John Edwards’ Lost Soul Classic Tin Man Finally Arrives on Vinyl

For decades, soul fans have known the name John Edwards as one of the great voices of his generation. Now, a long-lost chapter of his remarkable career is finally receiving the vinyl release it deserves with Tin Man – The Unissued Second Aware LP, a stunning collection of recordings that captures Edwards at the height of his early solo powers.

Originally recorded for Aware Records under the guidance of producer Floyd Smith, these tracks represent a fascinating moment in Edwards’ career. Following the success of his early Aware singles, including the acclaimed soul gems "Stop This Merry-Go-Round" and "Careful Man," the label prepared a second album that was expected to continue his rise as one of the most exciting male vocalists in soul music.

Unfortunately, Aware Records collapsed due to the criminal activities of its owner, leaving the album unreleased and the master tapes hidden away for years. When the recordings were eventually rediscovered in the 1990s, several tracks appeared on the Kent CD Careful Man, while select singles earned praise from collectors and modern soul enthusiasts. Now, for the first time, the complete collection is available on vinyl, allowing fans to experience these recordings exactly as they were intended.

The album showcases Edwards’ extraordinary vocal ability—powerful, emotional, and filled with the kind of sincerity that defined classic soul. Songs like "Tin Man," "How Can I Go On Without You," and "Cold Hearted Woman" demonstrate why Edwards became such a respected figure among soul fans and musicians alike.

John Edwards’ journey extends far beyond his solo recordings. His remarkable voice and stage presence led the legendary The Spinners to recruit him as the replacement for their celebrated lead singer Philippe Wynne. Edwards became the group’s frontman during a new era of their career, bringing his own distinctive style while honoring the legacy of one of soul music’s most influential vocal groups.

A native of St. Louis, Edwards began singing professionally in the 1960s, developing a reputation as a powerful performer with deep roots in gospel and R&B. Before joining The Spinners, he built a strong following through his Aware Records recordings, where his passionate delivery and sophisticated phrasing earned him recognition as one of the finest emerging voices in soul music.

During his time with The Spinners, Edwards helped continue the group’s legacy, performing alongside one of the most successful vocal ensembles in R&B history. His tenure with the group introduced his voice to a worldwide audience, further cementing his reputation as a gifted interpreter of emotional soul.

Tin Man is more than a lost album—it is an important piece of soul history finally restored. For collectors, modern soul enthusiasts, and longtime fans of John Edwards, this release is an essential reminder of a singer whose talent always deserved a bigger spotlight.

Track Listing:

Side A

1. John Edwards – "How Can I Go On Without You"
2. "Ain’t That Good Enough"
3. "It’s Got To Be The Real Thing"
4. "Come Back Strong"
5. "Tin Man"
6. "Walls That Separate Our Love"

Side B

1. "Time"
2. "Cold Hearted Woman"
3. "Everybody Don’t Get A Second Chance"
4. "I Had A Love"
5. "The Way We Were"