By T. ZELLER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 20:02 BST, 7 June 2025 | Updated: 20:09 BST, 7 June 2025

Wayne Lewis of the legendary R&B band Atlantic Starr has died. 

The singer, songwriter, and co-founding member of the group was 68.

The band announced his passing in a heartfelt Facebook post on June 6, 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.’

A cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Lewis was a driving force behind Atlantic Starr, a New York-based group formed in the mid-1970s with his brothers David and Jonathan Lewis. 

Wayne Lewis of the legendary R&B band Atlantic Starr has died

The singer, songwriter, and co-founding member of the group was 68; ((L-R) David Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, John Phillips, Wayne Lewis and Sharon Bryant (seated front) circa 1983)

The singer, songwriter, and co-founding member of the group was 68; ((L-R) David Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, John Phillips, Wayne Lewis and Sharon Bryant (seated front) circa 1983)

The band rose to fame in the ’80s with their signature blend of smooth soul, R&B, and pop — becoming staples on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts.

Wayne Lewis served as both lead vocalist and keyboardist, contributing to some of the band’s biggest hits, including Always, Secret Lovers, Circles, Silver Shadow, and Masterpiece. 

Their 1987 ballad Always hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a wedding anthem for a generation.

Tributes have poured in across social media. 

‘A great songwriter. Atlantic Star was better once he became leader. He will be missed,’ one fan wrote. 

Another praised him as ‘a great songwriter’ and ‘an icon of soulful love songs.’

Yet another added, ‘Omg I’m devastated. I was looking forward to seeing them perform this Sunday at Capital Jazz Festival. My condolences.’ 

Wayne co-founded Atlantic Starr in 1976 in White Plains, New York, alongside his brothers David and Jonathan Lewis, originally forming the band under the name Newban before changing it ahead of their first major label signing. 

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Atlantic Starr singer Wayne Lewis dies at 68 as tributes pour in for R&B legend

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