Saturday, January 29, 2011

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Atlantic Starr

Artist:Atlantic Starr
Song:Always
Album:Ultimate Collection





Atlantic Starr was one of the most popular R & B groups of the 80s. They had some success as a funk band in the early 80s. But by the time Always became their only #1 hit in 1987, they had switched record companies and changed their musical focus to a smooth R & B sound. And they dropped most of the band and changed female lead singers. Atlantic Starr was from White Plains, NY led by brothers David Lewis (vocals and guitar), Wayne Lewis (vocals and keyboards) and Jonathan Lewis (percussion). They were called Newban at first and had a total of nine members including singer Sharon Bryant and flutist Joseph Phillips. They signed with A & M Records in 1978 and their first two albums were produced by veteran Philly Soul guitarist Bobby Eli. A & M obviously looked at them as very similar to L.T.D. who were also on A & M. Though Stand Up was a top 20 R & B hit in 1979, Eli was replaced by Commodores producer James Carmichael for the 1980 album Radiant. They had several R & B hits including the #2 hit Circles in 1982. So things were going well when Sharon Bryant left Atlantic Starr for a solo career in 1984. She had a top ten R & B hit with Foolish Heart in 1989. Barbara Weathers replaced her for the 1985 album As The Band Turns. The group had also contracted to the three Lewis brothers, Weathers and Phillips. Though the 1986 hit Secret Lovers reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was their biggest hit to date, Atlantic Starr moved to Warner Bros. for their 1987 album All In The Name Of Love. Always topped the pop and R & B charts would be their biggest hit to date. The lead vocals of David Lewis and Barbara Weathers are outstanding. Barbara Weathers left for a solo career and was replaced by Porscha Martin and then later replaced by Rachel Oliver. She was lead singer when Atlantic Starr reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993 with Masterpiece. They left Warners and recorded one unsuccessful album for Arista. This 2000 comp from Hip-O covers all their hits on all the different labels. David Lewis left Atlantic Starr to start his own ministry but Wayne and Jonathan Lewis still lead Atlantic Starr today. Here's the video for Always by Atlantic Starr. This video is not on Youtube.

atlantic starr always
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