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Esther Gordy Edwards RIP

A pioneering female executive at Motown, founder of the Motown Museum and sister of Berry Gordy Jr

By Donkit in News Archives
Updated on 03 Oct 2015 · Published 25 Aug 2011

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Esther Gordy Edwards RIP magazine cover

Just had this sent,

 

Motown figure Esther Gordy Edwards dies at age 91

 

By JEFF KAROUB, Associated Press

 

DETROIT (AP) — Esther Gordy Edwards, who helped build Motown Records alongside her brother Berry Gordy Jr. and led efforts to turn its original Detroit headquarters into a museum, has died. She was 91.

Edwards died Wednesday surrounded by family and friends in Detroit, the Motown Historical Museum said in a statement.

Edwards was a Motown executive for nearly three decades, holding numerous leadership positions within the music company whose artists included Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and The Four Tops. Motown Records, which Berry Gordy started with a family loan in 1959, churned out scores of global hits from the building it dubbed "Hitsville, U.S.A." in Detroit. The company moved to Los Angeles in 1972.

 

 

http://www.google.co...2f18e9e7ceb12b3

 

 

 

Motown's matriarch, Esther Gordy Edwards, 'always came out a hero'

 

Susan Whitall/ The Detroit News

 

Esther Gordy Edwards, a pioneering female executive at Motown, founder of the Motown Historical Museum and sister of Berry Gordy Jr., died Wednesday at home, with family and friends at her side. She was 91.

"Whatever she did, it was with the highest standards, professionalism and an attention to detail that was legendary," Motown founder Gordy said in a statement. "She always came out a hero. Esther wasn't concerned with being popular. She was dedicated to making us all better — the Gordy family and the Motown family."

 

 

Clip From The Detroit News Read Full article here:

 

http://detnews.com/article/20110825/OBITUARIES/108250447/Motown’s-matriarch--Esther-Gordy-Edwards--‘always-came-out-a-hero’#ixzz1W58oFgPU



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Phild

Very sad news.

Esther organised everything for our wedding at Hitsville nearly 15 years ago, and became a friend as a result.

She will be very much missed.

Rest in peace.

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Rob Moss

I had the great pleasure to meet Esher when Mike Terry went back to Hitsville in 1992 for the first time since he left in 1967. The staff were about to charge us to go in when Esther appeared and explained to them (they were young!) that there wouldn't even be a Motown if it it wasn't for people like Mike! To listen to them reminisce about the old days all afternoon remains one of my most precious memories. She was kind, considerate, generous and cordial, and will be sadly missed by everyone.

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Iancsloft

Along with many others at Hitsville Esther brought so much happiness to millions of people around the World she has left many happy memories to so many God Bless and Thank You Esther..

Our thoughts & prayers are with Family & Close Friends

Love , Peace & Happiness Always

Ian Cunliffe & Jane Hamilton

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Guest

I first met Mrs Edwards back in 1978 , when I visited 2648 WGB ( long before it became TMM ) .

We hit it off straight away , for she was amused by this " English Boy " who kept asking her questions about the early days of Motown , and artists she had long forgotten about :D .

Down through the years following that first visit , we became good friends via the mediums of letters , Christmas cards , phone calls and if I was in Detroit , a meet up with her . She always found it strange that I would not call her Esther , and when told why , I said it would not be " respectful " .

On the wall above my desk , is a frame containing a photograph taken in 1980 , of Mrs Edwards , myself and Lady B , with a piece of Motown stationary bearing the handwritten message of " With love and thanks for visiting us in Detroit , Esther " .

I will miss you : RIP Dear Lady .

Malc

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Alison H

I first met Mrs Edwards back in 1978 , when I visited 2648 WGB ( long before it became TMM ) .

We hit it off straight away , for she was amused by this " English Boy " who kept asking her questions about the early days of Motown , and artists she had long forgotten about :D .

Down through the years following that first visit , we became good friends via the mediums of letters , Christmas cards , phone calls and if I was in Detroit , a meet up with her . She always found it strange that I would not call her Esther , and when told why , I said it would not be " respectful " .

On the wall above my desk , is a frame containing a photograph taken in 1980 , of Mrs Edwards , myself and Lady B , with a piece of Motown stationary bearing the handwritten message of " With love and thanks for visiting us in Detroit , Esther " .

I will miss you : RIP Dear Lady .

Malc

Lovely Malc & I'm sure Mrs Edwards will miss you & Lady B.

Thinking of you x

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