Music Manager Dead at 40 After Falling Ill on Flight—Worked With H.E.R., Alicia Keys, and More

Talent manager Jason Hobdy, who worked with artists like H.E.R. and Tone Stith, died Friday (Aug. 30.) He was 40 years old. Billboard reports that Hobdy fell ill while flying back from a tour in Japan with R&B singer-songwriter Maeta.

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Maeta, known for songs like “Through the Night” and “Control Freak,” paid tribute to her longtime manager in a heartfelt Instagram post Saturday (Aug. 31.) The R&B star, 24, revealed that she had worked with Hobdy since she was 18.

“Jason has been the most loyal person to me for the past 6 years, since we met,” she wrote. “He knew every detail of my life. Started as my manager when I was 18 but quickly became my big brother. Stuck by my side through my darkest times, kept every secret I’ve ever told him, protected me like his little sister.”

Maeta concluded the post by thanking Hobdy for his dedication to both her career and life, adding, “I don’t know how I’ll do another show without you.”

Who Was Jason Hobdy?

Jason Hobdy began his career in the music industry as a 16-year-old intern with MBK Entertainment. The Bronx, New York native rose through the ranks, eventually traveling the world with artists like Alicia Keys and K. Michelle.

In a 2021 interview with Rolling Out, Hobdy recalled joining H.E.R. onstage after the “Better Than I Imagined” singer nabbed her first two GRAMMY Awards.

“A little Black boy from the Bronx was able to accomplish that, and my mom got to see that, so just to see the look on her face [seeing] her son on stage was probably one of the best things in the world,” the talent manager said.

At just 11 years old, Hobdy told MBK Entertainment CEO Jeff Robinson that he would work for him and “eventually run the company.” Robinson laughed, only to be immediately chastised by his mother. “Don’t discourage him, Jeff, she said. “He seems very determined.”

“What a Great life and career for a poor kid from the Bronx who love to laugh and Dream Big , to running your own company and touring the world for years!!” Robinson wrote on Instagram Saturday (Aug. 31.) “Things won’t be the same without you and your name will ring bells in heaven and Earth!!”

Featured image by Rob Latour/Shutterstock