Janie Bradford Hobbs, an influential early songwriter for Motown Records, died Tuesday at a Los Angeles hospital after an extended illness. She was 87.
Hobbs was born in Charleston, Missouri, and later relocated to Detroit, where singer Jackie Wilson introduced her to Motown founder Berry Gordy in the late 1950s. She began her career at Motown as a receptionist in 1958 but quickly became involved in music creation, a common practice for early employees.
She co-wrote "Money (That's What I Want)" with Gordy, which was recorded by Barrett Strong in 1959 and became one of Motown's initial major successes. The song was later covered by The Beatles. Hobbs also wrote "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby," first recorded by The Temptations and later a hit for Marvin Gaye. Her songwriting credits also include works for Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Martha & The Vandellas.
"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," Gordy said in a statement. He described Hobbs as one of the "unsung heroes" who believed in the Motown vision before its widespread recognition.
Following her work as a songwriter, Hobbs became head of Writer Relations for Jobete, Motown's publishing arm. After leaving the record label, she established the annual Heroes and Legends Awards, an event that honored music industry figures and provided scholarships for approximately 30 years.
Hobbs is survived by her husband, Wardean Hobbs; her daughter, Nicole Hobbs; her son, Lance Finney; and two grandsons. Funeral arrangements remain incomplete.