Don Bryant is one of the key figures of the genre, especially as a composer. Born in 1942 in Memphis, at age 13 he and his brothers formed their own gospel music group, The Five Bryant Brothers.
Bryant recorded several duets with Marion Brittnam and released his first album, “Precious Soul,” in 1969. His post-stage career soon became more prolific, especially when he started working with emerging star Ann Peebles, with whom he ended up marrying. He wrote several emblematic songs for his wife, including “I Can’t Stand the Rain” and “99 Pounds.” And the success of these compositions led him to write music and lyrics for other stars such as Al Green, Syl Johnson, O.V. Wright and Otis Clay.
His own record career was parked at the end of the 70s, devoting himself completely to his work in the church, and he returned from his retirement in 1986 to record a self-published gospel album, “What Do You Think About Jesus.”
In 2016 he joined as vocalist The Bo-Keys, a tribute group to soul and gospel based in Memphis, with which he recorded Don’t Give Up on Love”, released in 2017, which is a return to the scene of one of the most classical composers of soul.
