5 Peabo Bryson songs to revisit to honor his musical legacy

Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning singer known for his soulful ballads and beloved duets, has left behind a catalog of songs that helped define adult contemporary and R&B music across several decades.

Born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, the late singer earned acclaim throughout the 1990s, particularly for his Disney collaborations and duet performances.

He won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion in 1993 and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle in 1994.

Here are five of Bryson’s most recognizable songs to revisit:

‘If Ever You’re in My Arms Again’ (1984)

One of Bryson’s signature solo hits, "If Ever You’re in My Arms Again" showcases the smooth vocal style that became his trademark. The romantic ballad remains one of his most-streamed songs, with more than 285 million streams on Spotify and over 110 million views on YouTube.

It was released in 1984 as part of Bryson’s album “Straight from the Heart.”

'Tonight, I Celebrate My Love' with Roberta Flack (1983)

Bryson teamed up with Roberta Flack for this enduring love duet, which became a staple at weddings and romantic occasions. Its gentle arrangement and vocal interplay highlight the chemistry between the two singers.

It charted No. 5 in Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1983.

The track has accumulated nearly 149 million Spotify streams and more than 16 million YouTube views.

'Beauty and the Beast' with Celine Dion (1991)

Recorded for Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast,” the duet introduced Bryson to a new generation of listeners. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1993.

Decades later, it remains one of the most recognizable Disney songs, with nearly 195 million Spotify streams and over 54 million YouTube views.

'A Whole New World' with Regina Belle (1992)

Bryson’s recording of “A Whole New World” for Disney’s Aladdin became one of the defining movie songs of the 1990s. The duet topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Bryson and Belle a Grammy Award in 1994.

The song continues to reach new audiences, garnering more than 132 million streams on Spotify and over 34 million YouTube views.

'Can You Stop the Rain' (1991)

A standout track from Bryson’s album of the same name, “Can You Stop the Rain” showcases the emotional depth and vocal control that made him a respected figure in R&B and soul music.

It maintained its Billboard No. 1 position in two weeks, marking August 17, 1997 its peak date.

The song has recorded over 10 million Spotify streams and more than 45 million YouTube views, remaining a favorite among longtime listeners.

Bryson died on Tuesday, two days after suffering from a stroke.

Lea Salonga and Roberta Flack were among those who took to social media to mourn him and pay tribute. —JCB, GMA News