Beloved 1970s soul singer, Don Bryant has died at age 83, hisfamilyannounced onFriday,December26.
"We want to let all of @don_bryant_official friends and fans from all over the world know that he passed away thismorningat the age of 83," the statement, which was shared viaInstagram, read. "Don loved sharing hismusicand songs with all of you and it gave him such great joy to perform and record new music. He was so appreciative of everyone who was part of his musical journey and who supported him along the way."
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The R&B icon was perhaps best known for his 1973 hit "I Can't Stand the Rain"—which Beatles legendJohn Lennonlater called "the best song ever," according to theMemphis Music Hall of Fame.
Bryant was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in April 1942. He grew up singing in his father's vocal group. As a teenager, he began writing songs for other artists, including "I Got To Know" for The 5 Royales.
"I wanted to be a part of it," Bryant toldRolling Stonein 2017. "If it wasn't gonna be the singing, I was content with trying to do the writing."
He later met his would-be wife, Ann Peebles, after writing her songs, "99 Pounds" and "Do I Need You." The two tied the knot after cowriting "I Can't Stand the Rain" in 1973.
According toRolling Stone, Peebles suffered a stroke in 2012 and was forced to step away from music. Bryant would go on to release two solo albums—Don't Give Up on Lovein 2017 andYou Make Me Feelin 2020—his first in nearly 50 years.
"Music is one of my greatest loves. When I can concentrate on that, I can take my mind off everything else," he told the outlet in 2020.
This story was originally published byParadeon Dec 28, 2025, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.
