Edwin Starr (born Charles Edwin Hatcher, 1942–2003) was an American soul and R&B singer best known for his powerful, gritty voice and energetic performances. He started in the 1950s with doo-wop groups before signing with Motown in the late 1960s, where he scored several hits. Though he had success with tracks like “Agent Double-O-Soul,” his career-defining moment came with the 1970 single “War.”
War
“War” is a hard-hitting anti-war protest song written by Motown producers Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. Originally recorded by The Temptations in a more subdued style, Starr’s version transformed it into a raw, anthemic funk-soul track driven by urgent horns, driving rhythm, and his fierce vocal delivery. Released during the height of the Vietnam War, it became a massive commercial and cultural hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and resonating as a straightforward, no-nonsense statement against conflict.
- Signature lyric: “War… what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!”
- Chart success: Reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970 and remains one of Motown’s most enduring protest anthems.
- Legacy: Frequently covered, sampled, and used in films, commercials, and political contexts; Starr’s version is widely regarded as the definitive recording.
Keep on Jammin’.