Who was Wayne Lewis? Tributes pour in as Atlantic Starr member dies at 68
Wayne Lewis, the founding member and singer of the R&B band Atlantic Starr, passed away on June 5, 2025. On June 6, 2025, the group announced the news on its Facebook page. Other details, such as the cause of death, were not disclosed. Lewis was 68 years of age at the time of passing.
"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 band wrote in the caption.
Netizens flooded social media with tributes. Some reminisced over the band's hit songs and thanked the late singer for his work.
"Oh my god, another legendary guy from a legendary band passed away. My condolences to his family and friends and the fans of Atlantic Starr," one netizen wrote.
"I literally was just thinking about how much I loved songs by Atlantic Starr as a kid yesterday! Wow, RIP and condolences to all who knew and loved him," a fan added.
"Dang, another legend has transitioned. Send For Me, When Love Calls, Don't Take Me For Granted, Silver Shadow and a long list of classics. Fly high Wayne & thank you for contributing to many timeless classics for us growing up," another fan wrote.
Fans of the band continued to pay their condolences to Lewis.
"Sad news. I remember Always and Secret Lovers stayed on rotation on the radio when I was little kid. May he R.I.P." A netizen wrote.
"Take a minute to give reverence and appreciation to one of the lead vocalist of a remarkable musical group Atlantic Star. Mr. Wayne Lewis rest easy bruh your incredible voice will continue to bring joy and happiness to millions in the years to come. Condolences to the family," another user commented.
"My condolences are with his family and friends #RIPWayneLewis," another fan wrote.
Wayne Lewis' career explored
Atlantic Starr was formed in 1976 by Lewis, his two brothers David Lewis and Jonathan Lewis, and Porter Carroll Jr., Clifford Archer, and Joseph Phillips.
According to Deadline's June 7, 2025, report, Sharon Bryant, William Sudderth, and Damon Rentie were also in the early lineup.
The R&B band had multiple hits throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, including Always, Secret Lovers, Circles, Silver Shadow, and Masterpiece. As per the media outlet, Circles was their first track to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Always then placed at number one on the Hot 100 chart and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. In 1992, Masterpiece charted at number three.
In April 1992, the band had a cameo on the daytime soap opera Another World.
According to Billboard's June 8, 2025, report, Atlantic Starr continued to make music and perform with the current lineup, which includes Wayne Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, Melessa Pierce, and Shammah Carter.
Atlantic Starr's last album, Metamorphosis, was released in 2017.
