R&B Great Wayne Lewis, of Atlantic Starr Fame, Dies at 68
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| Wayne Lewis, co-founder, vocalist and keyboardist for Atlantic Starr, is shown in an undated photo shared by the band alongside the June 6 announcement of his death. He was 68. (Courtesy Atlantic Starr/Facebook) |
The band announced his passing on its official Facebook page, 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.” The post also paid tribute to his legacy with a reference to his birth and death dates: “Sunrise 4/13/1957, Sunset 6/5/2025.”
A cause of death was not revealed.
Born in White Plains, New York, Lewis helped launch Atlantic Starr with his brothers David and Jonathan in 1976. The group, originally known as Newban, went on to become one of the most iconic R&B acts of the 1980s, fusing slick pop sensibilities with lush harmonies and soul-driven storytelling.
As one of the group's core vocalists and musical arrangers, Lewis helped shape the band’s signature sound alongside heavyweight producers like James Anthony Carmichael, known for his work with Lionel Richie and the Commodores.
Atlantic Starr released their self-titled debut album in 1978 via A&M Records. Over the years, the group evolved through multiple lineup changes, but Lewis remained a constant until recent years, helping steer the band through three decades of performances and 13 studio albums.
His final contributions appeared on the group’s 2017 album "Metamorphosis."
Wayne Lewis is survived by his family, including brothers David and Jonathan, who helped him build a sound that continues to echo across quiet storm radio and slow-jam playlists worldwide.
Born in White Plains, New York, Lewis helped launch Atlantic Starr with his brothers David and Jonathan in 1976. The group, originally known as Newban, went on to become one of the most iconic R&B acts of the 1980s, fusing slick pop sensibilities with lush harmonies and soul-driven storytelling.
Wayne Lewis contributed vocals and keyboards to a string of Atlantic Starr’s biggest hits. Among them: “Secret Lovers,” “Circles,” “Touch a Four Leaf Clover,” “Am I Dreaming” and their 1987 chart-topping ballad “Always,” which spent weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a wedding playlist staple across generations.Atlantic Starr - “If Your Heart Isn’t In It”
— Wes Reynolds (@WesReynolds1) June 8, 2025
A Quiet Storm staple with the late Wayne Lewis on lead with Barbara Weathers.
pic.twitter.com/ftE57VDRBK
As one of the group's core vocalists and musical arrangers, Lewis helped shape the band’s signature sound alongside heavyweight producers like James Anthony Carmichael, known for his work with Lionel Richie and the Commodores.
Atlantic Starr released their self-titled debut album in 1978 via A&M Records. Over the years, the group evolved through multiple lineup changes, but Lewis remained a constant until recent years, helping steer the band through three decades of performances and 13 studio albums.
His final contributions appeared on the group’s 2017 album "Metamorphosis."
Wayne Lewis is survived by his family, including brothers David and Jonathan, who helped him build a sound that continues to echo across quiet storm radio and slow-jam playlists worldwide.
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