Latest news with #Always'
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Atlantic Starr founder, singer Wayne Lewis passes away at 68
Washington DC [US], June 8 (ANI): Wayne Lewis, a founding member of the R&B band 'Atlantic Starr' who sang vocals, and is known to pen hits like 'Always' and 'Secret Lovers', passed away, as informed by his band. The 'Atlantic Starr' band shared the news of Wayne Lewis' demise on their Facebook handle, asking for "respect for privacy" for the singer's family. The cause of the death was not revealed by the band. "It's with great sadness we have to post the passing of Wayne Lewis on June 5, 2025 please keep the family in your prayers and respect there privacy #waynelewis #restinpeace #flyhigh Sunrise 4/13/1957 Sunset 6/5/2025 #restinpeaceWayne," wrote the 'Atlantic Starr' band on Facebook. According to Deadline, Atlantic Starr, a New York-based band, was founded in 1976 by Wayne Lewis and his two brothers -- David Lewis (vocalist and guitarist) and Jonathan Lewis (keyboardist and trombonist) -- as well as drummer Porter Carroll Jr., bassist Clifford Archer and percussionist-flautist Joseph Phillips. Early members also included lead singer Sharon Bryant (later replaced by Barbara Weathers), trumpeter William Sudderth and saxophonist Damon Rentie (replaced afterward by Koran Daniels). According to the outlet, throughout the late '70s and early '80s, Atlantic Starr scored several hits on the R&B charts, including 'Circles', which marked the group's first single to hit the Billboard Hot 100. Later tracks, like 'Always,' peaked at No. 1 on the coveted chart, while 1992's 'Masterpiece' peaked at No. 3. First signing to A&M, the group then moved over to Warner Bros. Records, having trimmed down to a quintet with the three Lewis brothers, Phillips and Weathers by 1987, reported Deadline. Following the smash success of "Always," Weathers left to pursue a solo career and was replaced with a number of other female vocalists. In 1992, the Atlantic Starr members appeared as themselves and performed on an episode of daytime soap Another World, reported Deadline. Wayne Lewis and David Lewis are credited with writing most of the band's songs. The group's most recent album, Metamorphosis, was released in 2017. (ANI)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wayne Lewis, Atlantic Starr Singer and Founding Member, Dies at 68
Atlantic Starr singer Wayne Lewis died on June 5 at age 68 'Please keep the family in your prayers and respect their privacy,' the R&B music group's Facebook page wrote A rep confirmed his death to PEOPLE but didn't share a causeSinger Wayne Lewis of Atlantic Starr has died. He was 68. A representative for the R&B music group confirmed to PEOPLE that Lewis, a founding member of Atlantic Starr, died on Thursday, June 5. Atlantic Starr also shared the news in an announcement on Facebook, writing, 'It's with great sadness we have to post the passing of Wayne Lewis on June 5, 2025, please keep the family in your prayers and respect their privacy #waynelewis #restinpeace #flyhigh Sunrise 4/13/1957 Sunset 6/5/2025 #restinpeaceWayne.' A cause of death has not yet been revealed. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The news galvanized fans, who swiftly shared their tributes online. 'His band gave my generation so much listening pleasure,' one fan wrote. Another described Lewis as 'a great songwriter.' Atlantic Starr released its first album in 1978, skyrocketing to success with crossover hits such as 'Always' and 'Secret Lovers.' is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Aside from Wayne, the current members of Atlantic Starr are his brother, Jonathan Lewis, Melessa Pierce and Shammah Carter. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wayne Lewis death: Atlantic Starr singer dies, aged 68
Atlantic Starr singer Wayne Lewis has died at the age of 68, his bandmates have confirmed. In a post shared on the group's official Facebook page and Instagram account, the R&B band revealed that Lewis died on 5 June. 'It's with great sadness we have to post the passing of Wayne Lewis on June 5, 2025,' they wrote. 'Please keep the family in your prayers and respect their privacy.' A cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Lewis was a founding member of Atlantic Starr, playing keyboards and providing vocals. His fellow bandmates included his brothers David and Jonathan Lewis. The group formed in New York in the late Seventies and originally performed under the name Newban, which they later changed at the request of record executive Herb Alpert. They went on to find success on the R&B charts before achieving crossover fame thanks to singles such as 'Secret Lovers', 'Always' and 'Masterpiece'. The group went through various line-up changes over the years, with the most recent iteration seeing Wayne perform alongside his brother Jonathan with their nephew Shammah Carter and singer Melessa Pierce. The band had a string of performance dates planned for the summer, including gigs at the Capital Jazz Festival in Maryland and at Philadelphia's Dell Music Centre. Fans shared messages of condolences on social media, with one supporter writing: 'I am truly saddened to learn of this! My condolences to the Lewis family, and all of his loved ones. It is an honor to be a fan, and his music will live on. May he rest peacefully.' 'Wow, I'm devastated,' another fan said. 'The smoothest brother to hold the mic, vocal talents in a league of his own RIP my brother, you'll live on forever through your recordings and in the hearts of your fans.' 'Thank you for the music you gave us,' a third fan wrote. 'Thank you for sharing your gift to the world. RIP.' R&B group Rose Royce, who were fixtures on the same music scene as Atlantic Starr, also paid tribute, writing: 'Rose Royce was so sad to see this post, our deepest condolences to the family & Atlantic Starr. May he RIP.'
Black America Web
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Wayne Lewis, Founding Member of Atlantic Starr, Passes Away at 68
Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Wayne Lewis, one of the founding members of the legendary R&B group Atlantic Starr, passed away on June 5, 2025, at the age of 68. The news has sent shockwaves through the classic R&B world, as fans and peers remember his role in shaping the smooth, heartfelt sound that defined an era. Lewis' passing was confirmed on the group's official Instagram account on Friday, June 6. The cause of death is not known at this time. Formed in 1976 in White Plains, New York, Atlantic Starr gained fame for their masterful blend of soulful harmonies and romantic ballads, leaving an indelible mark on R&B and pop music. Wayne Lewis, alongside his brothers David & Jonathan and other original members, helped lead the group during its most successful years. His contributions extended beyond being one of the group's lead vocalists; he was also an accomplished keyboardist and songwriter, crafting hits that became timeless classics. One of their most renowned achievements came in the 1980s, dominated by releases like 'Secret Lovers' , 'Always' , and 'Touch a Four-Leaf Clover' . The romantic single 'Always' became a global sensation, earning the group a top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987. Throughout their career, the group balanced tender love ballads with upbeat, funk-infused tracks, appealing to a wide audience. Wayne's charisma and artistry were pivotal in Atlantic Starr's success. His unparalleled vocals and knack for emotive delivery struck a chord with listeners, solidifying the group's reputation as architects of R&B's signature sound. Even decades later, his work remains a touchstone for younger generations of musicians. Atlantic Starr's influence stretches far beyond commercial success, as their music continues to be celebrated in films, TV shows, and playlists worldwide. Wayne's passing marks the end of an era for the group, but his contributions to the genre will live on. SEE ALSO Wayne Lewis, Founding Member of Atlantic Starr, Passes Away at 68 was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Spacewoman' Doc About First Woman to Command a Space Shuttle Mission Screens at CPH:DOX While NASA Axes Pledge to Land a Woman on the Moon
Hannah Berryman's documentary 'Spacewoman' chronicles the life and career of astronaut Eileen Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a spacecraft in an era where many men still thought there was no place for women in space. During her time working at NASA in the 1990s, Collins broke many glass ceilings, which culminated in four dramatic and dangerous space shuttle missions. Through archival materials and intimate interviews, Berryman's doc celebrates Collins' groundbreaking work in space while also considering the emotional drama Collins' family experienced during her trailblazing career. The film is timely, given the fact that in February, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered NASA to purge diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks specifically targeting women in leadership. In 2023, NASA proclaimed that it would 'land the first woman, first person of color, and first international partner astronaut on the moon using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before.' However, since Trump's February mandate, that language has been removed from NASA's website. More from Variety 'Always' Review: Deming Chen's Strikingly Confident Debut Plays Like a Long Visual Poem Deming Chen's 'Always' Wins Main Prize at CPH:DOX as Mstyslav Chernov Nabs F:ACT Award for '2000 Meters to Andriivka' Kansas City Chiefs Docuseries Set at ESPN and Disney+ From 'The Last Dance' Producers Berryman has made several documentaries about influential women, including Princess Margaret ('Princess Margaret: The Rebel Royal') and Coco Chanel ('Coco Chanel: Unbuttoned'). The director spoke to Variety about 'Spacewoman,' which made its European debut in CPH:DOX earlier this week.. 'Spacewoman' is based on the 2021 book 'Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars.' Did you read the book and immediately know that you wanted to make a doc, or did someone suggest making a doc about the book? Berryman: The producer, Keith Haviland, has been involved with making major space films, and thought Eileen's story was of special interest. After optioning her book, he came to me with fellow producer Natasha Dack, who knew my work, to see if I was interested in making a film about Eileen. I read the book and immediately wanted to make the documentary. Eileen wasn't from a privileged background and had issues from that to deal with. She became a pilot and then the first woman to pilot and command a space shuttle through sheer willpower. Alongside all that was the complex emotional journey for her own family. It was this engrossing story and the fact that she became a pioneer in this new world for women that made me want to make the film. Why does it make sense to tell the story of Eileen Collins now? There have had many films made about male astronauts, and I was very surprised there hadn't been a film about the first woman to pilot and then to command a spacecraft. Piloting was such a testosterone-driven arena in the 1970s and '80s, the world of 'Top Gun.' It was really extraordinary to have been a woman breaking through into this world at that time. Since NASA now plans to send a crew to the moon again that will, this time, include women, it made sense to look back at the story of this woman who trail-blazed for other women to follow. You have made several films that profile women. What about that topic intrigues you the most? I really only make films that I can connect with personally, and I guess as a woman, it is easier for me to connect with the experience. It's also great to be able to look at the lives of women doing something totally new to me, finding out about being a woman in their worlds, and trying to delve into the broader themes each of their stories touch on. With Eileen, I was interested in how her difficult background had, in a way, helped her to conquer fear more easily, a skill she'd had to develop as a child. And this grit was necessary to do the work she did, pioneering in the dangerous world of aviation, especially when it came to piloting the space shuttle. Yet on a private level, conquering this fear and being able to compartmentalize emotion, something women have traditionally not been seen as doing as much, had implications for her in terms of family life and motherhood when her turn came. So in a way, the film turns into a meditation on fear, emotion, and family life, and all the ways that can work. The first and second half of 'Spacewoman' are structured differently. Can you talk about how you decided to structure the film and what was behind that decision? I like films that start one way and give you something you didn't expect by the end. When you start the film on Eileen, you know it will be a film about firsts for a woman. Establishing the person Eileen was, and the unlikely background she had, together with the challenges faced by women back then, was crucial as the film's beginning. Then it turns a corner and becomes a film about a commander in charge of an experimental and hazardous mission, the return-to-flight after NASA lost the whole crew in the Columbia accident. Her being a woman is only part of the story – and that's how it should be. Her background and family situation in the present continues to be woven through, hopefully giving the whole story added emotional weight – so that you come out both with an understanding of an incredible woman, and with thoughts about the nature of human risk-taking in general, and especially in space. National Geographic released 'Sally' about Sally Ride, the first American woman to blast off into space, at Sundance. Does that concern you in terms of finding distribution for this doc? We are optimistic. Sally Ride has a different story since she wasn't a pilot, but rather a scientist who went to space in this capacity and was the first woman to do that. We also want 'Sally' to be a tremendous success. After all, there have been many films about male astronauts, surely there's room for more than one film about the women. 'Spacewoman' is a Haviland Digital Production in association with TigerLily Films. Best of Variety What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
