Don Covay was an influential American R&B, soul, and rock & roll singer and songwriter active from the 1950s through the 1990s. Known for his raspy, emotive vocal style, Covay's work had a significant impact on the development of soul music. He is best known for writing "Chain of Fools," a song that became a major hit for Aretha Franklin, and his own hit "Mercy Mercy," which was covered by The Rolling Stones. Despite not achieving widespread fame, Covay's contributions to music have been recognized by various artists in the industry.