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Edwin
was one of the true greats of soul music. Born
in Nashville USA his whole life was about music.
I wonder if when Charles Hatcher adopted the name
Edwin Starr to launch his solo career, he had
any idea how big a star he would become.
His
powerful voice helped him in the early days when
PA systems were very poor. He said, "You
had to sing loud otherwise know one would hear
you".
His
early hits Agent, OO Soul, Headline News, 25 miles
and Stop Her On Sight, made him a firm favourite
with us young Cali goers of the early 70's. His
protest song war was a worldwide hit and summed
up the feeling of the 70s youth. I can still remember
the way he would split the ballroom in two halves
for us to accompany him with this anthem.
Edwin
always had his finger on the pulse of the music
scene and in the latter part of the 70's had two
classic hits Contact and Happy Radio. He continued
to record, appear on TV and perform a grueling
schedule of live shows despite bad health in later
years.
The
first Cali-r to have a live act was in February
1998 and featured Edwin. The tour bus arrived
at the Queensway hall and the band got off and
left Edwin sound asleep on the back-seat.
He woke up an hour later said "hello"
and straight away wanted to talk about the event.
Nothing you asked him do was to much trouble and
he had a way of making everyone working with him
feel relaxed.
He
briefed his band as to the style of show needed
and after that his only requests were for the
audience to enjoy themselves and if possible,
a large helping of Kentucky Fried Chicken, which
he loved. The Queensway Hall was sold out and
Edwin gave everybody a night to remember.
When
the Cali-r switched from The Queensway Hall to
The Leisure Centre I needed a special show to
convince people it would work there. Edwin accepted
the invitation and once again gave an explosive
performance. After the show he joked while being
interviewed by Times journalist Dennis O'Donoghue,
about diabetes never effecting his performance.
He then made his way into the bar to talk to the
people who had come to see him.
As
a performer Edwin Starr was one of the best. On
the occasions my wife Jacqui and I met Edwin,
he could only be described as a kind gentle man
who loved his audience, and appreciated everything
they had done for him.
Edwin
will shine in our hearts forever.
Sid
Hudson
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Seen here with Jaqui
and Sid |
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