BMI Remembers Singer/Songwriter Talay Riley

Posted in News on June 9, 2026
Talay Riley performs on stage at HMV Forum on December 5, 2011 in London, United Kingdom.
Talay Riley performs on stage at HMV Forum on December 5, 2011 in London, United Kingdom. Photo: C Brandon/Redferns

BMI was saddened to learn of the passing of GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Talay Riley, who died last Friday at the age of 35.

A prolific music creator, London-born Riley established himself as a formidable songwriter via a series of high-profile hits from collaborations with artists like Usher, Ella Mai, Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goudling, Nick Joans, Chris Brown, Britney Spears, Dua Lipa and many others. He won his first GRAMMY for writing “Lights On” for H.E.R.’s eponymous debut album. Other prominent songs for Riley included “Young, Dumb and Broke” by Khalid” and “Out the Window” by Kehlani.

Beyond that success, Riley simultaneously pursued his own career as an artist, scoring a hit in his native UK with “Make You Mine” in 2011. During the course of his career, Talay Riley received six BMI Awards across our London Awards, Pop Awards and R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.

Talay Riley will be greatly missed by his fans, friends and family at BMI.

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