JANIE BRADFORD HOBBS, EARLY MOTOWN SONGWRITER BEHIND MAJOR HITS, DIES AT 87.(PHOTO).

Janie Bradford Hobbs, early Motown songwriter behind major hits, dies at 87

Janie Bradford Hobbs, an early Motown songwriter who helped create hits such as “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” has died at 87 after a prolonged illness. She died at a Los Angeles hospital, according to her family.

Born in Charleston, Missouri, Bradford Hobbs later moved to Detroit, where she became part of the early Motown community. Singer Jackie Wilson, who lived near her, introduced her to Motown founder Berry Gordy in the late 1950s.

Bradford Hobbs joined Motown in 1958 as a receptionist, but, like many employees at the young company, she quickly became involved in its creative work.

She and Gordy co-wrote “Money (That’s What I Want),” which Barrett Strong recorded in 1959. The song became an early Motown success and was later covered by The Beatles, becoming a hit for the British group as well.

Bradford Hobbs also helped write “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” which was initially recorded by The Temptations before becoming a major hit for Marvin Gaye. Her songwriting credits also included work for Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas, and other Motown artists.

Gordy remembered Bradford Hobbs as a member of Motown’s original inner circle who was involved with the company before it became a major force in popular music. He described her as one of the people who believed in the company’s vision from its earliest days and helped shape what Motown ultimately became.

Bradford Hobbs later became head of Writer Relations at Jobete, Motown’s publishing division. After leaving the company, she founded the annual Heroes and Legends Awards, an event that continued for roughly three decades and honored prominent figures in music while providing scholarships.

She is survived by her husband, Wardean Hobbs; daughter Nicole Hobbs; son Lance Finney; and two grandsons. Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.