Died On This Date (April 2, 2003) Edwin Starr / Soul Great
Edwin Starr (Born Charles Hatcher)
January 31, 1942 – April 2, 2003
Edwin Starr gave the world “War,” the incomparable anti-Vietnam War protest song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. It was reportedly recorded in just one take. The song was an anthem for the anti-war movement of the ’60s and was later resurrected to serve the same purpose by Bruce Springsteen. Edwin Starr died of a heart attack at the age of 61.