Wayne Lewis, a founding member and singer of the R&B group, Atlantic Starr, died at the age of 68.
On Friday (June 7), the group confirmed his death on a social media post, noting that the musician died on Thursday. No cause of death has been disclosed.
“It’s with great sadness we have to post the passing of Wayne Lewis on June 5, 2025,” Atlantic Starr wrote on Facebook. “Please keep the family in your prayers and respect their privacy #waynelewis #restinpeace #flyhigh Sunrise 4/13/1957 Sunset 6/5/2025 #restinpeaceWayne.”
Lewis was a founding member, vocalist, and keyboardist of the legendary R&B band Atlantic Starr, which he formed in 1976 in White Plains, New York. He co-founded the group alongside his brothers David Lewis (vocals, guitar) and Jonathan Lewis (keyboards, trombone), along with original members Porter Carroll Jr. (drums), Clifford Archer (bass), and Joseph Phillips (percussion, flute).
Additional early members of Atlantic Starr included powerhouse lead vocalist Sharon Bryant, trumpeter William Sudderth III, and saxophonist Damon Rentie. As the lineup evolved, Barbara Weathers stepped in to replace Bryant, while Koran Daniels took over for Rentie.
Atlantic Starr quickly rose to prominence in the R&B scene during the late 1970s and 1980s. The band signed with A&M Records — and later Warner Bros. Records — releasing their self-titled debut album in 1978, followed by the fan-favorite sophomore album Straight to the Point in 1979.
