Peabo Bryson, a Greenville native and two-time Grammy Award winner, died Tuesday, June 2 days after suffering a stroke. He was 75.
Bryson’s family announced his passing in a statement, according to the Variety. Multiple media outlets reported on Sunday, May 31 that Bryson was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.
Born April 13, 1951, Bryson grew up living in both Greenville’s Southernside neighborhood and on his family farm in Mauldin. According to the city of Greenville, he started performing with Moses Dillard and the Tex Town Display at Mayberry Park when he was 14 years old.
Greenville City Councilmember Lillian Brock Flemming recalls growing up in Southernside with Bryson in a statement following his passing.
“I am saddened by his passing after his stroke,” Flemming said in a statement. “His presence and God given talent will be greatly missed by this world! I thank God for the opportunity to play together and share our lives as young people. I am praying for his family!”
The R&B singer was best known for recording the theme songs for two Disney films in the early 1990s. Bryson won two Grammys for his duet “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle. Both tracks won Academy Awards for Best Original Song.
Bryson was given a key to the city by Greenville Mayor Knox White during his performance at The Peace Center in May 2023. At the show, state Sen. Karl Allen also presented Bryson with a sign representing a section of North Academy Street that was named in his honor. A mural celebrating Bryson was also unveiled on the wall of The Commons at Unity Park in September 2024.
“Peabo Bryson had an unmistakable voice that touched people around the world and a deep sincerity on and off stage,” White said in a statement. “His many lifelong friends in Greenville are a testimony that his character was as genuine as his talent.”
Details will be announced at a later date for the celebration of life and memorial arrangements for Bryson.
