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Motown’s etiquette coach dies
By Chris Cooke | Published on Wednesday 16 October 2013
Maxine Powell, who led Motown’s Artists Development Department back in the legendary label’s 1960s heyday, has died aged 98.
Powell’s department was often dubbed ‘Motown’s Finishing School’, and primarily advised the label’s artists on how to “carry themselves” while in the public spotlight. And that, according to Billboard, included teaching Marvin Gaye to sing with his eyes open and the proper way to exit a limousine.
A former actress, Powell was brought into the Motown community by label chief Berry Gordy to help his artists better present themselves. And in a video tribute shown at a recent Motown Museum event to honour Powell, Gordy said “You had style and you gave [our artists] class”.
According to a Motown Museum spokeswoman, Powell died “peacefully surrounded by Motown family and close friends”.