By Curtis King
Forty-eight hours ago, when I learned that my friend and longtime supporter of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL), Peabo Bryson, had suffered a stroke, I immediately went into prayer, asking God for his recovery. However, it appears that God had a different plan for the continuation of his life here on earth.
In 1989, thirty-seven years ago, I called Peabo’s agent to see whether he might be available and willing to participate in TBAAL’s annual Black Music and the Civil Rights Movement concert honoring the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I did not have high expectations because I assumed we could not afford an artist of his stature.
After sending the offer letter, several weeks passed with no response, and I eventually concluded that he had declined the invitation. Then, one afternoon while sitting at my desk, I received a call from his agent informing me that Peabo had graciously accepted our invitation to serve as the featured guest artist for the concert.
I was ecstatic.
Peabo came to Dallas and performed with our 150-voice choir. Needless to say, it was an extraordinary experience working with him. That event marked the beginning of a friendship—and his generous support of TBAAL—that would span nearly four decades.
Over the years, he appeared in numerous TBAAL productions and special events. Whenever I contacted his agent about his availability for a performance in Dallas, Peabo would often bypass the formalities and call me directly.
With his familiar chuckle, he would say, “Curtis, I know your budget is limited. Why didn’t you just call me directly and tell me what you needed?”
I would reply, “I’m trying to be professional and do it the right way.”
He would laugh and say, “That’s why I gave you my direct number—so use it!”
And I did.
Time after time, he came, and he gave of himself in a way that only Peabo Bryson could. Among the many memorable moments were his appearances during TBAAL’s 30th Anniversary Gala Weekend and his performances at the Riverfront Jazz Festival.
His final appearance with TBAAL was at the 8th Annual Riverfront Jazz Festival in 2025, where he served as the festival’s closing act. Severe weather, including storms and tornadoes, delayed the performance significantly. Yet Peabo remained patient and never complained.
It was nearly 10:45 p.m. before he finally took the stage.
I was anxious and deeply concerned about the delay and about keeping him waiting so long. Perhaps he sensed my uneasiness. Someone approached from behind and gently placed his hands on my shoulders.
It was Peabo.
“Curtis,” he said, “we can’t do anything about the weather. I’m here for you, as I have always been, my friend. If there are only three people sitting in the audience, I’ll still give them a show.”
And that’s exactly what he did.
For more than an hour, he walked through the audience performing many of his greatest hits. He frequently stopped to pose for photos with his loyal fans, who had patiently endured the weather and the delay just to see him perform.
When the concert ended, we spent a few minutes talking, taking pictures, and sharing one final embrace.
“Hey Curtis, you’ve got my number. Call me whenever you need me. I love you, man.”
Those were his parting words to me.
As he climbed into a black SUV, the rain began pouring once again. As the vehicle slowly pulled away, he waved and called out, “Take care of yourself, man.”
That was the last goodbye.
There is an anonymous quote that says, “It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember.”
As long as we live, we will never forget the voice, the artistry, and the man who gave so much of himself to the world through his music. His songs touched hearts, inspired generations, and brought joy to countless people around the globe.
Thank you for being Robert “Peabo” Bryson.
Your music will live forever.
Curtis King
