Peabo Bryson, the velvety voice behind the Academy Award-winning Disney songs “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme)” with Regina Belle, has suffered a stroke. He is currently under medical care. No additional details are available at this time.
A representative for Bryson sent the following statement to Billboard: “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 above-referenced songs — which reached No. 9 and No. 1, respectively, on the Billboard Hot 100 — also earned Bryson his two Grammy wins for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals. The singer-songwriter made his career breakthrough in 1978, notching his first top 10 R&B single with “Reaching for the Sky.”
Over the ensuing years, he’s amassed a string of R&B classics such as “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You,” “Let the Feeling Flow,” “All My Love” and “Closer Than Close,” plus two No. 1 hits: “Show & Tell” and “Can You Stop the Rain.” Bryson notched his first top 10 pop entry in 1984 with “If Every You’re in My Arms Again” (No. 6 R&B).
His lengthy catalog also features other memorable duets with fellow female stars. Those pairings include “Gimme Some Time” with Natalie Cole, “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” and “Make the World Stand Still” with Roberta Flack and “Lovers After All” with Melissa Manchester. Prior to “A Whole New World,” Bryson and Belle initially teamed up in 1987 to record the top 15 R&B hit “Without You.”
This story will be updated when additional details are learned.
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