The velvet-voiced R&B balladeer and two-time Grammy Award winner, Peabo Bryson whose soaring duets defined a generation of Disney classics, has died at 75.

Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson, his children, and his grandchildren.

His family confirmed that the singer passed away peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The news follows reports from earlier in the week that Bryson had been receiving medical care after suffering a stroke.

In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed both their grief and their gratitude for the life he lived.

“For more than five decades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments,” the statement read.

“His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories, and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song.”

Born Robert Peapo Bryson on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, he began his professional musical journey in the 1970s.

Over the course of his distinguished career, he established himself as one of R&B’s most consistent and respected performers, celebrated for his smooth tenor and emotional range.

While his solo catalog featured numerous hits—including “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So Into You,” and “Can You Stop the Rain”—Bryson gained international fame for his legendary collaborations. He is perhaps best known for his work on two of Disney’s most iconic animated films:

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991) where his duet with Celine Dion -the film’s title track- and earned him his first Grammy Award.

Also, “A Whole New World” (1992) which is his collaboration with Regina Belle for Aladdin became a global phenomenon, winning him a second Grammy and cementing his status as a master of the romantic power ballad.

Beyond his commercial success, peers and colleagues remembered Bryson for his deep passion for his craft and his genuine connection to his fans.

Comedian and television host Loni Love, reflecting on a recent encounter with the singer on a cruise ship, described him as someone who spoke with immense love for his music and shared stories with profound warmth.

As news of his passing spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to share tributes, celebrating a career that bridged decades, genres, and cultures, leaving behind a timeless body of work that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.

• Kanye West

US rapper Kanye West on Saturday performed for two hours in Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium to an audience of 118,000, state-run Anadolu Agency said.

Among the audience were fans from Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Poland and the Middle East, Anadolu said.

The 48-year-old rapper is set to perform in the Netherlands on June 6 and 8.

Ye has faced a global ‌backlash, ⁠not least for his release of “Heil Hitler”, a song promoting Nazism.

In April, Britain denied Ye entry on grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good, forcing the cancellation of a planned appearance ⁠at the Wireless Festival in London.

Controversial American rapper and musician Kanye West, known professionally as Ye, has been given the green light to perform two concerts in the Netherlands next month, Dutch authorities confirmed on Friday.

The 48-year-old artist will take the stage at the GelreDome stadium in Arnhem on June 6 and June 8, 2026. These shows mark his first appearances in the country in over a decade and his first European performances since 2014.

The decision comes amid significant backlash and protests from Dutch lawmakers, Jewish activists, and antisemitism watchdogs, who have highlighted West’s history of antisemitic remarks, including statements glorifying Adolf Hitler and other inflammatory comments. Several other European countries, including the UK and France, have barred or restricted him from performing.

Despite the pressure, Dutch officials determined there were insufficient legal grounds to deny West entry or cancel the events. Arnhem Mayor Ahmed Marcouch granted the necessary permits, describing some of West’s past statements as “reprehensible” but emphasizing that the law did not provide a basis for prohibition.

Migration authorities echoed this stance, stating that West’s previous comments do not currently meet the threshold for an entry ban or public order threat.

Promoters have already begun selling tickets for the high-profile shows, which are expected to draw significant attention from fans and critics alike.

West has faced widespread professional repercussions in recent years due to his controversial public behavior, including lost partnerships with major brands and canceled appearances. The Netherlands’ decision positions it as one of the few European nations willing to host him at this time.