John Edwards, Lead Singer of R&B Band The Spinners, Dead at 80

John Edwards was the lead singer of the infamous R&B group, The Spinners, from 1977 to 2000. Tragically, the lead singer passed away on May 11, 2025, at 80 years old. Prior to his passing, Edwards helped The Spinners create hits such as “Working My Way Back to You” and “Cupid/I’ve Loved You For A Long Time.” Furthermore, the group created music for Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs and Twins, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.

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John Edwards’ contributions to The Spinners also helped the group secure a Grammy nomination for their single, “Cupid/I’ve Loved You For A Long Time.” Additionally, Edwards and the group received an induction Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999.

Edwards’ career with The Spinners concluded after he suffered a stroke in 2002, as he was forced to retire. Before his death, Edwards was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

The Spinners Confirm the Death of Beloved Band Member John Edwards

In light of his passing, The Spinners took to Facebook to officially announce the passing of John Edwards. The post didn’t cite the specific cause of death. Although, according to Edwards’ online obituary, his health had been declining following his stroke.

The Spinners wrote in their post, “We will have much more on this in the coming days. But as it stands, we mourn the loss of John Edwards—who bore the weight of the world on his young shoulders when he joined the Spinners in the wake of Philippé Wynne’s departure.”

“He proved more than capable of bearing the burden, ensuring that the excellence that fans came to associate with the Spinners would continue uninterrupted.” “John Edwards is an integral part of the Spinners’ legacy, and we will continue to celebrate his contributions to this mighty legacy,” they concluded.

The Spinners still perform to this day. However, Edwards was the last living member of the group’s original line-up. The R&B community will miss John Edwards, and the world of music will surely never forget his contributions.

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