Watch Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand The Rain

Ann Peebles is generally regarded as being one of the finest Southern Soul singers of all time. She is best known for her inspirational recording of 'I Can't Stand The Rain', a 1974 classic which no less an icon than John Lennon described as "the greatest single ever." The single's rather disappointing initial chart and sales performance, however, have long been forgotten as this quintessential soul stirrer now ranks as one of the most moving and articulate soul anthems of all time. That clearly puts Ann Peebles right up there with soul divas like Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight, and while the amount of her recorded work doesn't match up to theirs, it's hardly quantity that we're counting. This is all about quality and Ann Peebles has that aplenty. In 2006, following a renewal of interest in her work, Ann recorded a 'live' album in the Unplugged tradition titled 'Brand New Classics', in which she took the opportunity to re-interpret several of her earlier classics. She embarked on a well-received tour to support the album's release, also making a number of acclaimed high-profile TV appearances, including one for BBC's 'Later With Jools'. This concert was filmed at Belgium's renowned Lokerse Feesten in 1996. As well as the classic 'I Can't Stand The Rain', the concert includes an awesome version of the autobiographical 'St. Louis Woman (With A Memphis Melody)'.