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Mint
a day 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
2 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


Perth Now
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Atlantic Starr founding member Wayne Lewis dead aged 68
Wayne Lewis, founding member of the R B group Atlantic Starr, has died aged 68. The American singer and keyboardist was a pivotal force behind the group's success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which included chart-topping hits such as Always, Secret Lovers and Masterpiece, and died on Thursday (05.06.25), though news of his passing only came to light on Saturday (07.06.25.) His cause of death has not been disclosed. The news was announced on the band's official Facebook page, with a post saying: '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.' Tributes from fans flooded the page, describing Wayne as a 'legend' and the 'voice of a generation'. One wrote: 'RIP BROTHER… The voice of a generation!!!! My condolences to the family.' Another commented: 'Rest in Peace! Talented and Gorgeous.' Further tributes included: 'RIP thanks for the music,' and 'Thank you for the legacy condolences to the family and friends.' Wayne, who co-founded Atlantic Starr in New York, remained a core member of the group throughout decades of changes in its line-up. Alongside his brother Jonathan Lewis, also a founding member, Wayne helped shape the band's smooth blend of R and B, soul and pop. The group released their debut album in 1978 but found mainstream success nearly a decade later. Their 1987 single Always reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and R B charts, securing the band's place in music history. Their 1992 track Masterpiece also became a major hit, peaking at number three on both the US Pop and R and B charts. In recent years, Wayne had continued touring the US with Jonathan, their nephew Shammah Carter, and vocalist Melessa Pierce under the name Atlantic Starr Band. Wayne's death comes just three months after the passing of another 1980s R ands B star, Stedman Pearson, frontman of British band Five Star. Stedman, who died aged 60 in March 2025, was known for his family group's slick performances and success with tracks such as Rain or Shine. He was described by family as an 'amazing son, brother and uncle' and 'a gentleman to the very end'.


Express Tribune
2 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
2 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.'