Wayne Lewis, the voice behind some of the most beloved R&B ballads of the 1980s, has died at 68—leaving fans mourning the loss of a musical icon whose sound defined a generation.
At a Glance
- Wayne Lewis, cofounder of Atlantic Starr, died on June 5 at age 68
- The band confirmed his passing in a Facebook post but gave no cause of death
- Atlantic Starr rose to fame with hits like “Secret Lovers,” “Always,” and “Masterpiece”
- Lewis remained active in the band until his death, alongside brother Jonathan
- Tributes praised his role in shaping the R&B soundscape of the ’80s and ’90s
The Soul Behind the Hits
Wayne Lewis was more than just a co-founder of Atlantic Starr—he was its emotional anchor and creative engine. Alongside brothers David and Jonathan Lewis, Wayne helped launch the band in 1976 from White Plains, New York. Their breakout moment came with a self-titled debut in 1978, paving the way for a stream of hits that blended smooth harmonies, romantic themes, and jazz-inflected instrumentation.
The band’s biggest success arrived with the 1987 platinum-selling album All in the Name of Love, featuring the chart-topping ballad “Always,” which became a wedding staple and a global radio fixture. Lewis, known for his velvety vocals and command of the keys, co-wrote many of the band’s signature songs and performed them with a calm intensity that left a lasting imprint on R&B.
Watch a report: Wayne Lewis Reflects on 40 Years of Music.
Tributes and the Path Ahead
News of Lewis’s passing was confirmed in a Facebook statement from Atlantic Starr, which asked fans for privacy and thanked them for decades of support. Tributes poured in from industry veterans and younger artists alike, with many calling him “the voice of a generation” and crediting his influence on both R&B and pop.
Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, Lewis remained a constant presence in the group, appearing on later projects such as their 2017 release Metamorphosis. The current band roster includes his brother Jonathan Lewis, Melessa Pierce, and Shammah Carter.
The Legacy Lives On
As fans revisit classics like “Secret Lovers” and “Circles,” the band’s cultural legacy grows more vivid. It remains unclear whether Atlantic Starr will continue performing without Lewis, but his imprint on their sound is indelible.
For many, Wayne Lewis wasn’t just a member of a band—he was a soundtrack to their lives. And though he’s gone, his music will continue to whisper through speakers and echo across generations.
