Music Icon Who Co-Wrote ‘Greatest Song Ever’ Dies at 83

Soul legend Don Bryant, one of the defining voices of the Memphis sound, has died at the age of 83.

Bryant’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news on Dec. 26, sharing a statement on his official Instagram page that read, “Don loved sharing his music and 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.”

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1942, Bryant grew up singing gospel before joining Willie Mitchell’s band in the 1960s. His silky yet powerful voice and gift for storytelling quickly earned him a reputation as one of Hi Records’ most dependable hitmakers. But his most famous creation came in 1973, when he co-wrote the soul classic “I Can’t Stand the Rain” with his wife, Ann Peebles, and pastor Bernard “Bernie” Miller.

The song became an instant R&B staple, praised by John Lennon as “the greatest song ever.” It reached No. 83 on the Billboard Hot 100, and decades later, Missy Elliott reintroduced it to a new generation by sampling it for her 1997 hit “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).” The track has since been covered by countless artists, including Tina Turner and Eruption, solidifying Bryant’s influence across genres and generations.

Throughout his career, Bryant balanced music with his deep faith, serving as a church minister while continuing to write and perform. After stepping back from the spotlight for several years, he made a celebrated return in the 2010s with critically acclaimed albums like “Don’t Give Up on Love” (2017) and “You Make Me Feel” (2020), proving that his voice and creative fire remained as vibrant as ever.

In a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, Bryant said, “Music is one of my greatest loves. When I can concentrate on that, I can take my mind off everything else.” Those words encapsulated his lifelong devotion to the art that defined him.

Inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2019, Bryant was recognized as a cornerstone of the city’s musical legacy—one that blended soul, gospel, and blues into an unmistakable sound that shaped American music.

Don Bryant’s passing marks the end of an era, but his music—and the love he poured into it—will continue to echo through time, reminding listeners of the heart and soul that built Memphis into one of the world’s most influential music capitals.