Peabo Bryson has suffered a stroke.
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A statement from the "If Ever You're In My Arms Again" singer shared that the 75-year-old is currently under medical care. Essence reported the news.
"Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and balladeer, Peabo Bryson — the voice behind the Oscar-winning Disney songs 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'A Whole New World' — has suffered a stroke and is currently under medical care," read the statement.
It added, "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."
Who Is Peabo Bryson?
The South Carolina native's career began in the 1970s. He started as a member of the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display. He eventually went solo in 1976 and signed to Capitol Records the following year after releasing his debut.
That move launched Bryson into the stratosphere. He found success with the R&B hits "Feel the Fire," "Reaching for the Sky," and "Crosswinds."
It was the ballad "If Ever You're In My Arms Again" that scored Bryson his first Top Ten pop hit. This led to an appearance on the soap opera One Life to Live in 1985. Over the next several years, his vocals were part of the theme song for the ABC show.
Bryson's Biggest Hits Were Yet to Come
In the 1990s, a certain generation of moviegoers would recognize Bryson's voice from his contributions to the soundtracks of the Disney animated films Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast.
For the former film, he and Regina Belle belted out A Whole New World. He also partnered with Celine Dion on "Beauty and the Beast." Both songs won the Oscar for Best Original Song. With his singing partners, Bryson also won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for both songs.
In addition to his solo work, it could be argued that Bryson excelled at duets. His 1983 partnership with Roberta Flack, "Tonight I Celebrate My Love," peaked at 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was also named one of the best love songs of the 1980s by several publications.
