Janie Bradford Hobbs, Motown Songwriter, Dies at 87
Janie Bradford Hobbs, an early Motown songwriter, has died in Los Angeles at the age of 87 following an illness.
Los Angeles, CA, August 22, 2026 —
Janie Bradford Hobbs, a pioneering songwriter whose work was instrumental in the early sound of Motown Records, has died. She was 87.
Hobbs passed away in Los Angeles after an illness, according to information provided.
A key figure in the formative years of the Detroit-based record label, Hobbs contributed to some of Motown’s earliest hits, helping to shape the distinctive sound that would go on to achieve international success.
Her songwriting credits are associated with a significant period of the label’s development, working alongside other notable figures who defined the Motown era. The specific details of her illness were not provided.
Hobbs’ contributions laid groundwork for a music genre that blended soul, pop, and R&B, influencing countless artists and becoming a soundtrack for a generation.
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