Latest news with #Newban
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Wayne Lewis, founding member of Atlantic Starr, dies at 68
Wayne Lewis, a founding member of the legendary R&B group Atlantic Starr, has died at the age of 68. The band confirmed his passing on June 6 through official statements shared on their Facebook and Instagram pages, noting that Lewis died on June 5, 2025. No cause of death has been disclosed. The group asked fans to keep his family in their thoughts and respect their privacy during this time. After co-founding the band in the late 1970s, Lewis served as both a vocalist and keyboardist, playing a central role in Atlantic Starr's rise to fame. He performed alongside his brothers David and Jonathan Lewis. The group, originally named Newban, changed its name at the request of record executive Herb Alpert and soon gained attention in the R&B scene. Atlantic Starr eventually achieved crossover success with a series of chart-topping hits, including 'Secret Lovers,' 'Always,' and 'Masterpiece.' Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, Wayne Lewis remained a core member. In the band's most recent formation, he performed with his brother Jonathan, nephew Shammah Carter, and vocalist Melessa Pierce. The group had scheduled a string of performances for the summer of 2025, including appearances at the Capital Jazz Festival in Maryland and the Dell Music Center in Philadelphia. News of Lewis's passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians across social media. One admirer called him 'the smoothest brother to hold the mic,' while another thanked him for 'sharing your gift to the world.' Fellow R&B group Rose Royce also honored him, expressing their 'deepest condolences to the family & Atlantic Starr.'
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.'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
R&B legend dies as bandmates pay tribute to 'humble' star
The music world is mourning the loss of legendary R&B singer Wayne Lewis, one of the founding members of chart-topping group Atlantic Starr, who has passed away at the age of 68, as confirmed by the band. The star's death occurred on Thursday, June 5, however, no cause of death has been disclosed. The sad news was shared via a Facebook post 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 their privacy #waynelewis #restinpeace #flyhigh Sunrise 4/13/1957 Sunset 6/5/2025 #restinpeaceWayne," they wrote. Fans were left heartbroken by the news and took to social media to express their grief. One fan posted on Facebook: "Heartbreaking news. Sending our deepest condolences and love to the family, friends, and fans of Wayne Lewis of Atlantic Starr. He was so humble and kind. May God bless his family with peace, love, and understanding. We love you all. #RIPWayneLewis,". Another fan expressed their shock, writing: "Omg I'm devastated. I was looking forward to seeing them perform this Sunday at Capital Jazz Festival. My condolences." A third fan paid tribute to Lewis' contributions to the music industry: "Thank you for all your music contributions to the music industry Wayne Lewis. Forever Remembered. R.I.P.", reports the Express. A fourth fan shared their sorrow, writing: "I am devastated to hear of this news. My prayers are with the Lewis family and friends during this difficult time." A fifth lamented: "Man, another R&B legend has passed. Founder and lead singer Wayne Lewis of Atlantic Starr has passed." While a sixth posted: "Oh noooooooo my word my condolences to the family may your soul RIP Wayne." Wayne Lewis, as the founding member, vocalist, and keyboard player of Atlantic Starr, soared to fame with iconic tunes like Always, Secret Lovers, Circles, Silver Shadow, and Masterpiece, dominating the airwaves in the 80s and early 90s. Initially called Newban, the band clinched a record contract on the condition that they rebrand, leading to their self-titled first album's release in 1978. However, it wasn't until 1987 that they achieved their first number one with Always following the crossover hit Secret Lovers. Wayne, alongside his brother Jonathan, sustained the vitality of the group into the new millennium with an ever-changing ensemble of musicians, establishing themselves as favourites in the nostalgia music scene.
