2025 has already brought heartbreaking losses to the R&B world, with legends like Roberta Flack leaving us. And now, with heavy hearts, we’re saying goodbye to another true talent—Wayne Lewis of Atlantic Starr.
He passed away on Thursday, June 5.
The band, based in White Plains, New York, shared the sad news on their Facebook page.
“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 #waynelewis #restinpeace #flyhigh Sunrise 4/13/1957 Sunset 6/5/2025 #restinpeaceWayne,” they wrote.
As of now, no cause of death has been confirmed.
Fans from all over the world filled the comments section with love and heartbreak after the band shared the news.
One wrote, “Omg I’m devastated. I was looking forward to seeing them perform this Sunday at Capital Jazz Festival. My condolences.”
Another shared, “I had the pleasure of meeting him last September. What an amazing soul. Rest in peace.”
Wayne co-founded Atlantic Starr in 1976 with his brothers, David and Jonathan Lewis. Alongside them were Duke Jones and Porter Carroll Jr., though both left before the band’s first official recordings.
The group released their self-titled debut album in 1978, dropping tracks like Stand Up and Gimme Your Lovin.
The 1980s turned out to be their breakout decade. They dropped a string of successful albums—Radiant, Brilliance, Yours Forever, As the Band Turns, and more—that really put them on the map.
Hits like Always, Secret Lovers, Silver Shadow, and Masterpiece didn’t just top charts—they stuck with people.
After a long break, they came back in 2016 with Metamorphosis, which included a slow ballad called My Best Friend. It didn’t make major waves, but fans appreciated the familiar sound.
Wayne Lewis Was Once Engaged to a Fellow Band Member
It’s still unclear if Lewis was married at the time of his death, but what we do know is that the late artist was once engaged to Barbara Weathers, a talented vocalist who also served as one of the lead singers in Atlantic Starr.
During their time together, the band released As the Band Turns, which featured one of their biggest hits, Secret Lovers.
But not long after their engagement, things behind the scenes got tense. Disputes over royalties started causing friction, and by 1988, Barbara decided to leave the group.
