Janie Bradford Hobbs, Pioneering Motown Songwriter, Dies at 87

Janie Bradford Hobbs, a foundational figure in Motown’s songwriting operations who co-authored “Money (That’s What I Want)” and contributed compositions for some of the label’s biggest artists, died Saturday following a prolonged illness. She was 87 and passed away at a Los Angeles medical facility, according to her family.

Bradford Hobbs was born in Charleston, Missouri, and relocated to Detroit as a young woman. In the late 1950s, singer Jackie Wilson, a neighbor, facilitated her introduction to Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. Her entry into the music industry began in 1958 when she accepted a receptionist position at Motown, though her contributions quickly expanded beyond clerical work.

Working alongside Gordy, Bradford Hobbs helped develop “Money (That’s What I Want),” which Barrett Strong recorded and released in 1959. The track became one of Motown’s earliest commercial successes and subsequently drew cover versions from The Beatles and other artists. Her songwriting credits also include “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” initially recorded by The Temptations before Marvin Gaye achieved commercial success with the composition.

Additional songwriting credits for Bradford Hobbs extend to works performed by Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas, and numerous other recording artists on the Motown roster. She eventually advanced to head the Writer Relations division of Jobete, Motown’s music publishing operation.

Gordy released a statement recognizing Bradford Hobbs as an essential member of Motown’s founding circle. “Janie was one of a special group I have always thought of as the original Motown family — the unsung heroes who believed in the dream before anyone knew what Motown would become,” Gordy said, emphasizing her role in establishing what became a transformative force in American popular music.

Following her tenure at Motown, Bradford Hobbs established the annual Heroes and Legends Awards ceremony, which celebrated music industry figures and distributed scholarships to emerging talent for approximately three decades. She is survived by her husband Wardean Hobbs, daughter Nicole Hobbs, son Lance Finney, and two grandsons. Final funeral arrangements remain pending.