All articles tagged with #songwriter
Janie Bradford, the receptionist-turned-songwriter who co-wrote Motown’s first hit, 'Money (That’s What I Want),' has died at age 87. She spent 25 years at the label, contributing to hits for Marvin Gaye and the Supremes, and later founded the Heroes and Legends Awards. Berry Gordy called her an 'unsung hero' essential to the label’s early success.
Janie Bradford, a pivotal Motown songwriter known for co-writing hits like 'My Girl' and 'Dancing Queen,' has died at age 87. Her work defined the sound of 1960s and 70s pop and R&B, influencing artists across genres. She passed away on August 22, 2026, according to AP News.
Talay Riley, real name Mark “Yinka” Orabiyi, a Grammy-winning songwriter for Dua Lipa, H.E.R. and others, died at 35 after a stabbing in East London on June 5; a second man was injured, and three people were arrested and later released as police investigate. Riley’s credits include Dua Lipa’s Last Dance, Khalid’s Young Dumb & Broke, and H.E.R.’s Lights On, and he earned a Grammy for H.E.R.’s self-titled album. His family and peers, including Stormzy and Khalid, paid tributes, while his brother Scribz Riley shared a heartfelt tribute to his talent and kindness.
Don Schlitz, the Nashville-based songwriter who penned The Gambler and wrote hits for Kenny Rogers, The Judds and others, died at 73 after a sudden illness in a Nashville hospital. A respected figure in country music, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, earned multiple ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year honors, and left a lasting legacy on the genre with songs that helped expand country’s reach.
Renowned bluegrass songwriter Ronnie Bowman has died in a motorcycle crash.
Neil Sedaka, the Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter behind hits like 'Oh! Carol' and 'Laughter in the Rain,' died at 86. With more than 700 songwriting credits, Sedaka helped shape early-60s pop and earned a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and Songwriters Hall of Fame induction; his work also included timeless songs recorded by Elvis, Sinatra, and Captain & Tennille. He is survived by his wife Leba, their children, and grandchildren.
Neil Sedaka, a prolific pop songwriter whose career stretched from post‑World War II hits to the Elton John era, died at 86. He wrote classics such as Breaking Up Is Hard to Do and Love Will Keep Us Together, formed a long-running partnership with Howard Greenfield, and collaborated with stars like Connie Francis, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Elton John and Clay Aiken. With multiple No. 1 and Top 10 hits, he later relaunched as a performer and appeared on American Idol; he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. He is survived by his wife Leba, two children, and three grandchildren.
Neil Sedaka, the Brooklyn-born singer–songwriter behind hits such as Breaking Up Is Hard to Do and Laughter in the Rain, has died at 86. A Brill Building mainstay who also wrote for others (including Connie Francis and the Captain & Tennille) and played a pivotal role in ABBA’s early European success, Sedaka enjoyed a lasting six-decade career highlighted by a 1970s comeback with Elton John’s support. He earned multiple Grammy nominations and Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, retired in 2022, and sold his catalog in 2024. He is survived by his wife Leba Strassberg and two children.
Bob Weir, the Grateful Dead’s rhythm guitarist and enduring songwriter, died at 78. Renowned for his chiming riffs and frontman vocals, he anchored the Dead’s sound across six decades and through post-Garcia lineups, contributing key parts to staples such as "Playing in the Band" and "Sugar Magnolia".
Jim McBride, a Grammy-nominated country songwriter known for hits like 'Chattahoochee' and collaborations with Alan Jackson, has died at age 78 after a fall. He was celebrated for his contributions to country music and his influence on many artists, with his legacy remembered through awards and the lasting popularity of his songs.
Jim McBride, a renowned country songwriter known for hits like 'Chattahoochee' and collaborations with Alan Jackson, has died at 78. His songs were recorded by major country artists, and he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017. Jackson and others praised his influence and kindness.
Memphis soul veteran and songwriter Don Bryant, known for writing 'I Can't Stand the Rain,' has died at 83. He was a key figure at Hi Records and contributed to many hits, especially for his wife Ann Peebles. Bryant's career spanned over five decades, and he returned to recording in his later years, celebrating his love for music.
Sonny Curtis, a prolific singer-songwriter known for his work with Buddy Holly and for writing the theme song for 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' died at 88 due to pneumonia complications in Nashville. He was influential in both rock 'n' roll and country music.
Sonny Curtis, renowned songwriter of 'I Fought the Law' and the 'Mary Tyler Moore' show theme, has died at 88. He was a key figure in rock and roll, working closely with Buddy Holly and performing with the Crickets, and his songs have left a lasting legacy in music history.
Sonny Curtis, a legendary songwriter known for 'I Fought the Law' and the theme song for 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show,' has died at 88. He was a member of The Crickets, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and contributed significantly to rock and country music with a career spanning over six decades.