Motown Pioneer Janie Bradford Passes Away at 87

Janie Bradford, a vital figure in the Motown legacy and co-writer of the iconic song "Money (That’s What I Want)," has died at the age of 87. She passed away on Friday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, following a prolonged illness, as confirmed by her family.

Born on June 2, 1939, in Charleston, Missouri, Bradford’s passion for songwriting ignited after meeting her idol, poet Robert Frost. Her career began at Motown when Berry Gordy hired her as a receptionist. It was during this time that she contributed to the creation of some of Motown’s biggest hits, including "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" by Marvin Gaye.

Bradford's contributions to the music industry extended far beyond her early days. She wrote for a variety of artists, including The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. Gordy expressed his heartfelt sentiments, stating, "Janie was there with me from the very beginning… she became Motown’s first receptionist, but her talents quickly took her far beyond that desk." A pioneer in her field, Bradford also founded the Heroes and Legends Awards in the 1990s, celebrating music icons and supporting education.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com