Motown songwriter Janie Bradford dies aged 87
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
Janie Bradford, the Motown songwriter and label pioneer who co-wrote the R&B classic "Money (That's What I Want)", has died aged 87. She passed away on Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after an extended illness, her family announced, prompting tributes from Motown founder Berry Gordy, who recalled her as "smart, clever, witty and fun" and a driving force behind the label from its very earliest days.
Bradford began as Gordy's receptionist after he launched Tamla and Motown in 1959, having met him through her friend, singer Jackie Wilson. She helped write "Money (That's What I Want)" with Gordy, first recorded by Barrett Strong and later covered by artists including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, and went on to co-write Marvin Gaye's 1969 hit "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" and songs for Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and The Supremes, among others. Over roughly 25 years at Motown she rose to head of writer relations, later founded the Heroes and Legends Awards in the 1990s, and was inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame this past June. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Wardean, their children Lance and Nicole, and other family members.
- Motown songwriter Janie Bradford has died aged 87
- Co-wrote "Money (That's What I Want)" with Berry Gordy
- Worked 25 years at Motown, founded Heroes and Legends Awards
New here? Start with this
Motown was a Detroit-based record company founded by Berry Gordy in 1959. It became one of the most influential labels in popular music, bringing artists including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes and The Temptations to wide audiences in the United States and abroad.
Janie Bradford joined Motown at its beginning, initially working as the company’s receptionist before becoming a songwriter. “Money (That’s What I Want)”, written with Gordy, was recorded by Barrett Strong and helped establish the label’s commercial footing; it was later covered by several other performers.
Songwriters and music publishers were central to Motown’s approach, creating material for its roster of singers and managing the rights to those songs. Bradford later worked with Jobete, Motown’s publishing arm, supporting writers and their work within the company.
More coverage
- Rolling Stone — Janie Bradford, Motown Songwriter Who Co-Wrote ‘Money (That’s What I Want’), Dead at 87
- Billboard — Janie Bradford, Early Motown Songwriter & ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’ Co-Writer, Dies at 87
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Hollywood Reporter as “Janie Bradford, “Money (That’s What I Want)” Songwriter, Dies at 87”.