Edwin Starr

Edwin Starr

With the song "War" from 1970, Starr became a fixture in the soul and funk scene. By the late 1960s, he was already present in the US R&B scene through his collaboration with Motown and hits such as "Twenty Five Miles". His repertoire includes both danceable disco productions and socially conscious soul tracks.

Edwin Starr – Sound & Production Style

Starr’s music is characterised by a powerful, gritty voice, driving brass arrangements, and clear influences from Detroit soul. Most of his classic recordings were produced by Motown Records, often featuring rhythmically accented basslines and orchestral instrumentation. In the late 1970s, he moved towards disco, with electronic elements and longer mixes, as found on maxi-singles, becoming more common.

Edwin Starr on vinyl – the key releases

For collectors and genre enthusiasts, several key titles are available: The single Twenty five miles (7'' Vinyl) documents Starr’s soul phase at the end of the 1960s. With Contact/ H.A.P.P.Y. radio 12" Disco Vinyl (12'' Vinyl Maxi), there is a typical production from his late disco phase in the 12'' format. Another pressing of Twenty-five miles (7'' Vinyl) offers an alternative collector’s version of this classic.

If you are interested in soul and disco hybrid productions from the Motown environment, you will find relevant releases from various creative phases of Edwin Starr here.

• Genre: Soul, Funk, Disco
• Origin: USA
• Active: 1960s to 1980s
• Notable: Motown artist with a focus on socially conscious themes and danceable productions