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Don Bryant, Memphis Soul Stalwart and 'I Can't Stand the Rain' Co-Writer, Dies at 83

The Hi Records veteran is remembered for a prolific songwriting legacy that helped define the Memphis sound.

Overview

  • His family confirmed the death in a statement on his official Instagram account, noting he "passed away this morning" at age 83.
  • Bryant co-wrote Ann Peebles’ 1973 hit "I Can't Stand the Rain," a Top 40 single later covered or sampled by artists including Tina Turner and Missy Elliott.
  • A key figure at MemphisHi Records, he wrote extensively for R&B greats with credits on hundreds of songs recorded by Solomon Burke, Etta James, Otis Clay, and Albert King.
  • He married Peebles in 1974 and concentrated on supporting her career, returning to solo performance after her 2012 stroke.
  • His late-career comeback included the albums Don't Give Up on Love (2017) and You Make Me Feel (2020), the latter earning a Grammy nomination.