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Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs dies in Los Angeles after illness at age 87
She co-wrote early Motown hits and later led writer relations for Jobete, the company’s publishing arm, after joining as a receptionist in 1958.
- On Friday, Janie Bradford Hobbs, Motown founder Berry Gordy's first receptionist and a foundational songwriter, died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The Missouri native was 87.
- Joining the label in 1959, Bradford became its first receptionist and quickly transitioned into songwriting. She co-wrote the label's first hit, "Money ," with Gordy.
- Bradford's creative resume included writing "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" for Marvin Gaye, "Your Old Standby" for Mary Wells, and "Contract on Love" for Stevie Wonder.
- Gordy called Bradford "one of a special group I have always thought of as the original Motown family." The Motown Museum stated it remains grateful for her enthusiastic support of the label's living history.
- Bradford founded the annual Heroes and Legends Awards, which honored music icons for about 30 years. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Wardean Hobbs, her son Lance Finney, and her daughter, Nicole Hobbs.
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Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs dies in Los Angeles after illness at age 87
Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs has died, at the age of 87. She helped pen hits including “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby.”
·New York, United States
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