Entertainment
Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs dies at 87
The co-writer of hits including "Money (That's What I Want)" passed away in a Los Angeles hospital following an extended illness.
The short version
- Janie Bradford Hobbs, an early Motown songwriter and publisher, has died at age 87 in Los Angeles.
- She co-wrote foundational hits such as "Money (That's What I Want)" and contributed songs for artists including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Supremes.
- Her family announced her passing on Saturday, noting that funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.
Key facts
- Janie Bradford Hobbs died at age 87 at a hospital in Los Angeles following an extended illness.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- She joined Motown as a receptionist in 1958 after being introduced to founder Berry Gordy by singer Jackie Wilson.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- Bradford Hobbs co-wrote the 1959 hit "Money (That's What I Want)" with Berry Gordy, which was originally recorded by Barrett Strong and later covered by The Beatles.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- She wrote songs for prominent Motown acts including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, and Martha & The Vandellas.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- She served as head of Writer Relations for Motown's publishing branch, Jobete, and later established the Heroes and Legends Awards, which ran for roughly three decades.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- She is survived by her husband, a daughter, a son, and two grandsons.[Associated Press · ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- Details and scheduling for her funeral services have not yet been finalized.[Associated Press · ABC News]