John Edwards
John Edwards was an American soul singer born on December 25, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri. He began his musical journey early, influenced by gospel music, and started singing in clubs while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. This experience laid the groundwork for his later career in the music industry.
After his discharge from the army, Edwards returned to the United States and continued to pursue music. He initially achieved moderate success as a solo artist, notably scoring a hit with his song "Careful Man." However, his most prominent role came in 1977 when he became the lead singer of the renowned vocal group The Spinners. He remained with the group until 2000, during which time they enjoyed significant commercial success and were recognized for their smooth harmonies and soulful sound.
Throughout the 1970s to the 1990s, Edwards contributed to various recordings and performances that solidified The Spinners' status in the R&B genre. His tenure with the group helped shape the sound of soul music during that era.
John Edwards passed away on May 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as a talented soul singer who made significant contributions to the genre and influenced many artists after him.
Life, Love And Living
Written-By – C. Donida, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Mogol
3:29
A2 Honey, I Don't Mind
Written-By – Randy Cone
3:11
A3 Forced To Fight (This Losing Battle)
Written-By – D. Porter, R. Williams
3:07
A4 The Key To My Life
Written By – John G. Williams
Written-By – Joe Shamwell
4:02
A5 Thats, That
Written-By – D. Porter, R. Williams
3:24
A6 Sister Rose 3:00
B1 You, Trouble And Me
Written-By – Chuck Brooks, James Banks
6:19
B2 (You've Got) My Mind Working Overtime
Written-By – D. Porter, R. Williams
4:44
B3 Baby, Hold On To Me
Written-By – D. Porter, R. Williams
4:53
B4 Nobody, But You
Written-By – Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil
4:07
Label: Cotillion – SD 9909
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country:US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Southern Soul
John Edwards' second solo album, Life, Love And Living (1976), is widely regarded as a stellar example of mid-70s southern soul and a key bridge between different soul scenes of the era. Released on Cotillion Records and produced by David Porter, the album features Edwards' remarkable vocal range shortly before he joined The Spinners as their lead singer.
Reviewers frequently highlight Edwards' "top-notch" vocals, noting a Sam Cooke-influenced tone blended with powerful falsetto and gritty musical screams. Critics describe him as a "singer's singer" with a voice that has grown even more appreciated over time.
The album was recorded across three iconic southern studios—Malaco, Muscle Shoals, and Ardent. It is noted for a "unique vibe" that includes slight tropical touches and a "deep soul component" reminiscent of artists like Al Green or Sam Dees but with a tighter, more modern approach.
The LP is uniquely divided into two conceptual halves:- ide A ("The Meat Side"): Features more direct, harder-hitting tracks; Side B ("The Sweet Side"): Focuses on deeper ballads and smoother arrangements.
The album produced two charted R&B singles: "Baby, Hold On To Me" – A pleading, standout performance, and "Nobody, But You" – A deep soul track that achieved chart success in 1977. Other Notable Tracks: "You, Trouble, & Me," "The Key To My Life," "That's That," and a soul-infused cover of "(I) Who Have Nothing".
The album maintains a steady reputation among soul collectors, with average ratings typically around 3.8 out of 5 stars on enthusiast platforms like Discogs. While it was unissued on CD for many years, it was later re-released by Kent Records, which fans consider an "essential buy" for 70s soul enthusiasts.