Atlantic Starr’s Wayne Lewis Dead, Founding Member Was 68

Wayne Lewis, founding member of hit R&B group Atlantic Starr, died on Thursday (June 5). The singer was 68.

The band confirmed the tragic news on Facebook. His cause of death hasn’t been disclosed.

“It’s with great sadness we have to post the passing of Wayne Lewis on June 5, 2025,” the statement read. “Please keep the family in your prayers and respect their privacy #waynelewis #restinpeace #flyhigh Sunrise 4/13/1957 Sunset 6/5/2025 #restinpeaceWayne.”

Lewis (vocals, keyboards) co-founded Atlantic Starr, with his brothers David Lewis (vocals, guitar) and Jonathan Lewis (keyboards, trombone), alongside drummer Porter Carroll Jr., bassist Clifford Archer and percussionist-flutist Joseph Phillips back in 1976.

Fellow founding 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.

The nine-member band were a pivotal part of R&B in the late ’70s and ’80s. Best known for classics like “Secret Lovers,” they made their self-titled debut under A&M Records in 1978, with their sophomore LP, Straight To The Point, coming the following year. Atlantic Starr garnered their first top 10 hit on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart with “Circles” from the 1982 album Brilliance; it peaked at No. 2.

However, their biggest commercial success came in 1987 with “Always” from 1986’s All in the Name of Love. The record topped both the Billboard Hot 100 chart and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

Throughout their career, Atlantic Starr earned three top 10 hits on the Hot 100 and 11 top 10 hit on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. 1989’s “My First Love” was the sole No. 1 on the latter chart. Their most recent work was 2017’s Metamorphosis and the band continued to perform with Lewis, brother Jonathan, Melessa Pierce and Shammah Carter.

Video Soul host Donnie Simpson was among those who honored Lewis after learning of his passing. “So sad to learn of the passing of Wayne Lewis of the R&B band Atlantic Starr. He was an incredible songwriter along with his brother, David, with so many hits to their credit […] Sending condolences to his family. RIP my brother,” he tweeted.

VIBE sends our deepest condolences to Atlantic Starr and the Lewis family.