Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand The Rain

One of the most original R&B tracks released during the 1970s, "I Can't Stand the Rain" has been covered and sampled by innumerable artists.  It solidified singer and songwriter Ann Peebles' starring role on Hi Records, on a par with labelmate Al Green.  Indeed, the slow-burner "I Can't Stand the Rain" can be seen as a female version of Green's soulful and spiritual songs. Born in St. Louis, Peebles grew up singing in her father's church choir.  As a teenager, she pursued secular music, performing in nightclubs under the careful supervision of her minister dad.  Her big break came in 1968, when she traveled to Memphis to sing with trumpeter Gene "Bowlegs" Miller's band.  Impressed by her soulful voice, Miller urged his label, Hi Records, to sign Peebles to a deal.  After Hi Records producer Willie Mitchell heard her demo, he offered her a contract.   Barely 21, Peebles was paired with singer and Hi Records songwriter Don Bryant; the two began collaborating on material (and later ma