Janie Bradford, Motown Songwriter, Dead at 87
Rolling Stone • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Janie Bradford, co-writer of Motown’s first hit “Money (That’s What I Want),” died at age 87 on August 21 after a prolonged illness, as announced by her family.
- Bradford was a key figure in Motown’s early days, starting as the label’s first receptionist before becoming a prolific songwriter who contributed to hits for artists like Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and the Temptations.
- Motown founder Berry Gordy praised Bradford as one of the "Original Motown Family" and an essential contributor to the label’s success and legacy.
- Beyond her music career, Bradford founded the Heroes and Legends Scholarship Fund in the 1990s, supporting young people pursuing their dreams and honoring music community pioneers.
- Recently inducted into the Women Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Bradford received numerous awards throughout her life recognizing her contributions to music.
