Peabo Bryson, a prominent adult contemporary balladeer, gained recognition in 1983 with his first Top 20 pop single, collaborating with Roberta Flack on “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.” Known for his soulful tenor, Bryson amassed 24 entries on the R&B chart in the ’80s and continued to excel in the following decade. By February 1993, he achieved a remarkable feat by having recordings simultaneously topping the pop, adult contemporary, contemporary jazz, and classical crossover album charts. His collaboration with Regina Belle on “A Whole New World” and contributions to albums like Kenny G’s Breathless and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I earned him critical acclaim, including his Grammy wins for “Beauty and the Beast.” Bryson’s musical journey expanded with collaborations in subsequent years, bolstering his legacy with Grammy nominations for albums like Unconditional Love and a partnership with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on Stand for Love in 2018.
Born as Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, Bryson’s musical career began in the mid-’60s as a backup singer. Over time, he adopted the stage name Peabo after encountering pronunciation challenges with his original name. Making his mark in the music industry, Bryson debuted on various labels, showcasing his vocal prowess on singles like “Cry Like a Baby” and “Disco Queen.” His transition to Capitol Records marked a successful period where he delivered chart-topping albums and collaborated with renowned artists like Natalie Cole and Roberta Flack. Bryson’s crossover success from R&B to pop audience was evident in hits like “If Ever You’re in My Arms” and covers like “Show & Tell.” In the ’90s, Bryson’s career peaked with Grammy-nominated releases like Can You Stop the Rain and iconic songs for Disney’s animated films, solidifying his place as a versatile and accomplished artist. Bryson’s commitment to romantic ballads persisted through the 2000s and 2010s, with notable releases like Missing You and Stand for Love, demonstrating his enduring passion for music and heartfelt storytelling.