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 shared the sad news of his death through a heartfelt Facebook post on June 6, stating: ‘With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Wayne Lewis on June 5, 2025.

Kindly keep the family in your thoughts and respect their need for privacy. #waynelewis #restinpeace #flyhigh Born 4/13/1957 Passed 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 vocalist, lyricist, and founding member of the group was 68; (Pictured L-R: David Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, John Phillips, Wayne Lewis, with Sharon Bryant seated in the front, around 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.  

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

Lewis also co-wrote and performed on hits like Secret Lovers (No. 3 Billboard Hot 100, 1985), Touch a Four Leaf Clover, and Am I Dreaming, solidifying the group’s legacy as one of the most successful R&B acts of the decade

They released their self-titled debut album in 1978 on A&M Records, with Wayne contributing vocals and keyboards on early tracks like Stand Up and Keep It Comin’. 

Lewis was a lead vocalist on the band’s biggest hit, Always, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts in 1987 and remained in the Top 40 for weeks, earning platinum status and international acclaim. 

Throughout the ’80s, Wayne and his brothers worked with legendary producers like James Anthony Carmichael (who also produced for Lionel Richie and the Commodores), helping the band achieve a sleek, radio-friendly sound.

Lewis also co-wrote and performed on hits like Secret Lovers (No. 3 Billboard Hot 100, 1985), Touch a Four Leaf Clover, and Am I Dreaming, solidifying the group’s legacy as one of the most successful R&B acts of the decade.