Disney Beauty and the Beast legend suffers devastating stroke

Legendary R&B singer Peabo Bryson, who is best known as one of the voices behind the Oscar-winning Disney songs Beauty and the Beast and A Whole New World, with Celine Dion and Regina Belle, respectively, is currently undergoing treatment after suffering a stroke. His representatives confirmed the news in a statement on Sunday May 31.

"Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson has suffered a stroke and is currently under medical care. At this time, the family requests privacy as they navigate this deeply personal moment together. The thoughts, prayers, and love of friends and fans are welcomed and deeply appreciated," it read. The 75-year old two star previously suffered a heart attack in 2019. Amongst his many accolades in September 2024 he was immortalised with a mural nearly a mile from his childhood home at Unity Park to commemorate his contributions to the music industry and his origins in Greenville.

In September last year the star gave an interview to Parlé in which he reflected on his impressive five decade career.

"You don't think of it in terms of time when you're in it. You're doing it when it's happening. You just do what your inherent nature tells you to do.

"I chose this job, this profession, because I saw something when I was my son's age, around seven and a half. I saw artists who look like me in the height of segregation transcend racism, politics, religion, and every other social malaise this country was suffering at that time," he said.

The star first found fame in the 1970s in the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display. It wasn't long before he went solo releasing his first album in 1976.

He quickly enjoyed a string of hits including Feel the Fire, Reaching for the Sky and I'm So into You.

In 1985, he added another string to his bow with an appearance on the soap opera One Life to Live. He added vocals its theme song and his version became the show's main theme for the next seven years.

Duets have also proved wildly successful for him. Alongside the award winning Disney classics he recorded Born to Love, an album of duets with Roberta Flack in 1983.

He also enjoyed a hit with For You and I with Angela Bofill and recorded a string of duets with his Whole New World partner Regina Belle.