Rhythm and Blues Icon Don Bryant Dies at 83
Don Bryant, a celebrated rhythm and blues singer and songwriter whose career spanned decades and influenced generations of artists, passed away on Boxing Day at the age of 83. The news of his death was announced by his family, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians and fans worldwide.
Bryant’s legacy is deeply rooted in the soulful sounds of Memphis, Tennessee, where he was born in 1942. He began his musical journey singing in church at the remarkably young age of five, later joining his father’s family vocal group. This early exposure to gospel music would profoundly shape his artistic sensibilities. He further honed his skills forming a gospel quartet for a high school radio show, before transitioning to secular pop songs on the popular WLOK show hosted by Dick ‘Cane’ Cole.As a member of The Four Kings, he eventually became the front band for Willie mitchell, establishing himself as a dynamic lead singer.
A prodigious talent, Bryant began songwriting in his teens, penning “I got To Know” for The 5 Royales. He quickly became a sought-after songwriter, contributing over 150 titles to the Hi Records catalogue and beyond. His compositions were embraced by some of the most iconic names in soul and R&B, including Solomon Burke, Etta James, Otis Clay, and Albert King.
Bryant’s songwriting prowess reached its peak with his collaborations with Ann Peebles. Together, they crafted timeless hits like “99 Pounds” and “Do I Need You,” and, most notably, “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” released in 1973. The song climbed to Number 38 on the charts and became a defining anthem of the era, later finding new life through covers and samples by artists such as Tina Turner, Seal, Missy Elliott, and Kaytranada. Reflecting on the song’s inspiration, Bryant once explained that “At the time, there were a lot of records about the rain, but everyone was wanting the rain, trying to hide their tears.”
He and Peebles married the following year, and Bryant spent much of the next decade writing and performing as an opening act for his wife.Their musical partnership culminated in the 1981 duet “Mon Belle-Amour,” his final recording for Hi Records. For two decades following,Bryant largely focused on creating gospel albums,stepping away from secular performances.
However, Bryant’s musical spirit remained undimmed. In 2017, he made a triumphant return to the stage as a vocalist with the Memphis-based soul band The Bo-Keys. This collaboration led to the release of “Don’t Give Up on Love” in 2017, his first album in nearly 50 years, featuring both new material and revisited classics.
why did Don Bryant die? Don Bryant died of natural causes on Boxing Day, December 26, 2023, at the age of 83.
Who was Don Bryant? Don Bryant was a celebrated rhythm and blues singer and songwriter born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1942. He was known for his soulful vocals,prolific songwriting,and collaborations with his wife,ann Peebles.
What was Don Bryant’s most meaningful contribution? Bryant’s most significant contribution was his songwriting, notably his co-writing of the iconic song “I Can’t Stand the Rain” with Ann Peebles. He also penned over 150 songs for Hi Records and other artists.
**How did his career end?
