Janie Bradford Hobbs, the Motown songwriter who co-wrote the label’s first major hit “Money (That’s What I Want),” has died at age 87 .
Bradford passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles following an extended illness . Her family confirmed the news on Saturday .
A pioneer of the Motown sound who rose from receptionist to hit songwriter, Bradford was an integral part of the label’s formative years. Berry Gordy, Motown’s founder, called her one of the “unsung heroes who believed in the dream before anyone knew what Motown would become” .
Who Was Janie Bradford?
Janie Bradford was born in Charleston, Missouri, and later moved to Detroit . She was introduced to Berry Gordy in the late 1950s by her neighbor, the singer Jackie Wilson, who had already recorded several Gordy-penned hits, including “Reet Petite” .
Bradford joined Gordy’s operation in 1958, before Motown Records was officially founded, as the company’s first receptionist . However, her talents quickly took her far beyond the front desk .
Janie Bradford and Motown
Bradford was present from the very beginning of what would become the Motown empire. As Gordy himself noted, she was part of the “Original Motown Family” – the early employees who worked tirelessly to build the label into a powerhouse .
She became involved in the creative process early on. One day, while Gordy was working on a song at the piano, Bradford contributed a verse: “Your love gives me such a thrill, but your love don’t pay my bills. Gimme some money baby!” . That verse became a defining part of the finished composition .
Bradford remained with Motown for about 25 years, eventually becoming head of Writer Relations for Jobete, Motown’s publishing company .
Janie Bradford’s Songwriting Legacy
Janie Bradford’s songwriting credits include some of Motown’s most memorable tracks.
“Money (That’s What I Want)”
Co-written with Berry Gordy and recorded by Barrett Strong in 1959, this song became Motown’s first hit single . It gained even wider fame when covered by The Beatles on their 1963 album “With the Beatles” and by The Rolling Stones in 1964 .
“Too Busy Thinking About My Baby”
Bradford co-wrote this track with Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. It was first recorded by The Temptations in 1966 and later became a major hit for Marvin Gaye .
Other Songs
Bradford’s songwriting credits include tracks recorded by Stevie Wonder (“Contract on Love”), Mary Wells (“Your Old Standby”), Diana Ross and The Supremes (“Time Changes Things”), The Marvelettes (“All the Love I’ve Got”), and Martha & The Vandellas .
Janie Bradford Cause of Death
Janie Bradford died following an extended illness, according to her family and multiple news sources . A specific cause of death has not been publicly confirmed by her family or representatives.
Janie Bradford’s Later Years and Legacy
After leaving Motown, Bradford founded the annual Heroes and Legends Awards in the 1990s, an event that honored music industry icons and raised money for scholarships through the Heroes and Legends Scholarship Fund . The event spanned approximately 30 years and served as a reunion for the Motown family .
“Janie’s commitment to others did not end with Motown,” Gordy said. “Through her Heroes and Legends Scholarship Fund, which she founded in the 1990s, she spent decades helping deserving young people pursue their dreams while celebrating so many of the people who helped build our music community” .
Just months before her death, in June 2026, Bradford was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame .
“Even if we haven’t seen someone in years, it [comes back] like yesterday,” Bradford said in 2022 of the Motown family bond. “We reach out to each other. We need each other” .
Janie Bradford Obituary
Latest Updates
- Berry Gordy’s tribute: The Motown founder said Bradford “will forever be an important part of the Motown family and the Motown legacy” .
- Martha Reeves’s tribute: The Motown singer said she was heartbroken and described Bradford as “a champion” .
- Women Songwriters Hall of Fame: Bradford had been inducted just months before her death .
- Funeral services: Funeral services have not been completed, according to her family .
Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Janie Bradford?
Janie Bradford was a Motown songwriter and one of the label’s first employees. She co-wrote “Money (That’s What I Want)” and other hits for Motown artists .
2. When did Janie Bradford die?
Janie Bradford died on August 21, 2026 .
3. How old was Janie Bradford?
She was 87 years old at the time of her death .
4. What was Janie Bradford known for?
She was known for co-writing Motown’s first major hit, “Money (That’s What I Want),” and for being Berry Gordy’s first receptionist .
5. Was Janie Bradford part of Motown?
Yes. She worked at Motown for about 25 years and was one of the company’s earliest employees .
6. What songs did Janie Bradford write?
She co-wrote “Money (That’s What I Want),” “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” and songs for Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Temptations, and others .
7. What was Janie Bradford’s cause of death?
She died following an extended illness. A specific cause has not been publicly confirmed .
8. Who did Janie Bradford work with at Motown?
She worked closely with Berry Gordy and wrote songs for artists including Barrett Strong, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Mary Wells .
Janie Bradford Legacy
Janie Bradford was one of the architects of the Motown sound. She was present from the very beginning, contributing not only as an employee but as a creative force who helped shape the label’s early identity. Her songwriting, particularly “Money (That’s What I Want),” helped establish Motown as a commercial powerhouse.
Bradford’s legacy extended beyond her songwriting. Through the Heroes and Legends Awards, she kept the Motown family connected and supported young people pursuing careers in music. Her induction into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame just months before her death was a fitting recognition of her contributions to American music.
“Janie was one of the people who helped make Motown what it became,” Berry Gordy said . She will be remembered as an unsung hero of Motown, a gifted songwriter, and a champion of the musical community she helped build.