Barely a couple of months ago, 222.9 just honored Peabo Bryson during the Aries Season Jam Sessions. Now, I find myself preparing his libation show. Sigh…this one is painful. I’m dealing with the awkwardness of feeling this deeply for someone I never met. I rest it between being an empath, and knowing that our favorite musicians naturally become a part of our lives like extended family. On Friday, April 13th, 1951, Heaven sent Peabo to Earth. In the Ifa Orisa tradition, Friday is sacred to Osun, the orisa of love. Fine connection to Peabo’s consistent musical content…about love. With a sun in Aries, he was most definitely a fiery force in the ways of singing about love. What say you? Perhaps he was also born on this day as proof that the superstition of Friday the 13th being an unlucky day is an absolute lie. The world received one of its greatest gifts on Friday the 13th. That gift was Mr. Peabo. On June 2, 2026, soul balladeer and music icon Peabo Bryson joined the ancestors… Interestingly, as Dj BlaqIce delivered the news, storm clouds were darkening over my house. It was Gemini Season.
The moment made me think of the song, “Can You Stop the Rain,” which is one of my favorite love songs. This time, we can’t stop the rain, because I can imagine that hearts are broken all over the world tonight…I know mine is. I can feel the worldwide libation of tears. Just a few of my sentiments….
Peabo Bryson was one one of my musical favorites since adolescence. He was a sign of love ahead of my time. I recall listening to his music in high school, and dreaming of how that kind of love would feel. It seemed to match the kind I wanted to give. It was the kind of love that I wanted, before I knew that kind of love could be manifested. To read that he almost gave up on love himself was both shocking and inspiring in equal measure. I heard him say in an interview that his only fear was being out of God’s favor. Divine mic-drop.
As I reflect on his musical time, I am filled with admiration about how he stayed out of tabloid mess, kept a gentle character (iwa pele), and seemed to live the love he sang of. No crossovers, no gimmicks, no trends, no arrogance. Just ballads of love from a man who seemed to be made of it. Perhaps that was what made it so real. Peabo Bryson was truly magical, and divine.
The first song I ever heard by him was “Nervous,” while listening to records in my mother’s living room. “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World” invoked the magic in me as a child. I cannot think of any songs of his that I DIDN’T love, but my personal favorites include “Can You Stop the Rain,” “Unconditional Love,” and a song that helped me through personal heartbreaks, “You Don’t Have to Beg.” Those were my favorites in high school. I came across “Heavenly” during my time at 91.3 KPVU FM, and that one became a contender! While there, PVAMU’s Marching Storm made “Can You Stop the Rain” a staple favorite for halftime shows.
In terms of energetic alignment, Peabo Bryson’s music is a go to for those who refuse to let the love inside of them die, no matter how much it seems to fail them. It is heart chakra medicine at its finest. Use it remember love, and believe that it is possible for you! One of his songs is an affirmation in itself – I AM LOVE.
I loved how Peabo Bryson’s music displayed a man who could love without ego, ulterior motive, or shame. Just honest, vulnerable, smooth, masculine love in truth delivered in a silky voice that pierces straight to the soul. I love how he showed that men can be gentle and loving, and still be men. He is a symbol of, as well as a voice of love, and we must make sure that the voice of love echoes from generations to come…especially in times like these.
To the spirit of Peabo Bryson, God is Love as you were love. As you journey back to Orun, (Heaven), I would like to thank you for your gift of song, and the consistent content thereof. Thank you for helping us to remember love in such a loveless world. May the ancestors receive you with 9 times as much as you have given, and placed in the lives of others.
Libations, and Beam Up!
Ase in Love,
iiiYansaje T. Muse
