Edwin Starr, born Charles Edwin Hatcher on January 21, 1942, was an American soul and R&B singer known for his powerful and dynamic vocal performances. Rising to prominence during the 1960s and 1970s, Starr’s electrifying voice and stage presence made him a standout figure in the Motown and soul music scenes.
Starr’s breakthrough came with the iconic protest song “War,” released in 1970. The song’s intense and emphatic delivery, coupled with its socially conscious lyrics, catapulted Starr to international fame. “War” became an anthem for the anti-Vietnam War movement and solidified Starr’s status as a force in the soul genre.
Prior to “War,” Edwin Starr had notable hits like “Twenty-Five Miles” and “Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.).” His vocal range allowed him to seamlessly transition between soulful ballads and energetic, up-tempo numbers.
Beyond his chart-topping success, Starr’s contributions to the soul and R&B genres earned him critical acclaim and respect within the music industry. Inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame, Edwin Starr’s legacy endures through his timeless recordings and his impact on the social and political dimensions of soul music. His electrifying voice and memorable performances continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Edwin Starr passed away on April 2, 2003, but his musical legacy lives on.
1. War
“War” is a powerful and socially charged song performed by Edwin Starr. Released in 1970, the song became one of the most iconic protest songs of the Vietnam War era. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, “War” captures the anti-war sentiment and frustration with the ongoing conflict.
The song’s lyrics deliver a strong and direct message, declaring that “war, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing.” The repetitive and emphatic nature of the chorus underscores the song’s anti-war stance. The verses further delve into the devastating impact of war on individuals and society.
Edwin Starr’s dynamic and impassioned vocal performance adds to the intensity of the song. The driving beat, horn section, and overall energetic arrangement contribute to its anthemic quality.
“War” quickly became a rallying cry for the peace movement and resonated with audiences during a tumultuous period in American history. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal message against the destructive nature of war, and it remains a classic protest anthem with relevance across different eras.
2. 25 Miles
“25 Miles” is a soulful and energetic song by Edwin Starr, released in 1969. The track exemplifies Starr’s dynamic vocal prowess and showcases his ability to infuse soul and funk into his music. It became one of his notable hits, demonstrating his versatility as a performer.
The lyrics of “25 Miles” tell the story of a man who is determined to walk 25 miles to reunite with his loved one. The driving beat and infectious rhythm of the song convey a sense of urgency and determination, creating an anthemic quality that resonated with audiences.
Edwin Starr’s commanding vocals, coupled with the horn-driven arrangement, contribute to the song’s infectious energy. The track’s success on the charts solidified Starr’s status as a prominent figure in the soul and R&B genres.
“25 Miles” remains a classic example of Edwin Starr’s ability to deliver soulful performances with a distinctive flair. The song’s enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in various compilations and retrospectives, ensuring that it continues to be celebrated as a standout moment in Starr’s illustrious career.
3. Stop the War Now
“Stop the War Now” is a protest song that gained prominence during the Vietnam War era. The version most often associated with this title is performed by Edwin Starr, the same artist behind the iconic anti-war anthem “War.” “Stop the War Now” was released in 1970 on Starr’s album of the same name.
The lyrics of the song reflect the prevalent anti-war sentiment of the time, calling for an end to the conflict and expressing the toll it takes on individuals and society. While “War” is more explicit in its condemnation of war, “Stop the War Now” continues in a similar vein, urging peace and an end to the violence.
Edwin Starr’s passionate and soulful vocal delivery, combined with the energetic musical arrangement, contributes to the song’s impact. The call-and-response style in the chorus adds to the urgency and rallying nature of the track.
Though “Stop the War Now” might not be as widely recognized as “War,” it remains a significant piece in the protest song genre, reflecting the social and political upheavals of its time. The song serves as a historical reminder of the role music played in expressing dissent and advocating for change during the Vietnam War era.
4. Agent Double-O-Soul
“Agent Double-O-Soul” is a soulful and lively song by Edwin Starr, released in 1965. It marked one of Starr’s early hits and showcased his dynamic vocal style, establishing him as a rising star in the Motown scene.
The title, “Agent Double-O-Soul,” suggests a spy theme, and the lyrics playfully weave espionage imagery into the narrative. Starr adopts a persona reminiscent of a secret agent, combining it with the excitement of a danceable, uptempo rhythm. The song’s infectious energy and catchy melody contributed to its popularity during the mid-1960s.
Edwin Starr’s charismatic delivery and the upbeat, horn-driven arrangement helped “Agent Double-O-Soul” become a hit on the charts, establishing him as a promising artist within the Motown label.
While Starr later achieved even greater fame with hits like “War” in the 1970s, “Agent Double-O-Soul” remains a notable part of his early catalog. Its blend of soulful vocals, lively instrumentation, and playful lyrics captures the spirit of the Motown sound during a pivotal era in the history of soul music.
5. Easin’ In
“Easin’ In” is a song by Edwin Starr, known for his contributions to the soul and funk genres. The track gained popularity as part of the soundtrack for the 1973 blaxploitation film “Hell Up in Harlem,” in which Starr also starred.
“Easin’ In” stands out for its funky and soulful sound, characteristic of the era’s soundtrack music. The song features a prominent bassline, rhythmic guitar riffs, and Starr’s smooth and dynamic vocals. The lyrics convey a sense of confidence and swagger, reflecting the mood of the film and the overall vibe of 1970s funk.
While Edwin Starr is perhaps best known for his powerful protest anthem “War,” “Easin’ In” showcases a different facet of his musical versatility. The song captures the funky and soulful sound prevalent in the blaxploitation film era and remains a notable addition to Starr’s body of work.
6. Oh, How Happy
“Oh, How Happy” is a soulful and upbeat song originally recorded by The Shades of Blue in 1966. The song was written by Edwin Starr, along with his collaborators Lawrence Horn and Ted Ellis. “Oh, How Happy” became the most successful single for The Shades of Blue and is considered a classic of the Motown era.
The song’s lyrics express joy and elation at being in love. The catchy chorus, where the lead vocalist exclaims “Oh, how happy you have made me,” contributes to the song’s infectious and celebratory feel. Edwin Starr’s songwriting prowess is evident in the uplifting and optimistic tone of the lyrics.
The Shades of Blue’s version of “Oh, How Happy” features a lively arrangement with prominent horns, providing a vibrant backdrop to the soulful vocals. The song’s success on the charts solidified its place as a memorable and enduring soul classic.
Edwin Starr’s career continued to flourish, and he later achieved international fame with hits like “War” in the 1970s. “Oh, How Happy” remains a testament to Starr’s early contributions to the Motown sound and his ability to craft soulful, feel-good tunes.
7. Headline News
Ric-Tic Records was a Detroit-based record label that operated during the 1960s. It was established in 1964 by Ed Wingate and produced a variety of soul and R&B recordings. Ric-Tic was known for its association with artists like Edwin Starr, who recorded some of his early hits for the label.
One of the most notable songs associated with Ric-Tic Records is “Agent Double-O-Soul” by Edwin Starr, released in 1965. Edwin Starr gained further recognition with his later hits, including “War,” which became a massive protest anthem during the Vietnam War era.
Ric-Tic Records played a role in the rich musical history of Detroit and contributed to the development of the Motown sound, although it wasn’t as commercially successful or enduring as some of its contemporaries. The label eventually faced financial challenges and was sold to Motown Records in 1968. The acquisition included several artists and recordings from Ric-Tic, consolidating Motown’s dominance in the Detroit music scene.
8. Contact
9. H.A.P.P.Y. Radio
“H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” is a disco-funk song performed by Edwin Starr, released in 1979. The acronym “H.A.P.P.Y.” stands for “Having A Positive Purpose Yearning,” reflecting the uplifting and positive theme of the song.
The track features a lively and infectious disco beat, characteristic of the late 1970s disco era. Edwin Starr’s soulful vocals and the energetic musical arrangement contribute to the feel-good atmosphere of the song. “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” encourages people to tune in to a positive and uplifting frequency, promoting joy and happiness.
While Edwin Starr is often associated with his powerful protest anthem “War,” “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” showcases a different musical side, aligning with the disco and funk influences of the late ’70s. The song enjoyed success on the disco charts and remains a lively and spirited addition to Starr’s discography.
10. Twenty-Five Miles
“Twenty-Five Miles” is a dynamic and energetic song by Edwin Starr, released in 1969. The track is a combination of soul, R&B, and funk, and it showcases Starr’s powerful and passionate vocal delivery.
The lyrics of “Twenty-Five Miles” tell the story of a man who is determined to travel a considerable distance to reunite with his loved one. The driving beat and upbeat tempo of the song contribute to its sense of urgency and determination.
Edwin Starr’s electrifying vocals, coupled with the energetic horn arrangements and rhythmic groove, made “Twenty-Five Miles” a standout hit. The song became one of Starr’s signature tracks, showcasing his ability to infuse soul music with a high level of intensity and excitement.
“Twenty-Five Miles” remains a classic in the soul and R&B genres, and it has been featured in various compilations and retrospectives celebrating the vibrant sound of Motown during the late 1960s. The song’s enduring popularity attests to its infectious energy and Edwin Starr’s prowess as a soulful performer.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
