Motown Songwriter Janie Bradford, Co-Writer of ‘Money (That’s What I Want),’ Dies at 87

Janie Bradford Hobbs, a pioneering songwriter whose lyrical contributions helped define the golden era of Motown Records, has passed away at the age of 87. Her family confirmed that she died in a Los Angeles hospital following an extended illness.

Born in Charleston, Missouri, Bradford Hobbs eventually settled in Detroit, placing her at the epicenter of a burgeoning musical revolution. In the late 1950s, she was introduced to Motown architect Berry Gordy through renowned R&B vocalist Jackie Wilson. Initially hired as the fledgling label’s receptionist in 1958, she quickly embedded herself in the creative engine that would transform Motown into a global cultural juggernaut.

Teaming up with Gordy, she co-authored the historic 1959 track “Money (That’s What I Want).” Originally cut by Barrett Strong, the rhythm and blues anthem became the label’s first major hit before achieving international immortality when covered by The Beatles. Her prolific pen also birthed the classic “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby”—initially recorded by The Temptations before becoming an enduring smash for Marvin Gaye—alongside timeless tracks for Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Martha & The Vandellas.

“Janie was there with me from the very beginning, before there was even a Motown, and she will always hold a very special place in my heart and in the Motown family,” Berry Gordy said in a statement honoring her memory. “She belonged to that rare group of unsung heroes who believed in the vision before anyone knew what Motown would become. She helped shape its destiny.”

Beyond her songwriting triumphs, Bradford Hobbs ascended to become Head of Writer Relations for Jobete, Motown’s legendary music publishing arm. Following her tenure at the label, she dedicated decades to philanthropy and artist advocacy by establishing the annual Heroes and Legends (HAL) Awards, an initiative that celebrated musical luminaries while funding educational scholarships for emerging talent for over three decades.

She is survived by her husband, Wardean Hobbs; her daughter, Nicole Hobbs; her son, Lance Finney; and two grandsons.

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