Peabo Bryson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peabo Bryson
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Bryson in 2000
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| Born |
Robert Peapo Bryson
April 13, 1951 |
| Died | June 2, 2026 (aged 75) Marietta, Georgia, U.S.
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| Years active | 1965–2026 |
| Spouse(s) |
Tanya Boniface
(m. 2010) |
| Children | 2 |
| Musical career | |
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Robert Peapo "Peabo" Bryson, born on April 13, 1951, was a famous American singer and songwriter. He was known for his smooth voice and beautiful duets. Peabo Bryson became very popular for his work on Disney movie soundtracks. He won two Grammy Awards for his amazing songs. He passed away on June 2, 2026.
He started his career by working with other talented singers like Luther Vandross and Cissy Houston. Later, he released his own albums, such as Reaching for the Sky and Crosswinds, which sold very well. He also created hit songs with Natalie Cole and Roberta Flack, including "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love".
Peabo Bryson had many successful songs on the music charts. His album Can You Stop the Rain was a top hit. He sang the iconic song "Beauty and the Beast" with Celine Dion and "A Whole New World" with Regina Belle for Disney films. These songs were huge successes and helped him win his Grammy Awards.
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Peabo Bryson's Early Life
Peabo Bryson was born in Greenville, South Carolina, on April 13, 1951. He grew up partly on his grandfather's farm in Mauldin, South Carolina. His love for music began early, inspired by his mother. She often took him and his family to concerts to see famous musicians perform.
Peabo Bryson's Musical Journey
Peabo Bryson began his music career very young, at just 14 years old. He started by singing backup for a local band called Al Freeman and the Upsetters. His unique name, Peapo, was sometimes hard to say, so he started using "Peabo" as his stage name.
He soon toured with other bands, gaining experience. His big break came when a record label, Bang Records, noticed his talent. They signed him as a writer, producer, and arranger. They also encouraged him to sing his own songs. In 1976, he released his first album, Peabo.
Hit Songs and Famous Duets
Peabo Bryson had many popular solo songs. These included "Feel the Fire," "Reaching for the Sky," and "Can You Stop the Rain". His song "If Ever You're in My Arms Again" was his first to reach the Top 10 on the pop charts in the U.S.
He was also famous for his amazing duets with other singers. He recorded a successful album of duets with Roberta Flack called Born to Love. With Regina Belle, he sang "Without You" and the very popular "A Whole New World" from Disney's Aladdin.
Grammy Awards and Disney Magic
Peabo Bryson won two Grammy Awards, which are very important music awards. In 1992, he won for his beautiful duet "Beauty and the Beast" with Celine Dion. The next year, in 1993, he won another Grammy for "A Whole New World" with Regina Belle. These songs became beloved classics from Disney movies.
He also lent his voice to the soundtrack for Barney's Great Adventure in 1998. Peabo Bryson performed in theater shows too, like the opera Porgy and Bess.
International Recognition and Later Career
In 2000, Peabo Bryson took part in the International Festival of the Song of Viña del Mar in Chile. He won a special award called the Gaviota (Golden Seagull) there. He was even invited back as a judge the following year.
His music videos for "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World" were included in special editions of the Disney movies. In 2007, he released his album Missing You.
On September 4, 2016, the cities of Charleston, South Carolina and North Charleston, South Carolina, celebrated "Peabo Bryson Day" in his honor. In 2018, he released a new album called Stand for Love.
Peabo Bryson's Family Life
Peabo Bryson was married to singer Tanya Boniface. They had a son together. Peabo also had a daughter from a previous relationship and three grandchildren. His son sometimes joined him on stage to perform.
Health and Passing
In April 2019, Peabo Bryson had a heart attack. He received medical care and made a full recovery.
Sadly, on May 31, 2026, he suffered a stroke. Peabo Bryson passed away two days later, on June 2, 2026, in Marietta, Georgia, at the age of 75.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Peabo (1976)
- Reaching for the Sky (1977)
- Crosswinds (1978)
- Paradise (1980)
- Turn the Hands of Time (1981)
- I Am Love (1981)
- Don't Play with Fire (1982)
- Straight from the Heart (1984)
- Take No Prisoners (1985)
- Quiet Storm (1986)
- Positive (1988)
- All My Love (1989)
- Can You Stop the Rain (1991)
- Through the Fire (1994)
- Peace on Earth (1997)
- Unconditional Love (1999)
- Missing You (2007)
- Stand for Love (2018)
- Grace (2026)
- Collaboration albums
- We're the Best of Friends with (Natalie Cole) (1979)
- Live & More with (Roberta Flack) (1980)
- Born to Love with (Roberta Flack) (1983)
Awards and nominations
Daytime Emmy Awards
| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Best Original Song | "I Found Love" (with Earl Rose) | Nominated |
Grammy Awards
| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male | "Can You Stop the Rain" | Nominated |
| 1993 | "Lost in the Night" | Nominated | |
| Record of the Year | "Beauty and the Beast" (with Celine Dion) | Nominated | |
| Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals | Won | ||
| 1994 | "A Whole New World" (with Regina Belle) | Won | |
| Record of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2000 | Best Traditional R&B Performance | Unconditional Love | Nominated |
| Best Male R&B Vocal Performance | "Did You Ever Know" | Nominated |
NAACP Image Awards
| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Outstanding Male Artist | Himself | Nominated |
| 1992 | Nominated |
See also
In Spanish: Peabo Bryson para niños
