Edwin Starr

Date of Birth: January 21, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: April 2, 2003

Biography

Edwin Starr, born Charles Edwin Hatcher, was an American musician, singer, and songwriter best known for his Motown hits, particularly the anti-Vietnam War anthem “War.” Starr was born on January 21, 1942, in Nashville, Tennessee, but grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. His music career began in the late 1950s when he founded the vocal group The Future Tones. Starr’s breakthrough came when he signed with Ric-Tic Records in the 1960s, and he found early success with the hit single “Agent Double-O-Soul.” His career soared after joining the Motown label, where he released several successful singles. “War,” released in 1970, became his most iconic song, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming an anthem for the anti-war movement. Throughout his career, Starr was known for his powerful voice and energetic performances. He continued to perform and record music into the 1980s and 1990s, even as musical trends changed. Starr moved to the United Kingdom in the 1980s, where he enjoyed sustained popularity and continued to perform until his death on April 2, 2003.

5 Interesting Facts about Edwin Starr

1. Edwin Starr’s song “War” won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male in 1971.

2. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in the early 1960s, where he served for three years, an experience that influenced his later music.

3. Starr’s music has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, solidifying his legacy in pop culture.

4. He moved to England in the 1980s, where he remained a popular live performer until his death.

5. Edwin Starr was posthumously inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2006.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edwin Starr

1. “War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!”

2. “Music is my life and my life is music.”

3. “I try to bring a message to the music, one that can uplift and inspire.”

4. “The power of music can change the world, one song at a time.”

5. “People need to stand up for what they believe in, and music can be a powerful voice for change.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Edwin Starr’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Edwin Starr had several children, although specific details about them are not widely publicized. He is survived by his son, Edwin Starr Jr., who has also pursued a music career.