Memphis Music Feature: Don Bryant

How would you describe your style of music?

I enjoy performing and I like to get whoever I sing to, to enjoy it as much as I do.  

My style is Rhythm and Blues but I hear songs and I want to go a little bit further with it.   I have done gospel but I would say R&B. 

Is there a song of yours that is especially special to you and why?

That is hard because I have done a lot of songs !

“I Can’t Stand the Rain” would be the one.  I still go around singing it. 

What about Memphis inspires you creatively?

I would say the sound of music that Memphis has.  The Memphis Soul, the rhythm and blues sound has kept me going for a long time.

Which place gives you that Memphis vibe?

My house!  I am always singing at home and talking about music with my wife, Ann Peebles.
 

Do you have a story that changed you as an artist, a moment in time that moved the needle for you?

My first thought is when I was initially getting into music and trying to find a space for myself.  When I first started writing and coming up with songs.  When I started out with Willie Mitchell, he had a lot of artists coming in to record and I was writing material for them.  I stuck with that and when the opportunity came to do my own songs,  I always gave it my best !

What is the most unexpected music interest you have?

I have enjoyed all styles of music, especially R&B and gospel. When I started out I always wanted to imitate song and ideas that were making the charts.   Johnny Mathis and Johnnie Ray were early influences.  When I was younger I had to learn and sing the popular songs of the day and that taught me a lot

Where can we hear you?

What are you working on currently or any recent projects? 

My last single was called “A World Like That” which was written by local Memphis artist, John Paul Keith.  I am currently writing songs for a new album.

Listen to Don Bryant on Spotify and Apple Music.