Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs, whose pen helped shape the iconic Detroit sound behind anthems like “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” died following an extended illness at a Los Angeles hospital at age 87, according to her family. Her death marks the passing of a foundational architect who witnessed the legendary record label’s evolution.
From Receptionist to Songwriting Pioneer in Motor City
Born in Charleston, Missouri, before eventually relocating to Detroit, Bradford Hobbs entered the orbit of music history through a fortuitous neighborhood connection. Introduced to Motown founder Berry Gordy by singer and neighbor Jackie Wilson in the late 1950s, Bradford Hobbs joined Motown as a receptionist in 1958, as noted by the Associated Press. Like many of the company’s employees, she took part in the creative process that helped make Motown a music industry powerhouse.
Working alongside Gordy, she co-wrote “Money (That’s What I Want).” Recorded in 1959 by Barrett Strong, the track became an early hit. It was covered by The Beatles and also became one of that group’s hits.
Building the Jobete Catalog and Crafting Timeless Hits
Bradford Hobbs’ creative output extended well beyond her early collaboration with Gordy. She wrote songs for Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas and others. Among her works is “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” which was first recorded by The Temptations and later became a hit for Marvin Gaye.
As the company expanded, Bradford Hobbs became head of Writer Relations for Jobete, Motown’s publishing company. Her deep familiarity with the creative process made her an invaluable advocate for the writers building the company’s legendary catalog.
Berry Gordy Remembers an Original Family Member
The loss resonated deeply with Motown’s founder, who remembered Bradford Hobbs as an indispensable pillar of the company’s earliest days. “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,” Gordy said in a statement.
Gordy emphasized her status among the label’s vital unseen architects. “Janie was one of a special group I have always thought of as the original Motown family — the unsung heroes who believed in the dream before anyone knew what Motown would become,” Gordy continued. “She was one of the people who helped make Motown what it became.”
A Legacy of Mentorship and the Heroes and Legends Awards
After leaving Motown, Bradford Hobbs channeled her administrative experience and passion for community into championing upcoming talent. She founded the annual Heroes and Legends Awards, an event that spanned about 30 years, honoring music icons and awarding scholarships, according to her family.
Bradford Hobbs is survived by her husband, Wardean Hobbs; daughter, Nicole Hobbs; son, Lance Finney; and two grandsons. Funeral services have not been completed.
