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GenX Gon Give It To Ya is ultimately about spreading love and bridging generations. I’m broadening connections while scoopin up some old friends along the way. We’ll reminisce on tv, movies, music, entertainment and events that helped form our culture cause the bond is deep!
Come Play!
(0:05 - 0:40)
Good morning, and welcome back to Gen X Gon' Give It To Ya, the podcast where we travel
through the sounds, stories, and soul of Generation X. Today we are honouring a voice that
defined romance for an entire generation, a voice that didn't just sing love songs, it became love
songs, Peabo Bryson. Peabo Bryson was born April 13, 1951 as Robert Peabo Bryson in
Greenville, South Carolina. His journey takes us from humble beginnings in the South, to global
stages, to Disney immortality, and ultimately to a legacy that still echoes today.
(0:40 - 0:50)
So let's take this ride together, because this isn't just music history, this is our history. Peebo
Bryson was son of Marie Bryson. Little is known about his father.
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Robert Peabo Bryson grew up with his two sisters and brother during a time of deep segregation
and limited opportunity, but rich in cultural expression. Early life consisted of hard work on his
grandfather's farm. He would develop strong work ethics that would pay off during his career.
(1:07 - 1:21)
His earliest exposure to music came from his mother, who had a deep love for music. She often
took Peebo to concerts and performances where he soaked it all in. He had an unmasked ability
to remember songs and reproduce them perfectly.
(1:22 - 1:28)
He also credits the church choir having an influence. Gospel wasn't just sound, it was feeling. It
was training.
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It was where voices were tested, stretched, and born. As a child, Peabo absorbed everything
around him. Choirs, Sunday services, and community gatherings where music carried emotion
louder than words.
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By his teenage years, something remarkable was already happening. He wasn't just singing, he
was performing. And at just 14 years old, he was already working professionally.
(1:50 - 2:03)
Singing backup for Al Freeman and the Upsetters, developing a vocal style that would later
become his signature. Smooth, controlled, emotional, and deeply expressive. Even then, people
noticed something different.
(2:03 - 2:12)
He didn't sound like everyone else. He sounded like himself. For some reason, Freeman had
trouble pronouncing Peapo, and would always say Peabo, and the name stuck.
(2:12 - 2:35)
Though his mother introduced him to music, when he expressed that that's what he wanted to do
as a career, she became concerned. Like many parents who hear that their child wants to get in a
creative field, there are many challenges and temptations that come with it, as well as wondering
if they can actually make a living from it. Peabo eventually convinced his loved ones he was fully
committed.
(2:35 - 2:51)
Before the fame, there is the road. Peabo joined touring groups like Moses Dillard and the Tex
Town Display, travelling through the Chitlin Circuit, the network of venues that gave black
performers a place to work, survive, and grow during segregation. These were not glamorous
stages.
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They were packed clubs, long nights, and endless miles. But they were also classrooms. He
learned discipline.
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He learned consistency. He learned how to perform when everything around him was imperfect.
This is where he became an artist.
(3:05 - 3:29)
In 1967, during a recording session with Moses Dillard and Tex Town Display at Bang Records in
Atlanta, the label's general manager, Eddie Briscoe, was impressed with Peabo's voice. Briscoe
signed Bryson to a contract as a writer, producer, and arranger, and encouraged Bryson to
perform his own songs. He would continue to work with local bands while writing and producing
for Bang Records.
(3:29 - 3:43)
A new chapter begins, and the world was about to hear what had been developing for years. The
late 1970s and early 80s became Peabo Bryson's defining era. He stepped into the Quiet Storm
movement, a place where music wasn't rushed, it was felt.
(3:43 - 4:08)
In 1976, he released his first album, Peabo, collaborating with future legends Sissy Houston and
Luther Vandross, and then later that year, signed with Capitol Records. The 1978 albums
Reaching for the Sky and Crosswinds introduced his signature sound. Songs like Feel the Fire,
Let the Feeling Flow, Reaching for the Sky, I'm So Into You became staples of late night radio.
(4:08 - 4:25)
This was music for dim lights, for reflection, for love. Peabo Bryson didn't chase trends, he
created atmosphere, and in doing so, he became one of the most important voices in romantic
soul music. If there is one thing Peabo Bryson mastered beyond his solo work, it was duets.
(4:25 - 4:56)
On November 2, 1979, Peabo collaborated with Natalie Cole on an album called We're the Best
of Friends. The album reached peak positions on No. 44 on the Billboard 200 and No.
7 on Billboard's R&B Albums Chart. The singles Gimme Some Time reached No. 8 on the R&B
Chart and What You Won't Do for Love reached No.
16. In 1980, Bryson releases the album Paradise. In 1981, the album Turn the Hands of Time is
released followed by I Am Love later that year.
(4:57 - 5:06)
In 1982, the album Don't Play with Fire enters the U.S. charts at No. 55. In 1983, with Roberta
Flack, he released the album Born to Love.
(5:06 - 5:18)
They created one of the most iconic love songs ever recorded, Tonight I Celebrate My Love. It
became a wedding staple, a slow dance anthem, a forever song. It was released June 24, 1983.
(5:18 - 5:25)
It would reach No. 16 on Billboard Top 100, No. 4 on U.S. Adult Contemporary, and No.
(5:25 - 5:32)
5 on U.S. Heart R&B. What made Peebo Bryson special wasn't volume or vocal runs. It was
restraint.
(5:32 - 5:44)
He knew when to step forward and when to step back. That's why his collaborations with artists
like Angela Bofield, Regina Bell, and Natalie Cole worked so beautifully. He didn't compete, he
connected.
(5:44 - 5:58)
In 1984, Peabo Bryson released the album Straight From the Heart and one of his biggest solo
hits, If Ever I'm In Your Arms Again. And this is when I really tapped into Peabo. I was watching
this new soap opera at the time called Santa Barbara.
(5:58 - 6:10)
The main love interests were Kelly Capwell and Joe Perkins. The original Kelly would be played
by Robin Wright before she went on to become an acclaimed actress. This was their love song
and it captured America's heart.
(6:10 - 6:19)
This song changed everything. It crossed from R&B into mainstream pop success. It showed the
world that Peabo Bryson wasn't just a quiet storm favourite.
(6:19 - 6:31)
He was a global artist. The song's emotional delivery, lyrical sincerity, and vocal control made it
one of the most enduring love songs of its era. No gimmicks, no noise, just voice and emotion.
(6:32 - 6:48)
In 1985, Take No Prisoners is released. We would see collaborations with greats such as Chaka
Khan, Kashif, and Jennifer Holliday. Also in 1985, Peabo appears in the daytime soap opera One
Life to Live to sing the show's theme song which was eventually added in 1986.
(6:49 - 7:05)
Viewers would hear this version until 1992. In 1986, the album Quiet Storm makes it to number
45 on the R&B chart. In 1987, he performed a duet with one of my favourites, Regina Bell, for the
soundtrack of the comedy Leonard Part 6, Caught Without You.
(7:05 - 7:23)
The duo would go on to record three more singles throughout the years. In 1988, he performs a
duet with Angela Bofill on a song called For You and I. Y'all, this man did not stop working.
Continuing 1988, the album Positive charts at number 42 on the R&B chart.
(7:23 - 7:37)
In 1989, All My Love climbs to number 27 on the R&B chart. In 1991, he reunites with Regina Bell
to perform I Can't Imagine. 1991, the album Can You Stop the Rain reaches number 1 on the
R&B chart.
(7:37 - 7:56)
1991 continued to be a successful year for Peabo. He teams up with Celine Dion to record the
massive hit Beauty and the Beast off the movie soundtrack for Disney. In 1992, Peabo teams up
again with Regina Bell to bring us the classic A Whole New World for the Disney animated film
Aladdin.
(7:56 - 8:05)
These songs became global phenomenons. They weren't just movie tracks, they were cultural
milestones. For Gen X, this was a moment of pride.
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We already knew his voice. Now the world did too. Because he was private and a workaholic, it
would seem that he didn't have time for love and romance.
(8:34 - 8:50)
But I did find out that he was in a serious relationship with Juanita Wilkinson, former wife of boxer
Sugar Ray Leonard, whom he'd known for many years before becoming romantically involved.
Peebo expressed in an interview that they were planning to marry. Then suddenly she ended the
relationship.
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There were no rumours swirling around, no fights for people to speculate on. Peabo, being a true
gentleman and professional, would only say, Peebo was also in a relationship with Beauty Queen
pageant competitor, Angela Thigpen. Her successful achievements would land her opportunities
in TV, acting, and entertainment hosting.
(9:12 - 9:29)
She's appeared in shows like The Have and Have Nots, Army Wives, and the TV miniseries
Mama Flora's Family. Bryson and Thigpen would get engaged, but ultimately the relationship
would quietly end. Peebo would meet and marry the love of his life, Tanya Boniface, on July 20,
2010.
(9:29 - 9:43)
She is a former member of the British girl group, the 411, and has appeared in Never Mind the
Buzzcocks, Cells, and Becky and Larry. Peebo credits Aretha Franklin for helping to find his wife.
He states that he was ready to give up on love.
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The Queen of Soul cautioned him to be patient and wait for someone special. The couple would
have a son, Robert, who would sometimes join his father on stage. He also has a daughter from
a separate relationship named Linda.
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Like many long career artists, Peabo faced challenges, industry challenges, financial setbacks,
shifting radio landscapes, but he never disappeared. He kept performing. He kept recording.
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He kept showing up. Peabo Bryson would release 5 more albums through 2018, Through the
Fire, Peace on Earth, Unconditional Love, Missing You, and Stand for Love. In 2019, he suffered
a minor heart attack.
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His wife, Tanya, is credited for giving him CPR for 20 minutes until paramedics arrived He
recovered and returned to music. That comeback wasn't just professional. It was personal.
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It showed resilience. It showed commitment. It showed that his voice still had something to give.
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In later years, Peabo Bryson continued performing for fans who had grown up with his music. He
became a living legacy. A voice from another era still present in the now.
(10:59 - 11:23)
On August 11, 2025, Peabo Bryson announces a new album and 50th anniversary tour with
tonnes of stops throughout the U.S. The album would be titled Grace and produced by Jimmy
Jam and Terry Lewis. Need I say more? He also planned to release a book with stories spanning
his career. On June 2, 2026, after suffering a stroke, Peebo Bryson passed away at the age of
75.
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The world responded with tributes, memories, and gratitude. Regina Bell would say, With a heavy
heart, I share the loss of my dear friend and duet partner, Peabo Bryson. Thank you for your
music, the memories, and the magic.
(11:37 - 11:49)
Celine Dion shared, I'm heartbroken to hear that we lost Peebo Bryson today. His incredible voice
and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance. He was so wonderful and
generous to me all those years ago.
(11:50 - 12:03)
When we recorded Beauty and the Beast, he made me feel so comfortable as I was just learning
to sing in English. He will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought
to my life. His voice and his talent will be missed.
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His music had never been background noise. It had been part of people's lives. First dances, last
dances, love stories, memory-making moments.
(12:13 - 12:28)
Let's remember the classics, If Ever You're in My Arms Again, Tonight I Celebrate My Love, Feel
the Fire, Beauty and the Beast, A Whole New World, and many of his other great ballads. Each
one a timestamp in someone's life. Each one a memory trigger.
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Each one a moment frozen in time. Peabo Bryson didn't just sing songs. He gave us moments.
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He gave us emotion. He gave us love in its purest sound. And even though he is no longer here,
that voice is still with us.
(12:41 - 12:55)
Every time a quiet storm fades in, every time a slow dance begins, every time love needs a
soundtrack, Peabo is there. Here's some little known facts about Peebo Bryson. He is sometimes
known as the King of Balladeers.
(12:55 - 13:24)
Other little known facts, In February 1993, Peabo Bryson became the first artist in history to have
separate records top four different charts simultaneously. The songs in their corresponding charts
were A Whole New World, his duet with Regina Bell, which reached number one on both the pop
and adult contemporary singles chart. By the time This Night Is Over, his collaboration with
saxophonist Kenny G, that topped the contemporary jazz album chart.
(13:24 - 13:55)
And finally, The King and I, the studio cast recording of the musical featuring his vocal
performance, that topped the classical crossover album chart. In 2003, Bryson's severe tax
problems resulted in the IRS seizing property and auctioning off many of his prized possessions
to pay a $1.2 million debt. The auctioned item shockingly included his grand piano, electronic
equipment, and his 1992 Grammy Award.
(13:55 - 14:13)
Thankfully, a close family friend purchased his Grammy and returned it to him. In 1998, Peabo
Bryson contributed his voice to Barney's Great Adventure, an original motion picture musical
soundtrack with the song Dream. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis produced his 2018 album Stand
For Love.
(14:13 - 14:42)
Another fun fact, before fully committing to music, Peabo considered becoming a doctor. In 2006,
he co-hosted with Angie Martinez for an infomercial for Time Life's Classic Soul Ballads music
collection. In 2000, Peebo Bryson participated in the 41st International Festival of the Song of
Viena del Mar, where he won the international competition representing France, earning the
gaviota of gold in the contest.
(14:42 - 15:02)
In 2001, he was invited as jury to the festival. September 4th is declared Peabo Bryson Day in
Charleston, South Carolina and North Charleston, South Carolina during the Lowcountry Jazz
Fest. Many of us were blessed to have Peebo Bryson share his talent with the world in a time
when love songs and romance were monumental.
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Imagine how many mixtapes he's appeared on in the 90s. He put the R in romance. I send my
sincerest condolences to his loved ones.
(15:10 - 15:20)
We truly lost a legend too soon, but he will never be forgotten. Mad love to you, Peabo Bryson.
On the next episode of Gen X Gon' Give It To Ya, I'm dome hype.
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As influencer Derrick Branch says, this about to be good. Because I put out the call. Who knew
Reddit would be such a treasure trove? Gen Xers from all over answered the call and want to join
the block party.
(15:33 - 15:54)
My next guest is reppin' from Kansas City, Missouri. Victor Holacek is an extraordinary artist
whose work blurs the lines between fantasy, surrealism, and imagination. Known for creating
hauntingly beautiful worlds filled with symbolism and emotion, Victor is a visionary whose
paintings invite viewers to explore the mysterious and unexpected.
(15:55 - 16:18)
His distinctive style combines elements of dark fantasy and surrealism resulting in artwork that is
both captivating and deeply thought-provoking. His work has been exhibited internationally and
collected both in the United States and abroad. So join me for the next episode of Gen X Gon'
Give It To Ya, where I chat with this talented man about the good old days and new emerging
moments.
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Don't forget to like and subscribe and bring a friend. Be there or be square. Later.