Five Star singer dies aged 60 as tributes flood in for Brit Award winner and 1980s R&B icon
Five Star singer Stedman Pearson has died at the age of 60, prompting an outpouring of tributes from family, friends and fans.
The British R&B star was a member of the popular 1980s family pop group formed in Romford, Essex, in 1983.
His sister Lorraine confirmed the news on social media, simply writing: “RIP Stedman Pearson from Five Star,” alongside a heart emoji.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
Stedman was the eldest of the five siblings who made up the chart-topping group that enjoyed considerable success throughout the 1980s.
Five Star enjoyed huge success with six Top 10 singles, including Rain or Shine which reached No. 2 in the UK charts.
Other hits included Can’t Wait Another Minute, Find the Time, Stay Out of My Life and The Slightest Touch.
The group’s debut album Luxury of Life was certified platinum.
In 1987, Five Star won the Brit Award for Best British Group, marking their biggest honour.
The band was often dubbed the British version of The Jackson Five, having been formed by their father Buster Pearson, a former reggae musician who wanted to create a similar family act.
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They were known not only for their vocal talents but also for their slick synchronised dance routines.
Tributes have poured in from fans following the news of Pearson’s passing.
One fan wrote on social media: “This week I received the sad news that Stedman Pearson, the eldest of the famous Five Star eighties/nineties family quintet, has passed.”
Another said: “Very sad to hear about the passing of my friend Stedman Pearson. Gonna miss our chats dude. I have no words. I’m in complete shock.”
“Woke up to learn of my friends passing….HE was one of the gentlest and lovely people I knew.. an awesome dancer with just a childlike zest for life,” shared another tribute.
“Very sad to hear about the passing Steadman Pearson of @5starofficial – who were one of my favourite childhood music stars,” wrote another fan.
Born in 1964 in Islington, London, Pearson studied both dance and fashion at college before embarking on his music career.
At 19, he joined his siblings to form Five Star under the guidance of their father.
Pearson used his dance skills to choreograph routines for his younger siblings during the band’s early days.
After his success with Five Star, Pearson pursued various ventures, including running a limousine hire firm and becoming a dance teacher.
He later competed on Channel 5’s All Star Talent Show, finishing in third place.
In the band’s early days, they famously rehearsed in their living room, with Pearson taking a leading role in their performances.
Five Star’s popularity declined in the 1990s following tensions with their record label and reports of bankruptcy.
The group later split, with many siblings pursuing solo careers.
In 2001, Five Star became a three-piece with Pearson continuing to perform alongside Lorraine and Denise.
The original five members reunited in 2012 to perform at the Rewind Festivals.
In 2007, Pearson’s relationship with his father had deteriorated significantly, with reports that he called police after allegedly receiving death threats from Buster.
Five Star later performed as a four-piece after Lorraine retired, appearing at UK summer festivals including Rewind, Let’s Rock and Lytham.
In 2018, Denise announced a new Five Star lineup with four new members.