R&B crooner Peabo Bryson has died at the age of 75 after suffering from a stroke.

 Born in South Carolina ,Bryson resided in Georgia in the United States. He carved out a stellar career as a R&B artist cranking out hits from the 70s.

He won Grammy Awards for his Disney duets with Celine Dion ( Beauty and the Beast) and with Regina Belle ( A Whole New World) in the 90s.

In an interview with Soul Magazine, Bryson explained why he pursued a career in the music business as a singer: “ I have always been into music. It’s all I ever wanted to really deal with and of course like everyone else, I had to make  that decision- I guess when I was around 14-as to what I was going to get into career wise.

“I’d thought about being a doctor or something like that, but I really felt that music was my thing.”

Peado Bryson was a revered vocalist and was part of a generation of great male R&B vocalists that included the likes of  Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Teddy Pendergrass, Donny Hathaway, George Benson, Aaron Neville, Booby Womack. These artists ruled the airwaves back in the day and many say their kind have come and gone now replaced by AI offerings. We are entering an era of soul less music.

Speaking about Peabo Bryson, Celine Dion said: “ I’m heartbroken. His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance. He was so wonderful and generous to me all those years ago when we recorded Beauty and the Beast. He made me so comfortable as I was just learning to sing in English.

“He will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought to my life. His voice and his talent will be missed…

My heart is with your family and may you rest in peace Peabo.”

In the R&B world he is known for his classic duo with the legendary Roberta Flack, 1983’s “ Tonight I Celebrate My Love.” 

Peabo Bryson’s family issued a statement which read: “ For more than five decades Pedro’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments. His music carried generations through joyful celebrations great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration creating legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.

“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 at come. “