Wayne Lewis, Atlantic Starr Founder, Dies at 68: A Poetic Farewell
Beneath twilight’s hush, a melody drifts away as we bid adieu to Wayne Lewis, the visionary pianist and founding voice of Atlantic Starr. In an ode both bittersweet and majestic, the world learns that Lewis passed at 68 after a brave two-year battle with prostate cancer, leaving behind a tapestry of soulful ballads that defined an era.
From the moment he and his siblings formed Atlantic Starr in 1976, Lewis’s fingers danced across the keys in service of harmony, crafting unforgettable anthems like “Secret Lovers,” “Always,” and the subtly infectious “Circles.” Billboard chronicles the band’s rise from collegiate stages at Clark Atlanta University to platinum-selling glory, with Lewis’s yearning melodies acting as the group’s beating heart. Rolling Stone later hailed his songwriting as “a masterclass in blending romantic vulnerability with rhythmic finesse,” a tribute to his lyricism and musical integrity.
As Atlantic Starr climbed the charts, Wayne’s dedication shone brightest offstage, too. He co-piloted the band through lineup changes and shifting musical tides, ensuring each album—from 1981’s self-titled debut to the chart-topping All In The Name Of Love—retained its signature soul. His work earned Grammy nods and cemented the group’s reputation as R&B royalty. Yet beyond the accolades, Lewis believed in the power of music to heal: he often spoke at community events about arts education, urging young creatives to find their own voices through melody.
News of his passing arrived May 13, 2024, delivered with heavy hearts from his family and publicists. The New York Post confirms that Lewis is survived by his wife, children, and a legion of fans who still hum his choruses on summer nights. In the days since, tributes have poured in: Stevie Wonder lauded him as “a brother in song,” while Billboard saluted his “everlasting imprint on pop-soul.” These homages underline a simple truth—Wayne Lewis’s legacy continues to resonate.
Let the words flow like a melancholic sonnet, for in this grand finale we do not simply mourn a man but celebrate an architect of feeling whose chords turned heartbreak into shared catharsis. Atlantic Starr may have lost its founder, but his music endures, echoing through earbuds and airwaves alike. Each swell of “Always” now feels like a vow reborn, a testament to love’s persistence even in absence.
And so, the curtain falls on Wayne Lewis’s earthly performance, yet his final note reverberates—a celestial refrain in the annals of R&B history. A bittersweet ending, or merely the beginning of countless encores in memory?
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Billboard, Rolling Stone, New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
