The Motown legend Janie Bradford passes search reflects tributes to Janie Bradford Hobbs, an early Motown songwriter and company pioneer who died at 87 after an extended illness.

The Associated Press reported that Bradford Hobbs died at a Los Angeles hospital. She joined Motown as a receptionist in 1958 after moving to Detroit and becoming connected to founder Berry Gordy through singer Jackie Wilson. Her work later extended far beyond her initial office role.

Bradford Hobbs and Gordy co-wrote “Money (That’s What I Want),” an early Motown hit first recorded by Barrett Strong and later covered by The Beatles. She also helped write “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” which became a hit for Marvin Gaye after an earlier recording by The Temptations.

Her songwriting credits and creative contributions connected her to artists including Stevie Wonder, The Supremes and Martha & The Vandellas. The AP reported that Gordy described her as part of the original Motown family and one of the people who helped build the label before its success was widely known.

After leaving Motown, Bradford Hobbs led writer relations for the company’s publishing arm and later founded the Heroes and Legends Awards. The event honored music figures and supported scholarships. A Washington Post obituary carrying the AP report also noted that funeral arrangements had not been completed, so additional memorial details remain pending.