Wayne Lewis, the soulful voice and co-founding member behind some of the smoothest R&B hits of the ‘80s, has died aged 68.
The legendary singer, songwriter, and keyboardist for Atlantic Starr passed away on June 5.
The band announced the heartbreaking news in a Facebook post the next day, 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.”
No cause of death has been revealed at this time.
Wayne Lewis wasn’t just a member of Atlantic Starr — he was its heartbeat.
Co-founding the band in 1976 in White Plains, New York, alongside his brothers David and Jonathan Lewis, he helped shape the sound that would dominate R&B radio and wedding playlists for decades, per the Daily Mail.
Originally performing under the name Newban, the group rebranded to Atlantic Starr before releasing their self-titled debut album in 1978 on A&M Records.
With Wayne on keyboards and vocals, early tracks like 'Stand Up' and 'Keep It Comin’ set the tone for what would become their signature blend of soul, pop, and R&B.
But it was in the ‘80s that Atlantic Starr exploded — thanks in no small part to Wayne’s silky voice and songwriting skills.
He sang lead on the band’s biggest hit, the 1987 classic 'Always,' which soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts and became an instant wedding anthem.
The track earned platinum status and international acclaim, cementing Lewis as a staple of the genre.
Throughout the ‘80s, Wayne and his brothers worked with major producers like James Anthony Carmichael — known for his work with Lionel Richie and the Commodores — to refine the band’s sound into a radio-friendly, chart-topping machine.
Wayne not only co-wrote but also performed on hits that defined an era: “Secret Lovers” (No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985), “Touch a Four Leaf Clover,” “Am I Dreaming,” “Circles,” “Silver Shadow,” and “Masterpiece.”
These weren’t just songs — they were the soundtrack to countless love stories, slow dances, and unforgettable moments.
Our thoughts are with Wayne Lewis' loved ones at this time.