Janie Bradford Hobbs, Early Motown Songwriter, Dies at 87
Janie Bradford Hobbs, an early songwriter for Motown Records, has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 87 following an illness.
Los Angeles, CA, August 22, 2026 —
Janie Bradford Hobbs, a foundational songwriter for Motown Records, has died at the age of 87. Hobbs passed away in Los Angeles after an illness, according to reports.
Hobbs was among the earliest creative forces at Motown, contributing to the label’s initial success in the 1960s. Her work helped shape the sound that would define a generation and launch the careers of many iconic artists. Specific details regarding her illness were not immediately available.
During her tenure at Motown, Hobbs collaborated on numerous songs that became hits for some of the label’s most celebrated performers. Her contributions were integral to the burgeoning R&B and soul music scene that Motown pioneered. The exact number of songs she wrote or co-wrote for the label was not specified.
The passing of Janie Bradford Hobbs marks the end of an era for one of music’s most influential record labels. Her legacy as an early architect of the Motown sound is cemented in the catalog of timeless music she helped create. Further information about her career and impact is expected to emerge in the coming days.
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