Peabo Bryson has suffered a stroke and is under medical care, as shared by his representatives. The two-time Grammy Award winner is known for his songs in Disney movies like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.
The singer-songwriter often sings ballads, especially in duets with female singers. He has sung numerous iconic songs over the years, including singles like Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, and You’re Looking Like Love to Me. The South Carolina native also sang the famous As Long as There’s Christmas.
On Sunday, Bryson’s representative released a statement regarding his health, stating (h/t Variety):
“Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson — the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney songs ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘A Whole New World’ — has suffered a stroke and is currently under medical care.”
“At this time, the family requests privacy as they navigate this deeply personal moment together. The thoughts, prayers and love of friends and fans are welcomed and deeply appreciated,” the statement added.
Peabo Bryson is 75 years old, having been born on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, US. He started his career as part of groups such as Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display. However, he then joined the Atlanta indie label Bang Records as a solo artist.
He has released 18 studio albums, with his debut album being Peabo, released in 1976. He released Reaching for the Sky and Crosswinds in the following two years, gaining prominence in the industry.
Peabo Bryson won two Grammy Awards in 1994 for his duets. He won the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals Award for Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion. He also won the Record of the Year Award for A Whole New World with Regina Belle.
Peabo Bryson spoke about his heart attack in 2019 and his upcoming album, Grace
Last year marked Peabo Bryson’s 50th anniversary in the music industry. To celebrate the occasion, he announced a new album titled Grace, which was set to be released later this year.
In an interview with WBGO, published in October last year, he spoke about the album and also about his heart attack in 2019. His wife, Tanya Boniface, gave him CPR back then before he was taken to the hospital in Atlanta. Explaining the situation, Bryson said:
“When I awoke five days later, I realized that whole ordeal that took about 34 minutes, and that’s a long time not to be breathing. If she had not breathed for me that I would not have had any cognizant skills left.”
Peabo Bryson also announced his new album and a book on the occasion of his 50th anniversary. He said that he got the motivation to write a book from TV personality Glenda Hatchett, saying:
“She read one of my responses and calls me. I’ve known her for about four years and said I should write a book of essays and that I have something to say. Writing for me has always been channeled to the music that I do. Did I know that there’s poet inside of me. Of course I did. I am what I always am a poet.”
Meanwhile, Peabo Bryson has two kids: son Robert, with Tanya Boniface, and daughter Linda, from a previous relationship.
Edited by Aditya Singh
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