Memphis Soul Singer Don Bryant Dies at 83

Don Bryant, the influential Memphis soul singer and songwriter known for co-writing the hit "I Can't Stand the Rain," has died at age 83.

His family announced the news on Friday, December 26, via a post on his official Instagram account. "We want to let all of Don Bryant's friends and fans from all over the world know that he passed away this morning at the age of 83," the statement 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." No cause of death was disclosed.

Born Donald Maurice Bryant on April 4, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, he began singing in church at age five and later joined his father's family vocal group. As a teenager, he formed a gospel quartet called the Four Kings for a high school radio show and gained local fame performing secular pop songs on WLOK. The group eventually backed producer Willie Mitchell, with Bryant as lead singer. His songwriting career took off early; at 18, he penned "I Got to Know" for The 5 Royales in 1960.

Bryant joined Hi Records in the 1960s, where he became...