Edwin Starr was an American soul and R&B singer-songwriter, best known for his powerful and emotive vocal performances, particularly in the realm of protest and socially conscious music. Born Charles Edwin Hatcher on January 21, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee, Starr rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with a string of hits that made him one of the most prominent voices of his era.
Starr began his music career in the late 1950s, initially performing with vocal groups before pursuing a solo career. He signed with Motown Records in the 1960s and found success with singles like “Agent Double-O-Soul” and “Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.).” However, it was his 1970 hit “War” that catapulted him to international stardom.
“War,” originally written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, became an anthem of the anti-Vietnam War movement and earned Starr his first Grammy Award nomination. With its impassioned vocals and driving rhythm, the song remains one of Starr’s most iconic and enduring recordings.
In addition to “War,” Starr had other notable hits, including “Twenty-Five Miles,” “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio,” and “Contact.” His music often addressed themes of social justice, racial equality, and the human experience, earning him a reputation as a socially conscious artist.
Starr’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence made him a popular live performer, and he continued to tour and record music throughout his career. He remained active in the music industry until his passing on April 2, 2003, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest soul singers of his generation.
1. War
“War” is a powerful and iconic protest song recorded by Edwin Starr in 1970. The song was originally written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, and it addresses the horrors and futility of war, particularly in the context of the Vietnam War.
Starr’s impassioned vocal delivery, coupled with the song’s driving rhythm and urgent message, made “War” an instant classic and an anthem for the anti-war movement. The lyrics confront the devastating effects of war on humanity, decrying its violence, destruction, and senselessness. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “War, huh, yeah, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing,” has become one of the most memorable and powerful statements against war in popular music.
“War” became a massive hit, topping the charts in the United States and around the world. It earned Starr a Grammy Award nomination and solidified his status as one of the leading voices of protest and social consciousness in music.
Over the years, “War” has remained relevant and influential, resonating with audiences during times of conflict and strife. Its message of peace and its condemnation of violence continue to inspire listeners and reaffirm the importance of speaking out against injustice.
2. Twenty-Five Miles
“Twenty-Five Miles” is a soul song originally recorded by American singer Edwin Starr. It was released as a single in 1968 and later included on his album “25 Miles.”
The song is characterized by its energetic rhythm, catchy horn arrangements, and Starr’s powerful vocals. The lyrics describe the narrator’s determination to walk twenty-five miles to be reunited with their lover, expressing the intensity of their love and longing.
“Twenty-Five Miles” became one of Edwin Starr’s biggest hits, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a favorite among fans of soul music. Its infectious groove and upbeat melody have made it a classic of the genre, and it remains a popular choice for dance floors and radio playlists to this day.
3. Stop the War Now
“Stop the War Now” is a soul song by American singer Edwin Starr. It was released in 1970 as a single from his album “War & Peace.”
The song is a passionate plea for peace, with Starr’s powerful vocals conveying a sense of urgency and frustration about the ongoing conflict. The lyrics express a desire to end war and violence, calling for unity and understanding among people.
“Stop the War Now” was released during a tumultuous time in American history, with the Vietnam War causing widespread protests and social unrest. The song resonated with audiences who were advocating for an end to the war and became an anthem for the anti-war movement.
While “Stop the War Now” did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Starr’s other hits, it remains a powerful and relevant song with its message of peace and activism.
4. Agent Double-O-Soul
“Agent Double-O-Soul” is a classic soul song performed by Edwin Starr. Released in 1965, the song was written by Starr himself along with William “Mickey” Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter. It became one of Starr’s early hits and solidified his reputation as a rising star in the world of soul music.
In “Agent Double-O-Soul,” Starr assumes the persona of a suave secret agent, likening himself to the fictional character James Bond. The song’s lyrics playfully describe the protagonist’s cool demeanor, charm, and ability to captivate others with his smooth moves and irresistible charisma.
With its catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and spirited vocal delivery, “Agent Double-O-Soul” quickly became a favorite among fans of soul and R&B music. It exemplifies the upbeat and danceable sound that characterized much of Starr’s early work and helped to establish him as a dynamic performer with a knack for delivering soulful, groove-laden tunes.
“Agent Double-O-Soul” remains a beloved classic in the realm of soul music, cherished for its infectious energy and playful lyrics. It continues to be a standout track in Edwin Starr’s discography, showcasing his talent and versatility as a vocalist and performer.
5. S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight)
“S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight)” is a soul song by American singer Edwin Starr. It was released in 1966 as a single from his album “Soul Master.”
The song is an upbeat and energetic track with a catchy rhythm and horn-driven arrangement. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is warning other men to be cautious of a woman who has wronged him, urging them to stop her on sight before she can cause more trouble.
“S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight)” became one of Edwin Starr’s signature songs and a hit on the R&B charts, reaching the top 10. Its infectious groove and memorable chorus made it a favorite among fans of soul music, and it remains a classic of the genre.
6. Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On
“Funky Music Sho’ Nuff Turns Me On” is a funk and soul song performed by Edwin Starr, released in 1971. The song was written by Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield, and Edwin Starr himself, and it became one of Starr’s notable hits.
In “Funky Music Sho’ Nuff Turns Me On,” Starr celebrates the power of funk music to uplift and energize, expressing his joy and excitement for the infectious rhythms and grooves that define the genre. The song’s lyrics describe the irresistible allure of funky music and its ability to bring people together on the dance floor, transcending boundaries and inhibitions.
With its catchy chorus, driving beat, and spirited vocal performance by Starr, “Funky Music Sho’ Nuff Turns Me On” became a popular dance anthem and a staple of funk and soul playlists. The song’s upbeat and infectious vibe encapsulates the essence of the funk genre, with its emphasis on rhythm, groove, and feel-good energy.
“Funky Music Sho’ Nuff Turns Me On” remains a beloved classic in the catalog of Edwin Starr, showcasing his dynamic vocal talent and his ability to deliver electrifying performances that get audiences moving and grooving.
7. Contact
“Contact” is a funk and soul song recorded by Edwin Starr in 1978. It was written by Edwin Starr, Angelo Bond, and Greg Perry. The song features a lively and infectious groove, typical of the disco era, and showcases Starr’s powerful vocals and energetic performance style.
In “Contact,” Starr sings about the electrifying connection and chemistry between two people on the dance floor. The lyrics describe the excitement and intensity of the moment as they move and groove together, with Starr urging his dance partner to “make contact” and feel the music pulsating through their bodies.
With its funky bassline, catchy chorus, and high-energy production, “Contact” became a hit on the disco and R&B charts, solidifying Starr’s reputation as a dynamic performer in the genre. The song’s infectious rhythm and irresistible beat made it a favorite among dancers and club-goers, and it remains a classic of the disco era.
“Contact” showcases Starr’s versatility as an artist and his ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining his signature soulful sound. It continues to be a popular and enduring dance anthem, beloved by fans of funk, soul, and disco music alike.
8. H.A.P.P.Y. Radio
“H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” is a disco and soul song performed by American singer Edwin Starr. It was released in 1979 as a single from his album “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio.”
The song features an upbeat tempo, funky bassline, and catchy melody characteristic of disco music from that era. The lyrics celebrate the power of music to uplift and bring joy to people’s lives, with Starr singing about the happiness and positive energy found on the airwaves of his imaginary radio station, H.A.P.P.Y. Radio.
“H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of Edwin Starr’s most well-known songs. Its infectious groove and feel-good lyrics made it a favorite on dance floors and radio stations during the height of the disco era.
9. Soul Master
“Soul Master” is the title track from Edwin Starr’s 1968 album of the same name. The song showcases Starr’s commanding vocal style and exemplifies the soulful sound that he became known for during his career.
In “Soul Master,” Starr asserts his prowess as a performer and declares his devotion to soul music. The lyrics celebrate the power and passion of soul music, describing it as a force that uplifts and inspires both the artist and the listener.
With its infectious rhythm, energetic horn section, and spirited vocal delivery, “Soul Master” captures the essence of Starr’s dynamic style and his ability to infuse every performance with soulful intensity. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a standout track on the album and a favorite among fans of classic soul music.
“Soul Master” highlights Starr’s talent as a vocalist and his deep connection to the music that he performed. It remains a beloved classic in his catalog, showcasing his contributions to the soul genre and his enduring legacy as a soul master in his own right.
10. Headline News
“Headline News” is a song by American singer Edwin Starr. It was released in 1986 as a single from his album of the same name.
The song is a soulful and socially conscious track that addresses various issues and events making headlines at the time. Starr sings about topics such as war, poverty, and political corruption, highlighting the importance of staying informed and engaged with current events.
“Headline News” showcases Starr’s powerful vocals and impassioned delivery, as well as his knack for addressing important social issues through his music.
While “Headline News” did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Starr’s earlier hits, it remains a compelling and relevant song with its message about the importance of paying attention to the world around us.