1 week ago

Motown Songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs Dies at 87

Janie Bradford Hobbs, Motown songwriter behind hits by Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, dies at 87 · livemint.com

Janie Bradford Hobbs was a songwriter who helped Motown become successful.

She died at age 87 after being ill for a long time.

She first worked at Motown as a receptionist in 1958.

She soon began helping create songs.

She co-wrote “Money (That’s What I Want),” one of Motown’s early hits.

The Beatles later recorded their own version of that song.

She also wrote songs performed by Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and other Motown artists.

Berry Gordy said she was part of Motown’s original family and an important unsung helper.

Key facts

Age at death: 87
Cause of death: Following an extended illness
Place of death: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles
Motown start: Joined the company as a receptionist in 1958
Major co-writing credit: “Money (That’s What I Want),” co-written with Berry Gordy and recorded by Barrett Strong in 1959
Other notable song: “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” later a hit for Marvin Gaye
Later career: Founded Mountain Goat Music and opened the Music Notes Gift Shop in Beverly Hills

livemint.com · 1 week ago