Messin Up A Good Thing by John Edwards

Once an extremely popular regional attraction, John Edwards moved from to the big time when he joined the Spinners. Born in St. Louis, Edwards began singing in men's clubs while stationed in Germany during his Army days. When he was discharged, Edwards came to Columbus, GA. He appeared once with Wilson Pickett and then did several dates in Chicago, where he met Curtis Mayfield in 1968. Mayfield got Edwards a session at Weis Records and Jo Armstead produced "If I Don't Lose My Head" in 1969. Armstead produced other singles for Weis and Twin Stacks before Edwards moved to Bell in 1972. Floyd Smith co-wrote and produced "The Look on Your Face," after which Edwards moved again to Aware, in 1973. Smith produced his LP John Edwards, and "Messing up a Good Thing" generated some attention. But it was "Careful Man" in 1974 that got Edwards his first and only hit as a single act; it reached number eight. When Aware folded, Edwards did a few dates with The Spinners in 1973, but continued his solo career with Cotillion. His 1976 LP Life Love and Living contained some excellent deep soul tunes, particularly "Baby, Hold on to Me," but didn't get much attention. Edwards joined The Spinners full-time in 1977 and remains with them currently. "Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl" and "Cupid/I've Loved You for a Long Time" in 1980 are the biggest Spinners hits featuring Edwards to date.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• John Edwards
• soul
• classic soul
• R&B classic
• Spinners
• balladeer

[jcstrings21]

Used to play with him in the 70's. Sure would love to get in touch

[hollidayevery]

I had heard John wasn't singing with the Spinners for medical reasons, but had not heard the details. He has (I will say that affirmatively, not past tense)...that last note on Cupid....WHEW! Too bad he did not totally get his due, but I tell you, the hits that he sang on were AMAZING!!

[spinner1a]

Most of what was written about John for this video is incorrect. John's not with the Spinners anymore, and hasn't been since 2002 when he had his second stroke. He's not in FL anymore either, but he's doing fine. He did get onstage with The Spinners in November for one or two songs...the people who knew his story had tears in their eyes!

[calwaite]

@kokowakanou The info with this video is incorrect...John had a serious stroke in 2000 and hasn't sung with the group since. It's heartbreaking -- he had the best voice I've ever heard live, and was the most dynamic and fabulous lead singer I ever saw, so much charisma and stage presence, just stunning. He has been rehabbing in Florida where he lives. Heard a radio interview with him about 5 years ago, and he talked ok but couldn't sing at all...so sad. He was the greatest, and that voice!

[kokowakanou]

John is a wonderful singer.

His voice is loved.

What where is John doing now?

[OrgenaII]

truly one of soul music great voices. heard he's been sick the last few yrs.