Edwin Starr - War Live on The Midnight Special in 1974 In 1969, Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong wrote "War" as a powerful anti-Vietnam anthem for Motown. Although the Temptations recorded it first, the label feared the song’s political edge might alienate more traditional fans, so they kept it tucked away on an album instead of releasing the song as a single. Edwin Starr, who had joined Motown after his previous label was acquired, saw an opportunity in the hesitation surrounding the song. A