How does War by Edwin Starr relate to the Vietnam War?

Songfacts®: In 1968, Motown bought Ric-Tic, which gave Starr access to their writers and producers. This is a protest song about the Vietnam War, although it makes a broader statement of the need for harmony in our everyday lives. “War” was one of the first Motown songs to make a political statement.

Did Edwin Starr go to War?

Last year, Starr performed at the wedding of Liza Minnelli and David Gest in New York. Born Charles Hatcher in Nashville, Tenn., he moved with his family to Cleveland when he was 3. He formed his first group, the Future Tones, in 1957, recording one single before he was drafted into the Army for three years of service.

What was Edwin Starr’s biggest hit?

War
Edwin Starr (born Charles Edwin Hatcher; January 21, 1942 – April 2, 2003) was an American singer and songwriter. Starr was famous for his Norman Whitfield-produced Motown singles of the 1970s, most notably the number-one hit “War”….Singles.

Year 1969
Single “Twenty-Five Miles”
Chart positions US Pop 6
US R&B 6
AUS

What is the theme of War by Edwin Starr?

The theme of this song is “Absolutely nothing”. The main idea is Anti – Vietnam War. Edwin Starr asked what is it good for? The answer is absolutely nothing.

How popular was Edwin Starr’s War?

Starr’s version of “War” was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970, and is not only the most successful and well-known record of his career, but it is also one of the most popular protest songs ever recorded.

Who wrote the song War by Edwin Starr?

Barrett Strong
Norman Whitfield
War/Composers

How successful was Edwin Starr’s War?

Is Edwin Starr alive?

Deceased (1942–2003)
Edwin Starr/Living or Deceased

Is Edwin Starr still living?

Is Edwin Starr northern soul?

Starr remained a hero on England’s Northern Soul circuit and continued living in England for the remainder of his life. “Time” by Edwin Starr is April’s First Best Northern Soul Music Monday Song. I hope you enjoyed one of my Favorite Northern Soul Songs, and that you turned it up Loud.

How popular was Edwin Starr’s war?

When did the song War by Edwin Starr come out?

War (What is it good for?) was an anti-Vietnam War protest song, written by Norman Whitfield and recorded by Whitfield and the Temptations in 1969. It was re-recorded by Motown soul singer Edwin Starr and released as a single in 1970.

What did Edwin Starr say about the Vietnam War?

In the wake of this success Starr used his growing profile to criticise American foreign policy in general and the Vietnam War in particular. Whitfield’s lyrics speak of the dishonest futility of war, calling it “the enemy of all mankind” and a “friend only to the undertaker”.

Why was Woodstock important during the Vietnam War?

In essence, the song is perhaps the simplest anthem of the late 1960s, appealing to everyone affected by the war. In addition, the August 1969 Woodstock Music festival is arguably the most influential musical event that spread the message of peace towards the close of the decade.

What did Bob Dylan sing about the Vietnam War?

Written in 1963, just before the public began to disapprove of America’s involvement in Vietnam, the song features a simple melody played by Dylan’s acoustic guitar and harmonica. The lines “There’s a battle outside/and it’s ragin’/it’ll soon shake your windows/rattle your walls” are an obvious reference to the Vietnam War.