The soul music community lost one of its brightest stars last week. Wayne Lewis, the visionary founding member of Atlantic Starr who helped sculpt the soundtrack of countless romance stories, died on June 5, 2025. He was 68.
News of his passing rippled through social media after Atlantic Starr’s touching Facebook announcement. “It’s with great sadness we have to post the passing of Wayne Lewis,” the band wrote, requesting privacy for the grieving family. The post triggered an outpouring of memories from fans whose lives were touched by Lewis’s musical genius.
Back in White Plains, New York — where it all began — Wayne and his brothers David and Jonathan couldn’t have imagined the legacy they’d create. Their musical journey started like many family bands: practicing in basements, dreaming big, and crafting a sound that would eventually captivate millions. Wayne’s dual role as lead vocalist and keyboardist proved essential in shaping Atlantic Starr’s distinctive sonic signature.
The late ’70s saw the group’s self-titled debut album hit the shelves, with “Stand Up” climbing to No. 16 on the R&B charts. Not bad for newcomers — but the best was yet to come.
It wasn’t until the mid-’80s that Atlantic Starr truly hit their stride. “Secret Lovers” became their breakthrough moment, a masterclass in crossover appeal that peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 while dominating the Adult Contemporary chart. The track showcased Wayne and David’s uncanny ability to write songs that felt both intimately personal and universally relatable.
Then came “Always” in 1987 — and everything changed. The ballad didn’t just top both pop and R&B charts; it became woven into the fabric of American romance. Even now, nearly four decades later, you’d be hard-pressed to attend a wedding reception without hearing those familiar opening notes.
Social media has been flooded with tributes since the news broke. “His band gave my generation so much listening pleasure,” one fan reminisced. Another called him “a great songwriter” and “an icon of soulful love songs” — descriptions that barely scratch the surface of his impact.
Through lineup changes and shifting musical trends, Wayne remained Atlantic Starr’s creative compass. Their 2017 album “Metamorphosis” proved they could evolve while keeping their soul intact — no small feat in today’s ever-changing music landscape.
As streaming numbers surge following his passing (a bittersweet reminder of his enduring influence), it’s clear that Wayne Lewis’s musical legacy will continue shaping R&B for generations to come. His gift wasn’t just writing hits; it was creating moments — those precious minutes when a song becomes more than music, transforming into a memory that lasts a lifetime.
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