Peabo is the One – Tributes Flow in for Soul Legend Bryson
HEAVEN knows how many children were brought into the world thanks to the timeless classics performed by the iconic two-time Grammy Award winner, Peabo Bryson.
However, his remarkable and distinctive voice has now fallen silent, with tributes flooding in from across the globe upon the news of Bryson’s passing at the age of 75.
The American singer, born Robert Peabo Bryson on April 13, 1951, passed away on Tuesday after enduring a stroke last month. He had just celebrated his 75th birthday in April.
In recent years, Bryson spoke about focusing on his health and fitness, especially after facing a health scare seven years ago when he experienced a heart attack at his home in Georgia.
During the Soul Train Cruise 2020, he revealed that he had flat-lined for nearly 30 minutes, saying it was “long enough to make friends on the other side.”
Renowned for his soulful ballads that brought rhythm to the dance floor, he is celebrated for hits like Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion and Can You Stop the Rain, passing away surrounded by loved ones.
And we cannot forget Tonight I Celebrate My Love and If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.
His family expressed their gratitude in a statement to PEOPLE Magazine, stating they were “overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world.”
For those who grew up in the 90s, Bryson is fondly remembered as the soulful voice with the unique ‘yster kuif’ hairstyle—definitely ahead of the trends compared to today’s fades.
He began his career as the lead vocalist of Al Freeman & The Upsetters and Moses Dillart & The Tex-Town Display.
With Capitol Records, he achieved back-to-back gold albums and collaborated with Regina Belle on the iconic A Whole New World, the theme from Aladdin.
Bryson completed his last tour in Mzansi in September 2024 with his “I Wish You Love” tour, honoring his mother, a passionate music enthusiast who often took him to concerts as a child.
Among those leading the tributes was Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens, who noted that Peabo had provided the soundtrack to countless cherished moments for decades.
“Atlanta was proud to call Peabo Bryson one of our own,” he expressed.
Bryson truly showed us the world: shining, shimmering, splendid…