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Maxine Powell Obituary
DETROIT (AP) — Maxine Powell, who was responsible for developing the charm, grace and style of Motown Records' artists during the Detroit label's 1960s heyday, died Monday at age 98.
Motown Historical Museum CEO Allen Rawls said Powell died of natural causes at a hospital in Southfield, Mich.
She didn't sing or write songs, but those associated with Motown say Powell was as essential to the label's operations as any performer or producer.
She directed the label's Artists Development Department, also known as "Motown's Finishing School." Through it, she emphasized to many artists — including Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, the Jackson Five and the Supremes — how they should carry themselves, treat people and dress.
Motown founder Berry Gordy said the training school was the only one of its kind offered at any record label.
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Powell's passing comes less than two months after she was honored at the museum by Robinson and others.
"She was such an important, integral part of what we were doing here at Motown," Robinson said at the Aug. 26 event held at the famed Hitsville, U.S.A, building.
"It didn't matter who you became during the course of your career — how many hits you had, how well your name was known around the world," he said. "Two days a week when you were back in Detroit you had to go to artists' development. It was mandatory."
Gordy paid tribute to Powell via videotape during the celebration, joking that he still remembered many of Powell's sayings, such as "Do not protrude the buttocks," and "Do not confuse me with your parents — they're stuck with you. I'm not."
"You had style," Gordy said. "You gave them class."
Born in Texarkana, Texas, Powell was raised in Chicago, where she began her career as an actress. She later moved to Detroit, where she opened a finishing and modeling school.
Powell said in August that she would "teach until there's no breath left in my body."
"I love all the Motown artists," she said. "This has been a blessing. I thank God for allowing me to be here."
65 Entries
May 30, 2020
An instructor I'll always remember...
Valenda Newell
August 10, 2016
The music industry could sure use a MAXINE POWELL now. Its all (T&A) hanging out for the whole world to see when you view the singers of today on TV. At MOTOWN everyone had class & dressed to impress and all were very articulate when answering questions, thanks to MAXINE....unheard of today...........THANKS FOR SHOWING THE WORLD WE DON'T JUST SING & DANCE but that MOTOWN was a CLASS ACT .......RIP
tyasia goode
February 28, 2015
wow im 13 and ive been studying on motown artists like mrs maxine powell
How you can show support
Lynette Beckles
January 1, 2015
Maxine Powell was the unsung hero of motown. They were known for their style and poise as well as the music. They learned that because of the lady Maxine Powell. Hats off to her, we will never forget!
Albert
March 21, 2014
I'll always remember the talks we had at Alden Park and the stories
she would tell about the Motown artist; it was priceless
Pearlie Ajayi
November 21, 2013
Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity of having Ms. Powell as a teacher at Wayne County Community College. Currently, I will be graduating from Marygrove College in December, 2013. Ms. Powell taught me endurance, and stick-to-it-ness. May you rest in peace.
October 29, 2013
to the family of ms.Powell,may the thoughts of God permeate your heart.May He soothe you in your time of need."Happy are those who mourn,since they will be comforted." matt.5:4...dede
October 23, 2013
We are deeply saddened over this great lost. Please accept our condolences and sympathy. May God give you the strength to carry on and may you find comfort from His Word, the Bible. 1 Pet. 5:7
K.. Richardson
October 21, 2013
Thank you, Mrs. Maxine Powell, for teaching us how to respect and Be respected and how a Lady should always present herself. Your reward, is being in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. R.I.P.
CP (2 CORINTHIANS 1:3,4)
October 21, 2013
May the God of comfort bless your family during this time of sorrow.
M. Louise
October 20, 2013
My sympathies to family and friends of Maxine Blair Powell: Celebrate a life well lived: Ecclesiastes 3:12 tells us that there is nothing better … than to rejoice and to do good during one's life: Please find comfort and guidance in God's Word to us, the Bible.
Dee Williams
October 20, 2013
You were an exquisite lady and set the awesome way for many to show talented gifts
Malone Family
October 19, 2013
May our Creator give you comfort during this time of sorrow. Many people are emotionally and spiritually strengthen after reading the Scriptures to learn their love one is no longer suffering. (Genesis 3:19)
October 19, 2013
Powell Family and Friends,
Sorry to hear of the passing of Ms. Powell. She helped a lot of people. Everyone will miss her. Treasure her memories. May the God who gives peace be with you.RO.15:33
Denise
October 19, 2013
Finishing School demonstrated Ms. Powell and Motown took pride in the way they wanted their artist to dress and speak in public. When I was in 7th grade, we had etiquette class. Ms. Maxine may have had in mind the words found at Philippians 1:27; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10 and 1 Peter 2:12. Jehovah finds our conduct, dress, and grooming very important as well.
Jackqyln Clark
October 19, 2013
You will be miss! Bless your family RIP!
Glenna Sincere
October 18, 2013
Rest in peace you will be truly missed.
Clora Williams
October 18, 2013
May God bless and keep you in his care. My prayers go out to the family. From a former Student.
October 18, 2013
May the God of all comfort and peace be with you.
Sincerely,
Vonnie McClenton
October 18, 2013
May God Be With You!
b davis
October 17, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lee
October 17, 2013
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Powell family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this time of sadness.
Susan Jones
October 16, 2013
she was a beautifu she was a beautiful woman rest i rest in peace
October 16, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. Please gain comfort in reading God's word the Bible. As you read you will see how much He cares for you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Cyd Charisse Fulton
October 16, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Powell's family and close friends. Mrs. Powell explained to me that all people possess qualities that are of value and deserving of respect. Rest In Power first lady of style and grace. ---Cyd Charisse Fulton (NYC)
Johnson Family
October 16, 2013
Dear Powell Family,
We want to send our condolences to all of you. May the God of all comfort provide you all the strength to cope with your loss.
Linda Davis
October 16, 2013
Rest In Peace Ms. Powell, You Really Were A Blessing To All Of Us.
B.W
October 16, 2013
A VERY CLASSY LADY, so many accomplishments through out her life. No doubt she made a good name for herself and with God. May her special memories live on in your mind and hearts. Trust in the God of all comfort
verna
October 16, 2013
To the family of Mrs Powell you have my deepest sympathy for your great loss. Mrs Powell did demonstrate class and taught it. The Motown family was a different class of people as a group. They had their individual problems but Mrs Powell must have contributed to their character. May she sleep in peace until our Heavenly Father tells her to "Wake Up"
P A Ware
October 16, 2013
God Bless the family and dear friends of Ms. Maxine Powers as they endure such a painful time in their lives. So sorry to hear. 98yr's. What a true BLESSING!
October 15, 2013
Dear Maxine Powell,
I often speak of you as one of the great success stories in my life. You were my instructor in 1978. You were tough, sincere, and caring. You said we would walk before kings and queens and I did. Thanks for helping a young lady believe that she too could fulfill her dreams in life.
Denise Travis (Detroit, Michigan)
until we meet again so long for now..VickyVZj@
Victoria ~*:*~
October 15, 2013
'MOTOWN'
UNIQUE CLASSIC STYLE
MUSIC LIVES ON..
THANK YOU
~MAXINE POWELL~
ENJOY A NEW LIGHT OF LIFE
IN SPIRITUAL HALO HEAVEN
OUR CONDOLENCES TO YOU AN ALL
YOUR DEAREST OF FAMILY@
Newoka Mackey
October 15, 2013
To the family and friends of Ms.Maxine Powell, may her God giving talents carry on through the ones she has toughed and gave so much to. May God continue to bless her soul and spirit, she had such a big heart. R.I.P Lovely Lady!
Newoka M.
Brian Benedetti
October 15, 2013
I only knew Mrs. Powell for a short time 3 or so years. She lovingly carried all her Motown artists in her heart but was so very proud of the
loving attention paid to her by Miss
Martha Reeves and her family, Miss
Mary Wilson and Mr. Otis Willuams. You may see her in all her grace on YouTube-Mary Wilson Opening Reception. -God bless this wonderful spirited proud black woman of character and grace, a true lady.
Mary Sickles
October 15, 2013
To the family of a very lovely lady Miss Maxine. Motown would not have been the stellar record label it was without her expertise. Her touch was seen in every one of their acts. I pray you all find a special kind of peace knowing she was among us in such a beautiful way. God bless you.
October 15, 2013
Thank you for helping the music industry with your grace,poise, charm, and etiquette. Those that came through (motown) will always remember the woman you were back in the days.
Rest in Peace job well done.
Phyllis Morse-Doctry and family
Chesterfield, Va
October 15, 2013
TO THE POWELL FAMILY
MY PRAYER AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY IN YOUR TIME OF GREAT SORROW. MAY THE GREAT GOD JEHOVAH GIVE YOU COMFORT AT THIS VERY SAD TIME IN YOUR LIFE. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
J.L. MCFARLIN
LAFAYETTE,ALA.
Gloria Watsib
October 15, 2013
Rest in peace
October 15, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family of Maxine Powell. May the God of all comfort strengthen you during this time of your loss. E.D. Park Forest, IL.
Fayette Ali
October 15, 2013
Thank you very much for what you done for the music today you will be missed....DJ Lady Chocolate Mansfield, Ohio
Eunice T.
October 15, 2013
Ms. Powell was such a lady and when I learned about her role at Motown I was both curious and very pleased that she was able to help people learn the Golden Rule, respect and good manners - something that is especially rare these days. Thank you for your contribution and impact on these artists and those around you.
Pat Gllover
October 15, 2013
I had the opprtunity to see Mrs. Powell at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She spoke to us about those magical Motown days she was an elegant,polished,graceful Black woman.May she remain forever a ledgend of Motown.
Teresa M
October 15, 2013
To the Powell Family, to find joy in life by doing a job well say a lot about a person's life. As you look at her picture you can see why Motown looked so good. To live to be ninety-eight is certainly a blessing. I am so sorry for your loss, Ps. 9:9 say "And God will become a secure height for anyone crushed, A secure height in times of distress.
Liz
October 15, 2013
We grieve with you during this bereavement. Romans 15:33
S.Griggs
October 15, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
WD
October 15, 2013
She will obviously be greatly missed. Our sympathies to all who loved her. May the God of all comfort help you through this difficult time.
M. Wells
October 15, 2013
Rest in peace sweet lady, and thankyou for all you did for many of the artists who came out of Motown, you taught them charm and respect and how to carry themselves. No wonder Motown was such a success, bless you for having a part in that.
Troycie Nichols
October 14, 2013
Sorry for your loss.
Dwayne Bickham
October 14, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Mario Carrizales
October 14, 2013
Thanks.
JW
October 14, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)
Freddie Rhett
October 14, 2013
The name Motown has "class" because of your elegance and beauty.
Joseph Howard
October 14, 2013
Rest In Peace dear lady . May the Lord bless the family and friends of Miss Powell .
M. Harmon
October 14, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Maxine Powell. May the hearer of Prayer help you to endure this time of sadness and may he give you peace as spoken of at Psalm 65:2. For the memories of Ms. Maxine Powell may they be a source of encouragement to the family and friends.
October 14, 2013
My condolences to The Powell Family for their loss. Grief can be so hard but the love and support of family and friends up help us through it. May the "Peace of God"(Phillians 4:6,7) be with you as you cope with such a loss.
October 14, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
Scott Chamberland
October 14, 2013
Rest in Peace
David Pugh
October 14, 2013
Rest in peace, job well done, thanks for the enjoyment due to your labor.
Jones Family
October 14, 2013
Our prayers are with the family. May your memories of a life well lived bring you comfort and peace. Psalm 34:17,18
Lynn
October 14, 2013
The world has lost a precious gem. I am so very sorry for your loss. Take to heart the promise at Hosea 13:14.
Patti
October 14, 2013
"70 years is our life span---80 years with special mightiness." (Psalms 90:10) Maxine had 98 years of special mightiness. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of the times you spent together as you celebrate a life a well lived.
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