Smokey Robinson honored Maxine Powell, the founding member of Motown Artist Development, on Monday at the Motown Historical Museum, saying that her contributions to the legendary label were invaluable.
"I respected what she stood for, and the way she helped the company," Robinson said, according to the Detroit News. "She particularly helped the girls, showing them how to walk, talk, stand."
"Oh, she would grab me and tell me, 'stand up straight, get your tie straight!'" he added of Powell, who was in charge of the label's artists' personal appearance and development.
Others featured at the event were Martha Reeves, Duke Fakir of the Four Tops and Cal Street of the Velvelettes.
Robinson is currently working on an album of duets with various artists, which is due out next year.
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