Edwin Starr

This documentary of soul singer Edwin Starr starts off with the man himself talking about the Northern soul phenomenon, of which he is so much a part. It is just one of the many treats in this one-hour-and-48-minute documentary on Starr's life and music. "War" was such a monster hit in the U.S. in the summer of 1970 that it seemed to linger at number one a lot longer than the three weeks credited it, but The Edwin Starr Story gives the viewer a more complete look at his extraordinary career and reinforces Starr's importance in the soul music firmament. This is a very loving documentary with enthusiastic praise and commentary from brother and bandleader Angelo Starr, manager Lillian Kyle, record producer Ian Levine, and others. Soul DJ Simon White notes that the popularity of the old Temptations song "War" in America was far removed from the world of Northern soul and disco, which proves Starr was able to rise above the controversial nature of the tune, the very thing that kept the Temptations from releasing it as a 45. The compelling chatter in between live performance clips and the MTV-style videos make this an informative and fun look back at an important -- and in some cases still underrated -- recording artist. His semi a cappella "Let's Stay Together" is a dimension away from Tina Turner's take on the Al Green classic, bringing audience participation in with the bongos. But it's the overview of his own classics that reminds the world that Edwin Starr had more influence in both America and Europe than he's ever been given credit for. Just as his cousin Bobby Hebb is revered in the U.K. for songs like "Love Love Love" and the Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff 45 "You Want to Change Me," Starr's repertoire and dance-oriented R&B were embraced wholeheartedly in Europe for all the right reasons. Along with being a solid look at the man's career, this DVD gives objective and valuable insight into the Northern soul movement, and though there are no frills or bonus tracks, The Edwin Starr Story is as entertaining as it is informative. ~ Joe Viglione, All Music Guide