Janie Bradford Hobbs, a pivotal figure in the early years of Motown Records, died in Los Angeles at the age of 87. Her passing follows a period of illness, according to reports. Bradford was instrumental in the development of the Motown sound during the label's formative era, working closely with founders and artists to shape the music that would define the company's legacy.

As a songwriter, Bradford co-wrote several notable tracks, including the 1960 hit "Money (That's What I Want)," which became the first major hit for Motown, then known as Tamla Records. Her work helped establish the commercial viability of the label, providing a blueprint for the songwriting and production teams that would follow. Beyond her writing credits, she was known for her behind-the-scenes influence in the Motown offices, where she contributed to the creative environment that fostered many of the label's biggest stars.

While specific details regarding her final days remain limited, her death marks the loss of one of the last remaining links to the original Motown inner circle. Her contributions are widely recognized by music historians as essential to the cultural impact of the Detroit-based label. No further information regarding memorial services or surviving family members was provided in initial reports.