Jan Bradley facts for kids

Addie "Jan" Bradley (born July 6, 1943) is an American soul singer. She became famous in the 1960s.

Jan Bradley's Early Life and Music Career

Jan Bradley was born in Byhalia, Mississippi, USA. She grew up in Robbins, Illinois. When she was in high school, she sang with a group called the Passions. A manager named Don Talty noticed her at a talent show.

After high school, Jan auditioned for a famous musician named Curtis Mayfield. Soon, she recorded a song he wrote called "We Girls." This song became popular in the Midwest region of the United States. It was released on Don Talty's record label, Formal Records.

Her Biggest Hit Song

Jan Bradley released several more songs. Another song written by Curtis Mayfield was "Mama Didn't Lie." This song was first released on Formal Records. Then, a bigger company called Chess Records released it across the country in 1963.

"Mama Didn't Lie" became a huge hit! It reached number 8 on the US Billboard R&B chart. It also reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Changes in Her Music Journey

After "Mama Didn't Lie" became a success, Jan Bradley faced a challenge. Curtis Mayfield and Chess Records had a legal disagreement. Because of this, Jan could no longer work with Curtis Mayfield.

But Jan didn't stop making music! She started writing her own songs. She released more singles with Chess Records. Her song "I'm Over You" reached number 24 on the R&B chart in 1965. Other songs she released included "Just a Summer Memory" and "These Tears."

After her time with Chess Records, Jan continued to work with Don Talty. She released songs on smaller record labels. These included Adanti, Hootenanny, Doylen, Spectra Sound, and Night Owl.

Life After Professional Singing

In the early 1970s, Jan Bradley stopped singing professionally. She decided to focus on her family. She also became a social worker, helping people in her community.

Today, Jan lives in the southern suburbs of Chicago. She has two children, Timothy and Jamila. She is also a grandmother to three grandchildren. Jan still loves to sing and is part of her church choir.

Her music has remained popular with fans of a style called Northern soul. This is a type of soul music that became very popular in the United Kingdom. Jan Bradley's songs include soul, pop, and rock and roll.

Jan Bradley's Singles

Here is a list of some of the songs Jan Bradley released: