Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs dies in Los Angeles after illness at age 87
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Key Points:
- Janie Bradford Hobbs, an early Motown songwriter known for co-writing hits like “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” has died at age 87 after an extended illness.
- Born in Missouri and later moving to Detroit, Bradford Hobbs joined Motown in 1958 as a receptionist and contributed significantly to its creative success alongside founder Berry Gordy.
- She co-wrote “Money (That’s What I Want),” recorded by Barrett Strong and later covered by The Beatles, and penned songs for major artists including Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye.
- Bradford Hobbs served as head of Writer Relations for Motown’s publishing company Jobete and later founded the annual Heroes and Legends Awards, honoring music icons and providing scholarships for about 30 years.
- She is survived by her husband, two children, and two grandsons; funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
