Motown Songwriting Pioneer Janie Bradford Hobbs Dies at 87

Janie Bradford Hobbs, an early songwriter and key figure in the development of Motown Records, has died at the age of 87 after an extended illness in Los Angeles.

Her family confirmed that Bradford Hobbs died at a Los Angeles hospital. Funeral arrangements had not been completed as of the latest reports.

Bradford Hobbs was born in Charleston, Missouri, before moving to Detroit. She was introduced to Motown founder Berry Gordy in the late 1950s through singer Jackie Wilson and joined the fledgling record company as a receptionist in 1958.

Although she initially worked behind the scenes, she soon became involved in Motown’s creative process, contributing to the songwriting that helped transform the label into one of the most influential forces in American popular music.

Among her most notable credits was “Money (That’s What I Want),” which she co-wrote with Gordy. Barrett Strong recorded the song in 1959, and it became an early Motown hit. The song was later covered by The Beatles, helping give it an international audience.

Bradford Hobbs also co-wrote “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” first recorded by The Temptations and later made a major hit by Marvin Gaye. Her songwriting credits extended to artists including Stevie Wonder, The Supremes and Martha & The Vandellas.

Her contribution to Motown went beyond songwriting. Bradford Hobbs eventually became head of Writer Relations at Jobete, Motown’s publishing company, where she worked to support the writers behind the label’s music.

After leaving Motown, she established the annual Heroes and Legends Awards, an event that ran for about three decades and honoured entertainment figures while providing scholarships to students pursuing higher education, according to her family.

Gordy paid tribute to Bradford Hobbs following news of her death, describing her as part of the original group of people who believed in Motown’s vision before the company became a global music powerhouse.

“Janie was there with me from the very beginning,” Gordy said, adding that she would always have a special place in his heart and in the Motown family.

Bradford Hobbs’ legacy was also recognised in June 2026 when she was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, according to CBS News.

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

Her death marks the loss of one of the lesser-known but significant figures whose creative work helped shape Motown during its formative years.