Peabo Bryson, who sang Tonight I Celebrate My Love for You on Days of our Lives supercouple Bo and Hope, Dead at 75 

Erika Slezak, Peabo Bryson, and Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso | Image: JPI
Erika Slezak, Peabo Bryson, and Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso | Image: JPI

Peabo Bryson, a two-time Grammy-winner, passed away on June 2 following complications from a stroke. The singer, known for "Beauty and the Beats" and "A Whole New World," is also being remembered for his contributions to soap operas. He performed "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love," known to millions of Days of our Lives fans as Bo and Hope's love song in the 1980s.

One Life to Live, Santa Barbara, Days of our Lives, and Peabo Bryson

Robin Wright of Santa Barbara, Erika Slezak and Robin Strasser of One Life to Live | Image: JPI
Robin Wright of Santa Barbara, Erika Slezak and Robin Strasser of One Life to Live | Image: JPI

Robert Peapo "Peabo" Bryson was born on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina. The singer collaborated early in his career with singers Cissy Houston and Luther Vandross.

Bryson also sang the opening theme to One Life to Live, which ran from 1985 to 1992. He appeared on the ABC soap in September 1985. Santa Barbara employed his theme, "If Ever You're in My Arms Again," as Joe (Dane Witherspoon) and Kelly's (Robin Wright) love theme. It was used in Santa Barbara's premiere, as Kelly and her fiancé, Peter Flint (Stephen Meadows), flew away in a helicopter while Joe (Kelly's true love) made his way back to town on a bus, having been paroled.

Bryson found success on the big screen when his duet, "Beauty and the Beast," with Celine Dion was used in the film of the same name. The following year, in 1993, Bryson sang "A Whole New World" with Regina Belle for the film Aladdin.

Peter Reckell remembers Peabo Bryson

In 1983, Bryson amassed a whole new audience when his duet with Roberta Flack, "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love," was used as Bo (Peter Reckell) and Hope's (Kristian Alfonso) love theme on Days of our Lives.

"They say a song can immediately bring you back to emotions and memories," Reckell shared on X, formerly Twitter. "Celebrate my love does exactly that! So sorry to hear the loss of Peabo Bryson. Love and support goes out to family and friends."

"The world has lost another remarkable voice today," responded @chargebat to Reckell's post. "'Tonight I Celebrate My Love' will forever remind me of the love story between Bo Brady and Hope Williams. Thank you, Peabo (and Roberta) for this beautiful song. Rest in peace."

Bryson is survived by his wife, Tanya Boniface Bryson, their son, Robert (who is known as Kit), his daughter Linda Bryson from a previous relationship, and three grandchildren.

Soap Central sends sincere condolences to Peabo Bryson's family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Edited by Hope Campbell