Ep 3. Atlantic Starr

UnSung Season 5 Episode 3 features the popular American R&B band Atlantic Starr. The episode delves into the band's origin, their rise to fame, the struggles they faced, and the reasons why they eventually parted ways.

Viewers get to learn about the band's formation as the Newban Group in 1977 in White Plains, New York. The group comprised of drummer Porter Carroll Jr., keyboardist Joseph Phillips, guitarists Sheldon Tucker and David L. Lewis, trumpet player William Sudderth, saxophonist Damon Rentie, and bassist Clifford Archer. They later changed their name to Atlantic Starr after signing a deal with A&M Records in 1978.

From here, the documentary takes viewers through the band's journey to stardom, highlighting their key hits such as "When Love Calls," "Circles," "Am I Dreaming," and "Secret Lovers." The show takes note of the band's unique sound, blending soul, funk, and pop, which was not common in their time.

Along with their success, viewers get to understand the different challenges that the band faced, with emphasis on the struggles to make it in a competitive music industry, internal band conflicts, and relationships that faced strain due to their fame.

The band experienced highs and lows with their various lineup changes, losing some original members to pursue solo careers or leaving due to clashing with the other band members. The band's decision to switch recording labels also posed a challenge, which is detailed throughout the episode, and ultimately led to their popularity taking a hit.

Throughout the documentary, viewers also get to see the role that each member played in the band's success. Lead singer Barbara Weathers, the highlight of many Atlantic Starr songs, shares her experiences and journey with the band, both as a backup singer and the lead. She describes how she joined the band and her experience touring with them.

Other members, such as Wayne Lewis and Jonathan Lewis, whose father was a founding member of the group, detail their musical inspiration and how their father's legacy influenced their music career. Viewers get to know the other band members, their passion for music, and how they all worked together to create Atlantic Starr's sound.

The show ends on a bittersweet note with fans given insight into why Atlantic Starr broke up. Despite still having a strong fan base and hits on the charts, the band's internal conflicts began to take a toll on them, and members decided to go their separate ways. Fans of the band are left wondering about what could have been if things had gone differently.

UnSung season 5 episode 3 featuring Atlantic Starr gives viewers a deeper understanding of the band's legacy and the impact of their unique sound on the music industry. The episode portrays the members' hard work, the struggles they endured, and ultimately, their decision to part ways. This documentary serves as a tribute to the success and achievements of the band, which still resonate with fans today.