Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs, who co-wrote hits including "Money (That's What I Want)" and "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby," has died at age 87. Her family said she passed away after a long illness at a Los Angeles hospital, as reported by infohub.kz.
Bradford Hobbs was born in Charleston, Missouri, and later moved to Detroit. In the late 1950s, she was introduced to Motown founder Berry Gordy by her neighbor and singer Jackie Wilson. She joined Motown as a receptionist in 1958 and, like many employees, took part in the creative process that helped make Motown a music industry powerhouse.
She co-wrote "Money (That's What I Want)" with Gordy. The song was recorded in 1959 by Barrett Strong and became an early hit. It was later covered by The Beatles, also becoming a hit for them. "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" was first recorded by The Temptations and later became a hit for Marvin Gaye. Bradford Hobbs also wrote songs for Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas, and others.
In a statement, Gordy said: "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." He added: "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. She was one of the people who helped make Motown what it became."
Bradford Hobbs later became head of Writer Relations for Jobete, Motown's publishing company. After leaving Motown, she founded the annual Heroes and Legends Awards. The event spanned about 30 years, honoring music icons and awarding scholarships, according to her family.
She is survived by her husband, Wardean Hobbs; daughter, Nicole Hobbs; son, Lance Finney; and two grandsons. Funeral services have not been completed.