Edwin Starr was an American soul and R&B singer-songwriter, best known for his powerful and energetic performances, particularly in the genre of Motown.
Starr was born Charles Edwin Hatcher on January 21, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee. He initially gained attention as a member of the vocal group The Future Tones in the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, it was his solo career that brought him international fame.
One of Starr’s most famous songs is “War,” released in 1970. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, “War” became an anthem of the anti-Vietnam War movement and a chart-topping hit. The song’s powerful message and Starr’s dynamic vocal delivery made it a classic of protest music.
Starr had other hits as well, including “25 Miles,” “Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.),” and “Agent Double-O-Soul.” He continued to record and perform throughout the 1970s and 1980s, achieving moderate success with various singles and albums.
Starr’s contributions to soul music earned him a place in the hearts of music fans worldwide. He passed away on April 2, 2003, but his music continues to be celebrated and appreciated by audiences around the world.
1. War
“War” is a powerful protest song originally recorded by The Temptations in 1969. However, it’s perhaps most famously associated with Edwin Starr, who released his rendition of the song in 1970.
Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, “War” became an anthem of the anti-Vietnam War movement and a rallying cry for social justice. The song’s lyrics denounce the horrors of war and call for peace, with the iconic refrain “War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!”
Edwin Starr’s version of “War” became a massive hit, topping the charts in the United States and several other countries. His dynamic vocal performance, coupled with the song’s driving rhythm and impassioned message, resonated with audiences and made it a classic of protest music.
“War” has since been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials. Its enduring popularity and timeless message continue to resonate with listeners, cementing its status as one of the most iconic and impactful songs of the 20th century.
2. Twenty-Five Miles
“Twenty-Five Miles” is a soul song recorded by Edwin Starr, released in 1969. It became one of Starr’s most successful singles, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a staple in the Northern Soul scene in the UK.
The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and energetic vocals helped propel it to commercial success. “Twenty-Five Miles” features a driving rhythm section, horn arrangements, and Starr’s powerful voice, creating a dynamic and memorable sound.
Lyrically, the song describes the protagonist’s determination to walk twenty-five miles to see his lover, expressing his devotion and longing for her. The infectious energy of the song, coupled with its theme of love and perseverance, made it a favorite among audiences and a classic of the soul genre.
“Twenty-Five Miles” has been covered by various artists over the years and remains a popular choice for dance floors and radio playlists. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the talent of Edwin Starr as a performer.
3. Stop the War Now
“Stop the War Now” is a protest song recorded by Edwin Starr, released in 1970. The song reflects the anti-war sentiment prevalent during the Vietnam War era and became one of Starr’s notable contributions to the peace movement.
In “Stop the War Now,” Starr passionately sings about the need to end the violence and suffering caused by war. The song’s powerful lyrics call for unity, peace, and an end to the conflict, resonating with audiences who opposed the war and sought to bring about change through activism and music.
Starr’s emotive vocals, combined with the song’s soulful groove and stirring horn arrangements, helped convey the urgency and importance of the message. “Stop the War Now” became a rallying cry for peace activists and a symbol of resistance against militarism and imperialism.
Though not as commercially successful as some of his other hits, “Stop the War Now” remains a poignant and relevant song, reminding listeners of the enduring human cost of war and the need for solidarity in the pursuit of peace.
4. Agent Double-O-Soul
“Agent Double-O-Soul” is a song by the American soul singer Edwin Starr, released in 1965. It was one of Starr’s early hits and helped establish him as a prominent figure in the soul music scene.
“Agent Double-O-Soul” is characterized by its infectious groove, catchy melody, and Starr’s charismatic vocals. The song features a spy-themed narrative, with Starr singing about his alter ego as a secret agent who is smooth, confident, and irresistible to women.
The song’s upbeat tempo and energetic performance made it a hit on the R&B charts, reaching the top ten. Its catchy refrain and memorable lyrics also contributed to its popularity among fans of soul and R&B music.
“Agent Double-O-Soul” has since become a classic of the genre and remains a favorite among fans of Edwin Starr’s music. Its playful lyrics and danceable rhythm continue to make it a staple on oldies radio stations and at parties and events.
5. S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight)
“S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight)” is a soul song originally recorded by Edwin Starr in 1966. It was written by William “Mickey” Stevenson, Ivy Jo Hunter, and Marvin Gaye.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is warning others about a woman who has caused heartbreak and trouble wherever she goes. He advises them to “stop her on sight” to prevent further harm.
Edwin Starr’s energetic and passionate vocal performance, coupled with the song’s catchy melody and driving rhythm, made “S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight)” a hit on the R&B charts. It remains one of Starr’s most popular songs and a classic of the soul genre.
Over the years, “S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight)” has been covered by various artists and has been featured in numerous compilations of Motown and soul music. Its infectious groove and memorable lyrics continue to captivate audiences and keep the song’s legacy alive.
6. Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On
“Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On” is a soul and funk song performed by Edwin Starr. It was released in 1971 as part of his album “Involved.”
The song features a catchy and upbeat rhythm, with Starr’s energetic vocals driving the track. The lyrics express the joy and excitement that funky music brings, with lines like “The bass and drums and the guitar rhythm / When I hear that funky music Sho’ nuff turns me on.”
“Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On” became a hit for Starr, particularly on the R&B charts, where it reached high positions. Its infectious groove and feel-good vibe made it a favorite among fans of soul and funk music.
Over the years, the song has been sampled and covered by various artists, further solidifying its status as a classic of the genre. Its upbeat tempo and infectious energy continue to make it a popular choice for parties, dancefloors, and radio playlists.
7. Contact
“Contact” is a song by Edwin Starr from his 1978 album “Clean.” It’s a disco and funk track that features a lively beat, funky bassline, and energetic vocals characteristic of the disco era.
In “Contact,” Starr sings about the electrifying connection between two people on the dance floor. The lyrics describe the intensity of the moment when they make eye contact and the music takes over, creating a powerful and irresistible urge to dance together.
The song was a moderate hit, particularly on the disco charts, and it remains a favorite among fans of disco and funk music. Its infectious groove and upbeat vibe capture the spirit of the disco era and continue to make it a popular choice for dance parties and retro playlists.
8. H.A.P.P.Y. Radio
“H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” is a song by Edwin Starr, released in 1979. The song is an upbeat disco track that exudes positivity and joy, with its infectious groove and catchy melody.
“H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” features Starr’s powerful vocals and a lively arrangement that incorporates elements of disco and funk. The song’s lyrics celebrate the power of music to uplift and unite people, urging listeners to tune in to the “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” and let the music brighten their spirits.
The song became a hit on the disco charts, reaching the top ten, and remains a favorite among fans of disco and dance music. Its upbeat energy and feel-good message have made it a timeless anthem of positivity and happiness.
9. Soul Master
“Soul Master” is an album by Edwin Starr, released in 1968. It was Starr’s second studio album and showcased his talents as a versatile soul singer with a powerful voice and charismatic stage presence.
The album features a mix of original songs and covers of popular soul and R&B tunes of the time. It includes tracks like “S.O.S. (Stop Her on Sight),” “I Am the Man for You Baby,” and “Way Over There,” which highlight Starr’s dynamic vocal range and emotive delivery.
“Soul Master” received positive reviews from critics and helped establish Starr as a rising star in the soul music scene. His energetic performances and soulful interpretations of classic songs endeared him to audiences and set the stage for his later success as a recording artist.
While “Soul Master” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of Starr’s later albums, it remains a noteworthy release in his discography and a testament to his talent as a soul master.
10. Headline News
“Headline News” is a song by Weird Al Yankovic, released in 1994 on his album “Off the Deep End.” It’s a parody of the Crash Test Dummies’ hit song “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm.”
In “Headline News,” Weird Al sings about various news stories and headlines that were prominent at the time. The song humorously covers a range of topics, including scandals, disasters, and bizarre events, all set to the melody of the original Crash Test Dummies song.
With his signature wit and satire, Weird Al provides humorous commentary on the news of the day, offering a lighthearted take on some of the more serious and absurd events that captured headlines in the early 1990s.
“Headline News” was well-received by fans and critics alike, and it remains a favorite among Weird Al’s extensive catalog of parody songs. Its clever lyrics and catchy melody make it a standout track on “Off the Deep End” and a memorable part of Weird Al’s musical legacy.
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.
