Legendary R&B soul singer John Edwards, The Spinners’ last remaining founding member, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 80. The group’s social media accounts announced his death.
Edwards had been in declining health since a serious stroke in 2000 forced him into retirement. He joined The Spinners in 1977 at age 33, succeeding former lead singer Philippé Wynne. During his time with the group, Edwards’ strong, multi-octave tenor voice contributed to The Spinners’ ongoing success.
Born on December 25, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, Edwards was raised in a musical environment and began his singing career while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. After returning to the United States in the 1970s, he recorded several singles, including “Careful Man,” which became a top 10 R&B hit in 1974.
Edwards’ association with The Spinners began with occasional performances before officially joining as their lead vocalist in 1977. This period was challenging, as the group had recently parted ways with producer Thom Bell and was facing difficulties in maintaining relevance during the disco era.
Edwards’ arrival eventually led to renewed success for The Spinners. Collaborating with producer Michael Zager, the group achieved hits such as “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 reached number 4 on both U.S. and U.K. pop charts.
Edwards’ unique tenor voice brought new energy to The Spinners. Unlike his predecessor’s conversational style, Edwards’ voice was described as having a tiger-like approach, “devouring songs with a huge voice and multi-octave range,” according to reports. His dynamic vocal abilities helped maintain the group’s popularity as one of the world’s most beloved R&B vocal groups.
During Edwards’ time with The Spinners, they continued to record with Atlantic Records throughout the 1980s, collaborating with various producers, though they did not reach the commercial success of their earlier hits. By the 1990s, the group primarily toured the oldies circuit, where Edwards’ powerful voice remained a key feature of their live performances.
In 2000, Edwards’ performing career ended abruptly after he suffered a stroke during heart surgery. This health crisis rendered him unable to continue with the group, leading to his retirement after more than two decades.
Despite his health challenges, Edwards occasionally appeared with his former group members at special events. In 2023, Edwards attended The Spinners’ induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, acknowledging the group’s significant contributions to American music over nearly seven decades.
Edwards and Henry Fambrough were the last surviving members of The Spinners from their hitmaking era. Fambrough passed away in February 2024 at age 85, leaving Edwards as the final living link to the group’s most successful period.
Throughout their career, The Spinners achieved significant milestones, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976, induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999, and their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame entry 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” solidified their place in R&B history.
Edwards’ passing marks the end of an era for The Spinners and classic R&B music. In their tribute, the group acknowledged his lasting impact: “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, although no original members remain following Edwards’ death.
