Janie Bradford, a pioneering songwriter at Motown Records who played a crucial role in the label’s earliest successes, has passed away at age 87. Bradford died on August 21 at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles following a prolonged illness, her family confirmed on Saturday.
Bradford’s most significant contribution came in 1959 when she collaborated with Motown founder Berry Gordy to create “Money (That’s What I Want).” The track became the label’s inaugural hit single when performed by Barrett Strong and later achieved renewed success through cover versions by the Beatles and Rolling Stones in the early 1960s. Bradford’s creative input proved essential, as she spontaneously contributed her own lyrics to the composition while Gordy worked at the piano.
Beginning her career as Motown’s receptionist, Bradford rapidly expanded her role within the organization, eventually co-writing hits for major artists including Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Stevie Wonder. Over her 25-year tenure at the legendary Detroit label, she became recognized as one of the institution’s foundational figures. In a tribute, Gordy emphasized her presence “from the very beginning, before there was even a Motown” and acknowledged her instrumental role in establishing the company’s legacy.
Beyond her songwriting accomplishments, Bradford remained dedicated to supporting emerging talent through the Heroes and Legends Scholarship Fund she established in the 1990s. She was recently inducted into the Women Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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