Latest news with #WayneLewis
New York Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Wayne Lewis, Singer With the R&B Mainstay Atlantic Starr, Dies at 68
Wayne Lewis, the dapper vocalist and keyboardist who was a founder of the group Atlantic Starr, a fixture of the 1980s rhythm and blues scene, died on June 5 in Queens. He was 68. His brother Jonathan Lewis confirmed the death but did not specify a cause. He said that Wayne Lewis collapsed while running on a treadmill at a gym and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A suave performer with piercing eyes and a rollicking sense of humor, Mr. Lewis served as one of the singers and songwriters of Atlantic Starr, whose ballad 'Always' topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1987 and whose other hits included 'Secret Lovers' and 'Circles.' The band was nominated for three Soul Train Awards and an American Music Award. Writing with his brothers Jonathan and David, Mr. Lewis translated the universal emotions of love, lust and heartbreak into evocative verses backed by lush arrangements. His performances of the sentimental soul ballad 'Send for Me,' released in 1980, became a calling card. Fluent in the sartorial language of showbiz, Mr. Lewis meticulously color-coordinated the group's outfits, Jonathan Lewis said. His own suits — flashy, textured and patterned — were often showstoppers. Reviewing a concert for The Washington Post in 1982, Mike Joyce noted the 'pop sheen romanticism' at the heart of Atlantic Starr's music. As Wayne and David Lewis took center stage, he observed, they brought with them 'a heartthrob appeal akin to the Jacksons'.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Founding member of chart-topping ‘80s R&B group dies at 68
Wayne Lewis, founding member of the platinum-selling R&B group Atlantic Starr, has died. He was 68 years old. Lewis died on Thursday, June 5, according to a Facebook post from Atlantic Starr on Friday, June 6. 'It's with great sadness we have to post the passing of Wayne Lewis,' the post reads. 'Please keep the family in your prayers and respect there privacy.' A cause of death was not revealed. Born April 13, 1957, Lewis co-founded Atlantic Starr with his brothers David Lewis and Jonathan Lewis in 1976 in White Plains, New York, according to Billboard. Other early members of the group were Clifford Archer, Sharon Bryant, Porter Carroll Jr., Joseph Phillips, Damon Rentie and William Sudderth. Bryant and Rentie were later replaced by Barbara Weathers and Koran Daniels, respectively. Atlantic Starr signed with A&M Records and released its debut, self-titled album in 1978 followed by their sophomore effort, 'Straight to the Point,' in 1979. The group initially scored several hits on the R&B charts — including 'Stand Up,' 'When Love Calls' and 'Send for Me' — before achieving crossover success. Atlantic Starr's first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 was 1982's 'Circles,' which peaked at No. 38. The song also reached No. 2 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The group's biggest commercial success came in 1987 when 'Always' topped the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. 'My First Love' in 1989 was Atlantic Starr's only other No. 1 on the latter chart. Atlantic Starr earned a total of 11 top 10 songs on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and three top 10 hits on Billboard's Hot 100 charts in addition to a platinum album, gold album and gold single, according to the RIAA. Atlantic Starr's most recent album, 'Metamorphosis,' was released in 2017. Legendary hip-hop duo's first US tour in 15 years to start in Mass. Festival fans demand refunds after headliner's set slashed over weather delay Live Wire: Two Northampton music series return in time for summer 'Devastated' music legend cancels more shows due to health issues Indie rock band's singer says this is 'best venue in America': Have you been? Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wayne Lewis, Atlantic Starr Singer and Founding Member, Dies at 68
Wayne Lewis, a founding member of the R&B group Atlantic Starr, has died at the age of 68. The band confirmed his passing in a social media post on Friday (June 7), noting that the musician died on Thursday. No cause of death has been disclosed. More from Billboard Gone But Not Forgotten: Musicians We Lost in 2025 BRIT Awards 2026 to Be Held Outside London for First Time Mariah Carey's 'Type Dangerous' Tops This Week's Favorite New Music Poll 'It's with great sadness we have to post the passing of Wayne Lewis on June 5, 2025,' Atlantic Starr wrote on Facebook. 'Please keep the family in your prayers and respect their privacy #waynelewis #restinpeace #flyhigh Sunrise 4/13/1957 Sunset 6/5/2025 #restinpeaceWayne.' Lewis served as a vocalist and keyboardist for Atlantic Starr, which he co-founded in 1976 in White Plains, N.Y., alongside his brothers David Lewis (vocals, guitar) and Jonathan Lewis (keyboards, trombone), as well as drummer Porter Carroll Jr., bassist Clifford Archer and percussionist-flutist Joseph Phillips. Other early members included lead singer Sharon Bryant, trumpeter William Sudderth III and saxophonist Damon Rentie. Bryant and Rentie were later replaced by Barbara Weathers and Koran Daniels, respectively. Atlantic Starr became a fixture in R&B throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. The group signed with A&M Records (and later to Warner Bros. Records, among other labels), releasing their self-titled debut album in 1978, followed by their sophomore effort, Straight to the Point, the next year. The band achieved its first top 10 hit on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart with 'Circles' (No. 2) from the 1982 album Brilliance. Their biggest commercial success came in 1987 when 'Always,' from 1986's All in the Name of Love, reached No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 chart and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Atlantic Starr earned a total of three top 10 hits on the Hot 100 and 11 top 10s on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. 'My First Love' in 1989 was their only other No. 1 on the latter chart. In recent years, Atlantic Starr continued to perform with Lewis and current members Jonathan Lewis, Melessa Pierce and Shammah Carter. The group's most recent album, Metamorphosis, was released in 2017. Following the announcement of Lewis' death, fans flooded social media with heartfelt tributes and condolences. 'His band gave my generation so much listening pleasure,' one fan wrote. Another shared, 'Nooooo I am devastated seeing this. My condolences to all family and friends.' A third commenter added, 'A great songwriter. Atlantic Starr was better once he became leader. He will be missed.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Atlantic Starr' member Wayne Lewis passes away at 68; band releases official statement, and tributes pour in
The legendary singer and a founding member of the R&B group Atlantic Starr, Wayne Lewis, passed away at the age of 68. While the reason for the unfortunate death has been kept private, the representatives of the band confirmed it in a statement. The official statement by the band Atlantic Starr The band posted an official statement on Facebook, confirming the date of passing and requesting privacy during this difficult time. '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 note said. The fans paid tribute by sharing their memories with him and his band, while others honoured the singer by sending their condolences. One user wrote, 'Omg I'm devastated. I was looking forward to seeing them perform this Sunday at Capital Jazz Festival. My condolences. 🙏🏾🙏🏾' Another user said, 'RIP BROTHER…The voice of a generation!!!!My condolences to the family.' A third user wrote, 'Oh noooooooo my word my condolences to the family may your soul RIP Wayne.' 'I had the pleasure of meeting him last September, what an amazing soul. Rest in peace,' a fourth fan wrote about Wayne Lewis. About Wayne Lewis and Atlantic Starr Wayne Lewis was a pivotal member of the band Atlantic Starr, a New York-based group that was formed in the mid-1970s along with his brothers David and Jonathan Lewis . Lewis served as a vocalist as well as keyboardist. As the band rose to prominence and unforgettable fame, their songs started becoming anthems for the occasions. A few of the famous songs include 'Secret Lovers,' 'Circles,' 'Silver Shadow,' 'Masterpiece,' 'Touch a Four Leaf Clover,' 'Always,' 'With Your Love I Come Alive,' 'Am I Dreaming,' and many more. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Atlantic Starr singer Wayne Lewis dead at 68
Wayne Lewis, a singer and founding member of the R&B band Atlantic Starr, has died aged 68. The group shared the news of Lewis' death in a statement on Facebook on Friday indicating Wayne had died the previous day but did not share a cause of death. "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 much-loved soul ensemble wrote. Founded in the late 1970s and including Wayne and his two brothers David and Jonathan, Atlantic Starr enjoyed success from the early 1980s until the start of the 1990s, achieving one U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number one single, Always, in 1987. The song reached number three in the U.K.
