.”
“I have truly seen this city, and the city’s music scene, grow up around me,” Bryson told the AJC about his re-emergence at the time. “I remember leaving town for some shows and coming back and having to figure out a new way home.”
Bryson’s final album, “Stand for Love,” produced by hitmakers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, arrived in 2018.
The following year, he had a mild heart attack and was treated at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. In 2025, he announced a tour celebrating his 50 years in the industry. He was expected to drop new music with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis this year.
Last year, Billboard ranked Bryson No. 58 on its list of 75 best R&B singers of all time.
On May 2, Bryson performed a co-headlining concert with fellow balladeer Jeffrey Osborne in Fayetteville.
Mike Bean, who served as an emcee for the show, said the duo performed to a packed audience. He said his favorite moment was hearing Bryson sing “Lovely Lady,” a track from his debut album.
“He makes the type of music you grow up cleaning your house to,” the 48-year-old said. “I shook his hand, man. He’s definitely royalty.”
Following Bryson’s death, many fans, friends and collaborators shared their memories of the beloved singer.
Regina Belle, a fellow Atlanta resident, said she sang their collaborations during Bryson’s final days in the hospital.
“The hardest part of this moment is knowing that I will never be able to sing again with the person who helped me create such magic,” she said in a statement sent to the AJC. “Peabo was far more than a legendary artist; he was my friend, my trusted collaborator and someone whose talent, kindness, and generosity left an indelible mark on my life and career.”
Celine Dion, who described Bryson as an “incredible voice and kind spirit,” said she remembers his generosity while recording “Beauty and the Beast.”
“He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English,” the pop icon wrote on social media. “He will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought to my life.”
In a public statement, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens credited Bryson’s influence on the city’s music scene.
“Atlanta was proud to call Peabo Bryson one of our own. His career was deeply connected to this city, where his artistry flourished and where he helped shape Atlanta’s rich musical legacy, creativity and culture.”
Bryson is survived by his wife Tanya, daughter Linda and son Robert.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
About the Author
DeAsia is a music and culture reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She focuses on the intersection of arts, culture and diverse communities, as well as how emerging social trends are being expressed through the lens of the Atlanta aesthetic. DeAsia's work can be seen in Pitchfork, Essence, Teen Vogue, Elle and more.
