What happened to the members of Atlantic Starr? What we know as founding member Wayne Lewis dies at 68

The R&B and soul community is mourning the loss of Wayne Lewis, who was one of the original members of the legendary music group Atlantic Starr, who died on June 5, 2025, at the age of 68.

His death was confirmed via the band's official Facebook page. Lewis, along with his brothers David and Jonathan, was instrumental in steering the sound and the success of Atlantic Starr.

"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," the band wrote.

The band hails from White Plains, New York, and came together in 1976. In the initial stages, they were known as the Newban. According to Pianity, they started as a large lineup that featured both singers and musicians, such as Porter Carroll Jr., Clifford Archer, and Sharon Bryant. The band’s music was a mix of R&B, funk, and soul from the get-go.

But their rise to fame came with its own problems. The band’s lineup changed frequently due to internal disputes and shifting musical direction.

According to Soul Tracks, Barbara Weathers, Wayne Lewis's one-time fiancée, exited the group in 1988 amidst claims of not being paid royalties as well as disagreements with the members over the creative direction of the group. Her exit led to several other female vocalists joining the band.

More about the internal conflicts within Atlantic Starr and Wayne Lewis's legacy and impact on the band's success

David Lewis, another co-founding member and lead singer on several of the group’s most successful tracks, would later depart Atlantic Starr in 1997 to follow a calling in Christian ministry.

Even with his exit, Wayne and Jonathan Lewis continued to perform with various new members. As time passed, the group evolved into a legacy act that played old hits for fans of a certain generation and occasionally sanitized new songs for younger ears.

Throughout the years, Wayne Lewis was a central figure in the band, not only as a keyboardist and singer but also as one of its principal songwriters, with his brother David. The start of their recording career found them having some moderate success, but the 1980s are what truly brought them to stardom with chart-topping songs and crossovers (Soul Tracks).

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Their mainstream breakthrough to international popularity came in the mid-80s with the emergence of lead vocalist Barbara Weathers and with hit songs like “Secret Lovers” and “Always.”

Atlantic Starr still actively tours today, but not with the same members, as they currently include Jonathan Lewis, singer Melessa Pierce, and Wayne’s nephew Shammah Carter. Wayne Lewis continued to perform with the group until his death.

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