Robert Lee "Peabo" Bryson, known professionally as Peabo Bryson, was an American singer and songwriter whose velvety baritone and mastery of romantic ballads made him one of the most distinctive voices in R&B and adult contemporary music. Born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, he built a career spanning more than four decades, earning two Grammy Awards and leaving an indelible mark on both popular music and Disney's animated film legacy.

Bryson's musical journey began in his home state, where he performed with local groups before relocating to Atlanta and later New York. His debut album, Peabo, arrived in 1976 and featured collaborations with Luther Vandross and Cissy Houston. The project caught the attention of Capitol Records, which signed him shortly thereafter. His 1978 albums Reaching for the Sky and Crosswinds both earned Gold certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America, establishing him as a rising star in soul and R&B.

The late 1970s and early 1980s proved to be a prolific period for collaborative work. In 1979, he partnered with Natalie Cole for the album We're the Best of Friends, and in 1983 he teamed with Roberta Flack on Born to Love, which produced the enduring hit single "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love." That same year, he signed with Elektra Records and released "If Ever You're in My Arms Again" in 1984, a single that dominated the adult contemporary chart for several weeks. Throughout this era, he consistently placed top ten albums on the U.S. Billboard R&B albums chart, with Can You Stop the Rain topping the chart in 1991.

Bryson's most commercially significant achievements came through his contributions to Disney animated feature soundtracks. He collaborated with Celine Dion on the title track for Beauty and the Beast, and with Regina Belle on "A Whole New World" from Aladdin. The latter made history as the first song from an animated feature film to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Both duets earned him Grammy Awards, cementing his status as a premier interpreter of cinematic love songs.

Bryson was married to Tanya Boniface. He passed away on June 2, 2026, leaving behind a rich musical legacy defined by his unmistakable voice, his celebrated duets, and his pioneering contributions to the intersection of popular music and animated film. His recordings remain staples of romantic and adult contemporary playlists, and his influence endures among generations of R&B and pop vocalists.