Wayne Lewis of the legendary R&B band Atlantic Starr has died.
The singer, songwriter, and co-founding member of the group was 68.
The band introduced his passing in a heartfelt Fb put up on June 6, writing: ‘It is with nice unhappiness we have now to put up the passing of Wayne Lewis on June 5, 2025.
‘Please hold the household in your prayers and respect their privateness. #waynelewis #restinpeace #flyhigh Dawn 4/13/1957 Sundown 6/5/2025 #restinpeaceWayne.’
A reason for demise has not but been revealed.
Lewis was a driving pressure behind Atlantic Starr, a New York-based group shaped within the mid-Nineteen Seventies together with his brothers David and Jonathan Lewis.
Wayne Lewis of the legendary R&B band Atlantic Starr has died
The singer, songwriter, and co-founding member of the group was 68; ((L-R) David Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, John Phillips, Wayne Lewis and Sharon Bryant (seated entrance) circa 1983)
The band rose to fame within the ’80s with their signature mix of clean soul, R&B, and pop — turning into staples on each the Billboard Sizzling 100 and R&B charts.
Wayne Lewis served as each lead vocalist and keyboardist, contributing to a number of the band’s largest hits, together with At all times, Secret Lovers, Circles, Silver Shadow, and Masterpiece.
Their 1987 ballad At all times hit No. 1 on the Billboard Sizzling 100 and have become a marriage anthem for a technology.
Tributes have poured in throughout social media.
‘A fantastic songwriter. Atlantic Star was higher as soon as he turned chief. He shall be missed,’ one fan wrote.
One other praised him as ‘an incredible songwriter’ and ‘an icon of soulful love songs.’
Yet one more added, ‘Omg I’m devastated. I used to be wanting ahead to seeing them carry out this Sunday at Capital Jazz Competition. My condolences.’
Wayne co-founded Atlantic Starr in 1976 in White Plains, New York, alongside his brothers David and Jonathan Lewis, initially forming the band underneath the identify Newban earlier than altering it forward of their first main label signing.
Wayne Lewis served as each lead vocalist and keyboardist, contributing to a number of the band’s largest hits, together with At all times, Secret Lovers, Circles, Silver Shadow, and Masterpiece
Tributes have poured in throughout social media
Lewis additionally co-wrote and carried out on hits like Secret Lovers (No. 3 Billboard Sizzling 100, 1985), Contact a 4 Leaf Clover, and Am I Dreaming, solidifying the group’s legacy as one of the vital profitable R&B acts of the last decade
They launched their self-titled debut album in 1978 on A&M Data, with Wayne contributing vocals and keyboards on early tracks like Stand Up and Hold It Comin’.
Lewis was a lead vocalist on the band’s largest hit, At all times, which topped the Billboard Sizzling 100 and R&B charts in 1987 and remained within the High 40 for weeks, incomes platinum standing and worldwide acclaim.
All through the ’80s, Wayne and his brothers labored with legendary producers like James Anthony Carmichael (who additionally produced for Lionel Richie and the Commodores), serving to the band obtain a glossy, radio-friendly sound.
Lewis additionally co-wrote and carried out on hits like Secret Lovers (No. 3 Billboard Sizzling 100, 1985), Contact a 4 Leaf Clover, and Am I Dreaming, solidifying the group’s legacy as one of the vital profitable R&B acts of the last decade.
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