Wayne Lewis, a singer and founding member of the R&B band Atlantic Starr, has died. He was 68.
The group shared the information of Lewis’ dying in a press release on Fb Friday.
“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,” the band wrote.
A reason for dying was not revealed.
Followers paid tribute to the legendary singer within the feedback part of the put up.
“Nooooo I am devastated seeing this. My condolences to all family and friends,” one fan wrote.
“A great songwriter. Atlantic Starr was better once he became leader. He will be missed,” one other fan mentioned.
Another person commented, “RIP BROTHER…The voice of a generation!!!!My condolences to the family.”
“I had the pleasure of meeting him last September, what an amazing soul. Rest in peace,” mentioned a fourth fan.
Atlantic Starr was based in White Plains, New York in 1976 by Lewis, his brothers David and Jonathan, and drummer Porter Carroll Jr., bassist Clifford Archer and percussionist-flutist Joseph Phillip.
Different early members included lead singer Sharon Bryant, trumpeter William Sudderth III and saxophonist Damon Rentie. Bryant and Rentie had been later changed by Barbara Weathers and Koran Daniels, respectively.
The group launched their self-titled debut album in 1978 with hits together with “Stand Up,” “Keep It Comin,’” “(I’ll Never Miss) The Love I Never Had” and “With Your Love I Come Alive.”
Over the subsequent 15 years, Atlantic Starr put out extra common songs together with “Circles,” “Secret Lovers,” “Silver Shadow,” “Masterpiece” and “Always,” which peaked at primary on the Billboard Scorching 100 and Billboard Scorching Black Singles charts, changing into the band’s solely primary track.
The group was initially signed to A&M earlier than shifting over to Warner Bros. Data. After their relationship with Warner Bros. dissolved within the early Nineteen Nineties, they started working with a number of report labels together with Reprise and Arista. They launched their newest album, 2017’s “Metamorphosis,” with Metamorphous, LLC.
Exterior of music, Atlantic Starr appeared as themselves on a 1992 episode of the daytime cleaning soap opera “Another World.” They carried out at native nightspot Sassy’s throughout the episode.
Lewis was among the many band’s present lineup, alongside his brother Jonathan, Melessa Pierce and Shammah Carter.
