Edwin Starr
Edwin Starr, born Charles Edwin Hatcher on January 21, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee, was an influential American soul singer and songwriter. He emerged as a significant figure in the music scene, particularly recognized for his work with Motown Records during the 1970s, where he gained fame for his powerful, emotive style reminiscent of James Brown's energetic performances.
Starr's career began in the mid-1950s when he formed his first band, The Future Tones, and started recording in the early 1960s with Ric-Tic Records, an independent label that was later acquired by Motown. His transition to Motown marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he collaborated with notable producer Norman Whitfield, which led to the creation of some of his most memorable hits, including "War," known for its anti-war message that resonated during the Vietnam War era.
He found new success in the late 1970s with disco hits like "Contact" and "H.A.P.P.Y. Radio", and remained popular in the UK, recording for labels like Motorcity and working with dance music producers.
Throughout his career, Edwin Starr was known for his energetic performances and had a robust presence on the dance floor, significantly contributing to the soul genre. Despite facing challenges in the music industry, he remained a beloved figure, celebrated not only for his artistic contributions but also for his positive personality.
Edwin Starr passed away on April 2, 2003, but his legacy continues to influence soul music and inspire new generations of artists.
25 Miles
Written-By – E. Starr, H. Fuqua, J. Bristol
2:59
A2 I'm Still A Struggling Man
Written-By – D. McNeil, J. Bristol
2:25
A3 Backyard Lovin' Man
Written-By – D. Dean, D. Richards
2:28
A4 He Who Picks A Rose
Written-By – E. Smiley, E. Holland, N. Whitfield
2:28
A5 Soul City (Open Your Arms To Me)
Written-By – Richard Morris (2)
2:39
A6 You Beat Me To The Punch
Written-By – R. White, Wm. Robinson
2:31
B1 Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong
2:48
B2 Pretty Little Angel
Written-By – C. Paul, M. Valvano, S. Wonder
2:15
B3 If My Heart Could Tell The Story
Written-By – J. Dean, Wm. Weatherspoon
2:28
B4 Who Cares If You're Happy Or Not (I Do)
Written-By – J. Holland, J. Dean, Wm. Weatherspoon
2:46
B5 24 Hours (To Find My Baby)
Written-By – Edwin Starr
2:40
B6 Mighty Good Lovin'
Written-By – William Robinson
2:44
Label: Gordy – GS940
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
25 Miles is the second studio album by American soul singer Edwin Starr, released in April 1969 on Motown's Gordy label. It served as his first major project after Motown acquired his previous label, Ric-Tic Records.
The album is a quintessential late-1960s soul and R&B record, characterized by driving rhythms, funky instrumentation, and Starr's powerhouse vocals. The record is noted as one of Starr's best vocal showcases, ranging from rough-hewn passion to tender vulnerability and even soaring falsetto.
While Johnny Bristol and Harvey Fuqua produced the title track, the album also features production by the legendary Norman Whitfield, who would later produce Starr's massive hit "War".
The album's success was largely driven by the title single, "Twenty-Five Miles," which reached #6 on both the U.S. Pop and R&B charts in early 1969. The song depicts a man walking 25 miles to reunite with his woman, with the iconic "stomping" sound in the intro created by actual footsteps on a wooden board in the studio. Originally credited to Starr, Bristol, and Fuqua, songwriting credits were later shared with Bert Berns and Jerry Wexler due to similarities to their song "32 Miles out of Waycross".
25 Miles is generally praised as a high-energy "underrated" gem in the Motown catalog, often noting its "funky fabulous" sound that extends beyond the hit title track.
Clean
4:32
A2 Jealous
4:05
A3 Contact
7:21
B1 Storm Clouds On The Way
4:23
B2 Don't Waste Your Time
4:01
B3 Music Brings Out The Beast In Me
4:28
B4 Working Song
7:38
Label: 20th Century Fox Records – T-559
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Released in 1978 on 20th Century Records, Edwin Starr’s Clean is a critically acclaimed, high-energy transition into disco-soul that marked his biggest success post-Motown. Produced by Starr and Lamont Dozier, the album blends powerful, gritty vocals with danceable beats, featuring the hit "Contact" and the soulful "Jealous".
The album successfully merges funk, R&B, and disco, featuring a mix of upbeat dance numbers and emotional ballads.
The top-10 UK disco anthem "Contact" and the upbeat "I'm So Into You" are standout tracks, along with the ballad "Jealous" and "Working Song".
Starr’s "gruff deep baritone" remains highly expressive throughout, proving his versatility as both a soul shouter and a disco vocalist.
The album is noted for its polished, high-energy 70s sound, with contributions from legendary producer Lamont Dozier.
Clean is considered a "must-have" for soul and disco fans, often lauded for its well-rounded, polished, and dance-heavy approach, particularly in its remastered editions. It was Starr's most successful commercial release since his Motown era, peaking at #22 on the US R&B charts.