Remembering the Soul legend Edwin Starr
In 1968, Starr joined Motown Records, where he achieved his greatest success. His 1970 single “War”, an explosive protest song against the Vietnam War, became an anthem for peace movements worldwide
Remembering the Soul legend Edwin Starr
Edwin Starr was born Charles Edwin Hatcher on January 21, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Starr discovered his passion for music early on, performing in local bands and honing his vocal talents. His powerful, passionate voice would later make him one of the most iconic figures in soul and Motown music.
Starr’s career began in the 1960s as a member of the vocal group The Future Tones before embarking on a solo career. He signed with the Ric-Tic label and gained attention with hits like “Agent Double-O-Soul” and “Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.)”.
In 1968, Starr joined Motown Records, where he achieved his greatest success. His 1970 single “War”, an explosive protest song against the Vietnam War, became an anthem for peace movements worldwide. The track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Starr a Grammy nomination.
Throughout his career, Starr released other notable hits, including “Twenty-Five Miles,” “Time,” and “Contact.” His energetic performances and socially conscious lyrics cemented his place in music history.
Starr relocated to England in the late 1970s, where he continued to perform and record; he passed away on April 2, 2003, at the age of 61, in Nottingham, England, after suffering a heart attack at his home.
Edwin Starr’s music remains timeless, with songs like “War” continuing to serve as rallying cries for justice and equality.
Look back at Edwin Starr performing his iconic signature song “War” live at The Midnight Special, 1974
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