Peabo Bryson was the king of collaborations in the 1990s. Of his 12 Hot 100 hits, seven were collaborations with other top artists, including two pairings each with Regina Belle and Roberta Flack.
We learned over the weekend that the velvet-voiced Bryson has suffered a stroke and is currently under medical care. A representative for Bryson sent the following statement to Billboard: “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.”
Bryson is best known for the duets “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme).” Those songs, both composed by Alan Menken for Disney blockbusters, won back-to-back Oscars for best original song. Bryson also won back-to-back Grammy Awards for best pop duo/group collaboration for performing those hits, with Celine Dion and Belle, respectively.
Bryson and Dion, whose version of “Beauty and the Beast” was heard over the end credits of that film, performed the song on the 1992 Oscars in tandem with Angela Lansbury, who sang it in the body of the film. Bryson and Dion also performed the song at the 1992 American Music Awards, the 1993 Grammys, the World Music Awards, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Top of the Pops and more.
Bryson had 13 hits on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart before he landed his first hit on the Hot 100 – “Lovers After All,” a collab with Melissa Manchester, in 1981.
But now it’s your turn to weigh in. What’s your favorite of Bryson’s 12 Hot 100 hits? They are listed here in chronological order. Vote!
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