John Livingston Edwards

John Livingston Edwards

The Spinners

December 25, 1944 - May 9, 2025

John Livingston Edwards was born John L. Livingston in St Louis, Missouri, on December 25, 1944. He passed away on May 9, 2025 (not May 11th as previously reported), in Gwinnett County, Georgia. He was 80 years old.

John started singing in the church choir as a young child. As a teenager, he joined a traveling Gospel group before joining the Army, where he won a talent contest. After getting honorably discharged, he embarked on a solo career. He released a few albums, and had hits with "Careful Man", "Vanishing Love", and "Tin Man". In 1977, he joined The Spinners, replacing their former lead singer Philippe Wynne when he left the group. The Spinners continued their success with John in their line-up. They earned a Grammy nomination for "Cupid", and a gold record for "Workin' My Way Back to You"...both led by John. Ballads sung by John were so beautiful, and the high notes that he could hit were out of this world!

In 2000, John had a stroke that kept him out of the line-up for a year. In 2002, he had a second stroke that forced him to retire. Leaving the group was the hardest thing that he ever had to do. The guys in the organization were all very close! He missed being with them, and he missed being on stage!

In retirement, he married his longtime girlfriend Lori (who'd been in love with him for over 30 years). They traveled with their 3 kids, went to concerts, and enjoyed getting together with their many friends. John was not in "poor health" any of those years (also previously reported). He lived a great life! In 2015, The Spinners were inducted into The R&B Hall of Fame, and in 2023, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. John cried tears of joy when he was presented with both awards. He never expected any of the accolades that he received.

John (the man) was a class act! He was humble, polite, handsome, thoughtful, and a nice guy! He loved being with family, friends, and fans. He also loved cognac, The Undefeated Miami Dolphins Team, his St Louis Cardinals, our dog Brady howling to his favorite songs, Judge Judy, and answering questions with "Was James Brown?". He thought that was hysterical.

After 3 months in hospitals for a diabetes-related issue, John's organs failed and he passed away.

He is survived by his wife Lori(Zecker) Edwards, children: John E. Miller, Corey C Edwards, and Casey Day(and husband Michael), and our dog Brady. He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren: John Miller, Ashantee Miller, Ahltanett MIller, Khloey Miller, Devante Miller, and Aaliyah Miller, and one great grandchild: Kitt Walker Mondy. John is also survived by "Mama" Rose Edwards, sisters Jacqueline Curka(and husband Peter), Patricia Bragg, Marion Allen, Lisa Green and Darice Shelby, mother-in-law Lois Zecker, brother-in-law Neil Zecker, sister-in-law Anne Zecker, brother-in-law Marc Zecker, many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother Abra Livingston, his father Charles Edwards, his brothers Hertis and Cordell Shelby, his father-in-law Sumner Zecker, and his "brothers from other mothers" the original Spinners: Henry Fambrough, Bobbie Smith, Pervis Jackson, and Billy Henderson.

Our family will have a private ceremony to honor John.

(Image courtesy of Lori Edwards)