02/09/2026
We salute the Motown song-writer (and original receptionist) Janie Bradford. She & Motown president Berry Gordy co-wrote "Money (That's What I Want)." The FIRST Motown hit (on Tamla Records) by Barrett Strong. Later covered by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Charli XCX. A hit again in 1979 by New Wavers The Flying Lizards. She would go on to write songs covered by Little Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, The Temptations, The Manhattan Transfer, The Kingsmen, Martha & The Vandellas, Phil Collins, and The Oak Ridge Boys. phew!
RIP Janie.
Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs, who helped pen hits including “Money (That’s What I Want),” has died following an extended illness at a Los Angeles hospital, her family said Saturday. She was 87.
