The music world is mourning the loss of a soul and rhythm and blues legend. Don Bryant, the acclaimed singer and songwriter best known for co-writing the timeless hit 'I Can't Stand the Rain', has died at the age of 83.
A Musical Journey from Church to Chart Success
Bryant's family announced his passing on Boxing Day, sharing the sad news with his friends and fans via social media. They posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, stating he 'loved sharing his music and songs with all of you' and was deeply appreciative of the support throughout his career.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1942, Bryant's musical roots were planted early. He began singing in church at just five years old and later performed with his father's family vocal group. His talent soon led him to form a gospel quartet for a high school radio show, which evolved into the group The Four Kings. This band became the front act for producer Willie Mitchell, with Bryant as the lead singer.
His songwriting career took off while he was still a teenager, penning the track 'I Got To Know' for The 5 Royales. He later became a prolific writer for the iconic Hi Records, credited with over 150 songs. His compositions were recorded by soul greats including Solomon Burke, Etta James, and Albert King.
The Creation of a Soul Classic
Bryant's most enduring legacy is his work with singer Ann Peebles. He wrote songs for her such as '99 Pounds' and 'Do I Need You'. Their most famous collaboration was the 1973 classic 'I Can't Stand the Rain', which Bryant co-wrote. The song peaked at number 38 on the Billboard charts and has since been covered and sampled by a diverse array of artists from Tina Turner to Missy Elliott.
Bryant once explained the song's inspiration to Rolling Stone, noting that while many records of the era were 'wanting the rain', their track took a different, more poignant angle. He and Peebles married in 1974, and for much of the following decade, Bryant wrote songs and opened for her shows.
A Late-Career Renaissance and Lasting Legacy
After focusing on gospel music and stepping back from the mainstream for nearly two decades, Bryant experienced a remarkable career resurgence. In 2017, he returned to performing with the Memphis soul band The Bo-Keys.
This partnership led to his first album in nearly 50 years, 'Don’t Give Up on Love', in 2017, followed by the Grammy-nominated 'You Make Me Feel' in 2020. In an interview that year, he reflected that music remained 'one of my greatest loves', a passion that clearly endured throughout his long life.
The announcement of his death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians and fans, celebrating the profound heart and soul he brought to American music. His work as a cornerstone of the Memphis sound ensures his legacy will stand the test of time.
