Legendary R&B soul singer John Edwards, the last founding member of the vocal group The Spinners, died on Sunday, May 11, at the age of 80. The singer’s death was announced via the group’s social media accounts.
Edwards, who had been in poor health since suffering a debilitating stroke in 2000 that forced his retirement from performing, joined The Spinners in 1977 at age 33, replacing the group’s former lead vocalist Philippé Wynne. During his more than two-decade tenure with the group, Edwards led The Spinners to continued success with his powerful, multi-octave tenor voice.
Born on Christmas Day in 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri, Edwards grew up surrounded by music and began his singing career while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. Upon returning to the United States in the 1970s, Edwards recorded a string of singles, including “Careful Man,” which became a top 10 R&B hit in 1974.
Edwards’ association with The Spinners began when he performed occasional shows with the group before officially joining as their lead singer in 1977. The timing was challenging, as The Spinners had recently parted ways with their signature producer Thom Bell and were struggling to maintain relevance amid the disco era.
Despite these challenges, Edwards’ arrival ultimately helped The Spinners achieve renewed success. Under his leadership, the group collaborated with producer Michael Zager and scored major hits including “Working My Way Back to You,” which reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980, and a remake of Sam Cooke’s “Cupid,” which hit number 4 on both the U.S. and U.K. pop charts.
Edwards’ distinctive tenor voice brought a new energy to The Spinners. While his predecessor had a more conversational, storytelling style, Edwards possessed what many described as a tiger-like approach, “devouring songs with a huge voice and multi-octave range.” His dynamic vocal performances helped The Spinners maintain their position as one of the most beloved R&B vocal groups in the world.
During Edwards’ tenure, The Spinners continued recording for Atlantic Records throughout the 1980s, working with multiple producers, though never again reaching the commercial heights of their early hits. By the 1990s, the group primarily toured the oldies circuit, where Edwards’ powerful vocals remained a highlight of their live performances.
In 2000, Edwards’ performing career came to an abrupt end when he suffered a stroke while in the hospital for heart surgery. The health crisis left him unable to continue as a member of the group, forcing his retirement after more than two decades with them.
Despite his physical limitations, Edwards occasionally appeared with his former group mates at special events. In 2023, Edwards attended The Spinners’ long-awaited induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, an honor that recognized the group’s significant contributions to American music over nearly seven decades.
Only Edwards and Henry Fambrough had remained as the last two surviving members of The Spinners from their hitmaking era. Fambrough passed away in February 2024 at age 85, making Edwards the final living connection to the group’s most successful period.
Throughout their career, The Spinners achieved remarkable success, earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976, induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999, and finally entering the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. Their smooth harmonies and soulful performances on hits like “I’ll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” and “The Rubberband Man” established them as one of the most influential vocal groups in R&B history.
Edwards’ death marks the end of an era for The Spinners and for classic R&B music. In their tribute, the group acknowledged his enduring importance: “John Edwards is an integral part of the Spinners’ legacy, and we will continue to celebrate his contributions to this mighty legacy.”
The current touring version of The Spinners continues to perform, keeping the group’s music alive for new generations of fans, though no original members remain following Edwards’ death.
