Ann Peebles

Forever famed for her classic R&B single I Can't Stand The Rain, Ann Peebles still ranks as one of the most dynamic singers of the 1970s, heavily sampled by hip hop artists in a later era. A Minister's daughter from St Louis, Missouri, Peebles first sang in her father's church choir and began performing with the Peebles Choir, a gospel group originally founded by her grandfather. She went on to appear solo singing secular songs on the St Louis club circuit accompanied by her father and was discovered by trumpeter and bandleader Gene Miller singing in Memphis. He introduced her to famed Memphis producer Willie Mitchell, who signed her to Hi Records. Her debut album This Is Ann Peebles was released in 1969 and her first R&B hit single Part Time Love soon followed. She went on to record for Hi Records for the next decade, co-writing songs with her future husband Don Bryant. Her biggest worldwide hit, though, was I Can't Stand The Rain in 1973, written by Peebles with Don Bryant and Bernie Miller and once described by John Lennon as "the best song ever." It has subsequently been covered by many different artists in varied musical styles, including a disco version which charted for Eruption in 1978. Other famous covers include a blues interpretation by Albert King, Little Feat singer Lowell George, Tina Turner and Patrice Banks of Graham Central Station, while Missy Elliott, Reflection Eternal and Sunz Of Man are among those who've included it in hip hop adaptations. Other lesser hits followed for Peebles, including I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down and (You Keep Me) Hangin' On and her powerhouse shows won her a devoted live following. Her popularity suffered with the rise of disco, although she continued to record and play live and regularly guested with other singers, including Mavis Staples, Shirley Brown and Maria Muldaur.