By Bill Vaughan
Entertainment Writer
The world was stunned with the recent death of PEABO BRYSON from a sudden stroke at the age of 75. With a plethora of hits beginning with soul singles like “Feel the Fire,” “I’m So into You” and “Can You Stop the Rain” to iconic Disney theme songs from “Beauty and The Beast” and “Aladdin,” his catalog has served as a soundtrack to our lives.
The double Grammy and double Oscar award-winning singer/guitarist spoke to TASTY CLIPS while promoting “Stand for Love,” his 21st album produced by powerhouse producer duo, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Its tracks, including “Love Like Yours and Mine,” topped playlists with one, “All She Wants to Do is Me” becoming a nouveau stepping favorite since being featured on that popular block party episode of Showtime’s “The Chi.”
“What a great blessing it is to go from generation to generation,” Bryson said. “Every recording artist wants to record a song that the world’s going to sing along with them. I’ve had a myriad that fit that category.”
“You don’t know that you’re going to have that in a career,” he added. “You just have to work hard, stay faithful, and don’t be shy about relying on grace. Cause every moment of our lives is an extension of God’s gift of graciousness.”
One of those surreal moments for Bryson was being awarded and performing at the Oscars.
“Going is actually no small thing if you’re honest,” said the balladeer. “It’s an extraordinary experience, especially if you’re from Greenville, South Carolina and you find yourself in the wings watching Anthony Hopkins win an Oscar for “Silence of the Lambs.” You’re standing there and you realize how stunned he was. He didn’t think he was going to win either.”
Bryson had been blessed to duet with some of the finest female voices on this planet including Roberta Flack, Celine Dion and Regina Belle, which led me to ask who else was on his wish list.
“I don’t want to scare them away,” he said before referring to a song on the album he wrote 20 years prior called ironically “Looking For Sade.” “She would be first on my hit list. [Barbra] Streisand before she decides she doesn’t want to record anymore. Mariah Carey because she’s a really great singer. I wanted Whitney [Houston] at one point. Who didn’t? To me, maybe the greatest female vocalist ever.”
Like one of his famous songs, it had become “A Whole New World” for the vocalist who married and is survived by Tanya Boniface with whom he had a son Robert, born January 1, 2018.
She’s actually one of the nicest girls I’ve ever gone out with,” Bryson said of the woman many first saw on OWN’s “Checked Inn” series. “People look at her and go, yeah, she’s beautiful. But that’s not why I went out with her. I’ve had beautiful and let me tell you, beautiful is most of the time not really nice. She’s my best friend. I always endeavored to marry my best friend. Marriage was something I was only going to do once.”
In a statement, the family shared: “We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”
The Brysons extend their heartfelt gratitude for the compassion shown during this time and ask for continued privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss while remaining deeply appreciative of the prayers, love and support from around the world.
Celebration of life and memorial arrangements will be announced at a later date.
For 12 years, Bill Vaughan has kept Wave readers up to date with the latest news in entertainment. Now, we are collecting some of those past columns into what we call the Best of Tasty Clips. To contact Vaughan, visit his social media pages on Facebook and Instagram or @tasty_clips, on X @tastyclips, and on LinkedIn to William Vaughan.
