Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs dies in Los Angeles after illness at age 87
Summary
Janie Bradford Hobbs, an early Motown songwriter who helped write famous songs like “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” died in Los Angeles at age 87 after a long illness. She started at Motown as a receptionist and later became important in writing songs and supporting other artists in the music company.Key Facts
- Janie Bradford Hobbs was born in Charleston, Missouri, and moved to Detroit.
- She met Motown founder Berry Gordy in the late 1950s through singer Jackie Wilson.
- Bradford co-wrote “Money (That’s What I Want),” first recorded by Barrett Strong in 1959.
- The song was later covered by The Beatles and became one of their hits.
- She also wrote “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” recorded by The Temptations and Marvin Gaye.
- Bradford wrote songs for other Motown stars like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Martha & The Vandellas.
- She became head of Writer Relations at Jobete, Motown’s publishing company.
- After Motown, she started the Heroes and Legends Awards, celebrating music legends and giving scholarships.
- She is survived by her husband, two children, and two grandsons.
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