Bio
Best known as a staff songwriter under Willie Mitchell at Hi Records and as the husband of Hi star Ann Peebles, Don Bryant was also a fine, underappreciated singer in his own right. Bryant was born in Memphis on April 4, 1942; his father, Edward, sang with a gospel group called the Four Stars of Harmony, and Bryant himself began singing in church at age five. In 1955, he and four brothers formed their own gospel group, the Five Bryant Brothers, which soon switched to doo wop under the name the Quails. Bryant co-wrote a number of Hi signee Ann Peebles’ signature songs, including “I Can’t Stand the Rain” and “99 Pounds”; his success led to a staff songwriting position, where he penned material for other Hi stars like Al Green, Syl Johnson, O.V. Wright and Otis Clay. In 2017, Bryant released a new album, Don't Give Up on Love, that explored his soul and gospel influences, and was recorded with the help of members of the old Hi Records studio crew. ~ Steve Huey