She was 91.

Edwards was instrumental in advising Gordy in the fledgling years of Motown, helping the record giant to find what would be its famous location at 2648 W. Grand Blvd.

Motown became known as "Hitsville" during the mid-1960s, and after Gordy moved the company to Los Angeles in 1972, Edwards secured historical status for the Detroit building.

Edwards attended Howard and Wayne State universities and was the first woman elected to the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce, the Detroit Free Press reported.

"She was the most educated in our family and was the go-to person for wisdom in business," Gordy said in a statement.

"Whatever she did, it was with the highest standards, professionalism and an attention to detail that was legendary. 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," he said.

Funeral arrangements are pending. (c) UPI