Soul Legend Don Bryant Dies at 83, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in R&B Music

Beloved 1970s soul singer and songwriter Don Bryant has died at the age of 83, his family announced Friday, December 26. In a statement shared on Instagram, Bryant’s family said he passed away peacefully and emphasized how deeply he cherished connecting with fans around the world. “Don loved sharing his music and songs with all of you,” the statement read, noting that performing and recording brought him immense joy throughout his life.
Bryant was best known for co-writing the 1973 soul classic “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” famously recorded by his wife Ann Peebles. The song became a defining hit of the era and was later praised by John Lennon, who reportedly called it “the best song ever,” according to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in April 1942, Bryant grew up immersed in music, singing in his father’s vocal group before transitioning into songwriting as a teenager.
Over his career, Bryant penned songs for artists such as The 5 Royales and built a respected legacy behind the scenes. After Peebles suffered a stroke in 2012 and stepped away from music, Bryant returned to recording, releasing Don’t Give Up on Love in 2017 and You Make Me Feel in 2020—his first albums in nearly five decades. His late-career resurgence reaffirmed his enduring passion for music and solidified his place as a timeless soul icon.










