Peabo Bryson, the voice behind two of Disney’s most recognizable songs, has passed away at the age of 75.
If you grew up with Disney in the ’90s, you know exactly who he is, even if you didn’t always connect the name right away. He’s the voice behind “Beauty and the Beast” with Céline Dion and “A Whole New World” from Aladdin with Regina Belle. Those songs are everywhere. Movies, weddings, random Disney playlists. They’ve stuck around for a reason.
Bryson passed away on June 2, 2026, according to his representative, who shared that he died peacefully surrounded by family. The news came shortly after it was revealed that he had suffered a stroke. He had also dealt with serious health issues in the past, including a heart attack back in 2019.
His family released a statement thanking fans and friends for the support, saying how much it meant to see just how many people connected with his music over the years.
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.
He was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and got into music early, launching his career right after high school. Over time, he built a long résumé with nearly 20 albums and a string of hits, including “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” and “Can You Stop the Rain.”
But for a lot of Disney fans, it always comes back to those two songs.
He won two Grammys for them, both for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group. And it makes sense. Those tracks didn’t just sit in the background. They were part of the emotional core of those movies. When you hear them, you’re instantly back in those scenes.
Bryson kept making music well into recent years, with his last album released in 2018.
He is survived by his wife and two children, with memorial plans expected to be shared later.
For a lot of people, his voice is tied directly to some of Disney’s most memorable moments. And that’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
