Straight From The Heart

Learning the Ways of Love

A masterful R&B singer whose sultry, sensuous tones defined romance in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Peabo Bryson is one of the quintessential voices of urban contemporary music. The Greenville, South Carolina-born singer first enjoyed success with a string of top 10 R&B hits in the late 1970s. In 1983, he scored his first major crossover hit with “Tonight I Celebrate” (alongside Roberta Flack) before making his Elektra debut the following year with his tenth studio album, entitled Straight From The Heart. The album included the #1 Adult Contemporary classic, “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” – Bryson’s first-ever top 10 single on the Billboard “Hot 100.”

In 1992, Bryson topped the “Hot 100” with “A Whole New World,” the Grammy Award-winning theme song from Walt Disney Pictures’ Aladdin, performed with his longtime collaborator Regina Belle. Bryson’s rich, soulful vocal style had long made him a consummate duet partner, resulting in his harmonizing on songs with such leading ladies as Roberta Flack, Minnie Riperton, Melissa Manchester, Deborah Gibson, Celine Dion, and fellow Elektra recording artist Natalie Cole.

Peabo’s sophisticated slow jams also saw him become an icon of smooth jazz, including a 1993 hit single with “By The Time This Night Is Over,” a collaboration with Kenny G. A two-time Grammy Award-winner, Bryson continues to perform as vocalist, songwriter, producer, and theatrical performer.