Peabo Bryson's Real Name: Peabo Bryson

Quick answer: The singer was known professionally as Peabo Bryson. Encyclopedia.com lists the earlier name Peapo Bryson, later spelled Peabo around 1965, and a 1951 birth in Greenville, South Carolina. The Guardian independently gives the form Robert Peapo (Peabo) Bryson and dates the birth to April 13, 1951, in Greenville. He died on June 2, 2026, at 75, according to The Associated Press, BBC News, and The Guardian.

Real name and early life

Independent publishers identify him under the professional name Peabo Bryson. Encyclopedia.com says he was born Peapo Bryson in 1951 in Greenville, South Carolina, and that the given name was changed to Peabo around 1965 after a local bandleader had difficulty pronouncing the French West Indian name Peapo. The Guardian, in a June 9, 2026, obituary, independently says he was born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville on April 13, 1951, and likewise records the later spelling Peabo. The Associated Press says he was born and raised in South Carolina. BBC News, in a June 3, 2026, report, says he had celebrated his 75th birthday in April.

Career highlights

Encyclopedia.com says he sang backup for Al Freeman and the Upsetters and later toured with Mose Dillard and the Textile Display, then released the album Peabo in 1976 on Bang Records, followed by Reaching for the Sky (1977) for Capitol. The Associated Press independently says he launched his career with Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display in the 1970s and was later signed by Bang Records, and lists later recordings including "Feel the Fire," "I'm So Into You," "Can You Stop the Rain," and "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" with Roberta Flack. BBC News and The Associated Press independently say he won a Grammy Award for "Beauty and the Beast," with Celine Dion, from the 1991 Disney film, and another for "A Whole New World," with Regina Belle, from Aladdin. Encyclopedia.com independently records the 1992 Grammy, with Dion, for "Beauty and the Beast."

Death

The Associated Press reported that he died on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 75, days after having a stroke, according to a family statement. BBC News independently said he died at 75 on Tuesday after a stroke over the weekend. The Guardian independently recorded the death as June 2, 2026, at age 75, after a stroke.

Name notes for searchers

People looking up Peabo Bryson or Peapo Bryson are looking for the same singer, including the Disney duets most often associated with his work. This page uses the public professional name.