Edwin Starr

Edwin Starr on vinyl: soul with power and conviction

In short: Edwin Starr (1942–2003) was regarded as one of the most powerful voices at Motown. He became famous in 1970 with “War”, a protest song against the Vietnam War that reached number one in the US. Before that he had a hit with “25 Miles”; later he moved to England, where he was very popular on the Northern Soul scene. The Vinyl Room currently has 8 Edwin Starr records.

What makes Edwin Starr special?

Starr sang with raw energy and plenty of drive – ideal for Motown’s driving productions. The albums “25 Miles” (1969) and “Involved” (1971) came out on the Motown label Gordy.

In the seventies he carried on with soul and disco: “Free To Be Myself”, “Afternoon Sunshine” and “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” (1979), a cheerful disco hit.

From our stock

First pressings

Records by Edwin Starr

→ Gordy · Motown · 20th Century Fox Records · Soul

FAQ

What is Edwin Starr’s best-known song? “War” from 1970, a protest song against the Vietnam War and a US number one.

Which Motown label was he on? Gordy, a label of the Motown family.

What does Edwin Starr have to do with Northern Soul? He later lived in England and was very popular there on the Northern Soul scene.

Which records do you have? Mostly editions from the seventies – 8 records in all.