Some people contribute to music. Others help shape its history. Janie Bradford did both. The passing of Janie Bradford on 21 August 2026 marked the loss of an extraordinary woman whose contribution to Motown, songwriting and the recognition of music industry pioneers deserves to be remembered for generations. For me, this tribute is also personal. I had the immense pleasure of meeting Janie and, later, being given the opportunity to interview her for On the Sofa with Esther.