What You Need to Know
• Janie Bradford Hobbs, a notable Motown songwriter, passed away at 87 after an extended illness.
• She co-wrote the hit song “Money (That’s What I Want)” with Berry Gordy in 1959.
• Bradford Hobbs also wrote for iconic artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder during her career.
Janie Bradford Hobbs, an influential Motown songwriter, died at the age of 87 due to an extended illness at a hospital in Los Angeles, her family announced on Saturday. Born in Charleston, Missouri, she moved to Detroit and was introduced to Motown founder Berry Gordy in the late 1950s by singer Jackie Wilson. Bradford Hobbs joined Motown as a receptionist in 1958 and contributed significantly to the creative process that established the label as a music industry powerhouse. She co-wrote the classic “Money (That’s What I Want)” with Gordy, which became a hit for Barrett Strong and was later covered by The Beatles. Additionally, she penned “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” which was recorded by The Temptations and became a hit for Marvin Gaye. She is survived by her husband, Wardean Hobbs, and her children.
Why It Matters
Janie Bradford Hobbs played a crucial role in the early success of Motown Records, a label that transformed the music industry. Her collaborations with Berry Gordy and contributions to songs that became classics highlight her significance in the Motown legacy. The songs she wrote not only shaped the sound of the era but also influenced countless artists and genres that followed. Bradford Hobbs’ work as head of Writer Relations for Jobete, Motown’s publishing company, further underscores her impact on music and songwriting.
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