Janie Bradford Hobbs, early Motown songwriter, dies at 87

Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs Money (That’s What I Want) soul music history Berry Gordy

Janie Bradford Hobbs, a foundational songwriter and key figure in the early success of Motown Records, has died at the age of 87. Her family announced that she passed away on August 21 at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles following an extended illness.

Bradford Hobbs began her career at Motown in 1958 as the label's first receptionist. She eventually transitioned into a prolific creative role, co-writing the label's first major hit, “Money (That’s What I Want),” alongside founder Berry Gordy. The song was later famously covered by The Beatles. She also co-wrote “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” which became a hit for Marvin Gaye.

Throughout her 25-year tenure at Motown, she contributed to hits for numerous artists, including Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Diana Ross. Beyond songwriting, she served as the head of Writer Relations for Jobete, Motown’s publishing company. Following her time at the label, she founded the annual Heroes and Legends Awards, an event that honored music industry veterans and provided scholarships for decades.

Entities

Berry Gordy · Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Janie Bradford Hobbs · Jobete · Los Angeles · Motown

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] She co-wrote ‘Too Busy Thinking About My Baby’. www.brandonsun.com · soultracks.com · wtop.com
[● 3 SOURCES] She co-wrote the song ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’ with Berry Gordy. www.brandonsun.com · soultracks.com · wtop.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Berry Gordy described her as part of the original Motown family and an unsung hero. wtop.com
[● 3 SOURCES] She was born in Charleston, Missouri. www.brandonsun.com · soultracks.com · wtop.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Janie Bradford Hobbs died at age 87 following an extended illness. www.brandonsun.com · soultracks.com · wtop.com
[● 2 SOURCES] She founded the Heroes and Legends (HAL) Scholarship Fund and annual awards. soultracks.com · wtop.com
[● 2 SOURCES] She served as the director of writer relations for Motown’s publishing company, Jobete. soultracks.com · wtop.com
[● 3 SOURCES] She joined Motown in 1958 as a receptionist/secretary. www.brandonsun.com · soultracks.com · wtop.com