Esther Gordy Edwards, sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr., and the de facto archivist of Motown’s greatest treasurers, has died at age 91. Edwards provided the $800 loan that Berry needed to form the label, and that just began her tireless work in support of the label and the Motown legacy.
Edwards was deeply involved in operation of the company, including booking of acts and serving as a surrogate mother for many of the artists. But she will be best known as the force behind the Motown Museum, a treasure trove of musical history that sits on Grand Boulevard and which has become sacred ground to three generations of artists. The small house, labeled “Hitsville U.S.A.,” remains one of Detroit’s must-see destinations.
During her life, Edwards was quietly an important force behind one of the greatest musical stories of modern history. Her place in history is secure and she will be missed.
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