Peabo Bryson

Early Life

Robert Lee "Peabo" Bryson was born on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina. He spent much of his childhood on his grandfather's farm in nearby Mauldin, where his passion for music blossomed, largely influenced by his mother who frequently took the family to concerts featuring prominent black artists of the era.

Career

Bryson's musical journey began at the young age of 14 when he sang backup for Al Freeman and the Upsetters, a local band. His unique name, Peapo, was transformed into Peabo due to the difficulties others had in pronouncing it. He soon left home to tour the Chitlin' Circuit with Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display. Bryson's big break came when he caught the attention of Eddie Biscoe at Bang Records, leading to a contract that allowed him to write, produce, and eventually perform his own music. His debut album, "Peabo," was released in 1976, followed by several successful albums including "Reaching for the Sky" and "Crosswinds," both certified Gold by the RIAA. Bryson is known for his soulful hits such as "Feel the Fire," "If Ever You're in My Arms Again," and the iconic duet "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" with Roberta Flack.

Personal Life

In 2010, Bryson married Tanya Boniface, a singer from the English R&B group The 411. They welcomed a son on December 31, 2017, who occasionally performed with his father. Bryson also has a daughter from a previous relationship and three grandchildren. He faced health challenges, including a heart attack in 2019, but made a full recovery. Sadly, Bryson passed away on June 2, 2026, at the age of 75, following a stroke.