American singer and songwriter Peabo Bryson passed away on Tuesday at the age of 75 after news broke on Sunday that he had suffered a stroke.
According to a statement from his family, the legendary R&B singer died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, at a hospital in Marietta, Georgia.
Bryson's family shared:
"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."
While his many hits were standards for his genre, Bryson garnered universal appeal through collaborations with Disney Studios, singing duets for the main themes for two of their animated films: "Beauty and the Beast" with a then 22-year-old relative newcomer, Céline Dion, for the 1991 film of the same name, and "A Whole New World" with Regina Belle for 1992's Aladdin.
After news of his passing, Canadian songstress Dion paid tribute to her duet partner.
Sharing a photo of them together at the 1993 American Music Awards, Dion wrote:
"I’m heartbroken to hear that we lost Peabo Bryson today. His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance. He was so wonderful and generous to me all those years ago, when we recorded 'Beauty and the Beast.'"
"He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English. He will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought to my life. His voice and his talent will be missed…"
"My heart is with your family, and may you rest in peace, Peabo."
Tributes to Bryson poured in from across social media.
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The ballad that tells the love story of Beauty and the Beast was first recorded by British-American actress Angela Lansbury in her role as the voice of the character Mrs. Potts. That version is featured in the film's ballroom scene.
"Beauty and the Beast" garnered both a Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song for lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken as well as a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Bryson and Dion also won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. It was the first Grammy for both artists. Their version of the song also reached No. 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
You can hear their rendition of the song here:
- YouTubeyoutu.be
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