Peabo Bryson Cancels North American Tour After Undergoing Emergency Surgery Due to Rare Vocal Cord Condition
NEW YORK — Renowned Grammy-winning R&B singer Peabo Bryson has abruptly canceled the remainder of his 2024 North American tour following an emergency medical procedure to address a rare vocal cord hemangioma, his management team confirmed Monday. The 73-year-old artist, celebrated for iconic ballads including "A Whole New World" and "Beauty and the Beast," was hospitalized late last week after experiencing severe vocal strain and respiratory distress during a performance in Chicago. An attending otolaryngologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital diagnosed the condition as a benign but unstable vascular tumor requiring immediate surgical intervention. Bryson is currently recovering at an undisclosed facility and has been placed on strict vocal rest for at least six weeks. Fans holding tickets for scheduled shows in Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles will receive full refunds through point-of-sale vendors. No rescheduled dates have been announced. The artist released a brief statement through his publicist, expressing deep regret and gratitude for fan support while prioritizing his health and long-term voice preservation. Industry analysts note the cancellation marks only the second time in Bryson’s six-decade career that he has halted a tour for medical reasons, the first being a hip replacement in 2019.