Veteran performer and Five Star band member Stedman Pearson has died at age 60, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking achievements for Black artists in British music. The talented musician, who was part of the first Black group to win a Brit Award for Best Group in 1987, passed away Thursday according to his heartbroken family, who described him as a “gentleman to the very end.”
British Music Pioneer Lost
Pearson’s passing marks the end of an era for 80s pop music fans who remember Five Star’s meteoric rise to fame. The British RnB group, formed in 1983 in Romford, Essex, consisted of siblings Stedman, Delroy, Lorraine, Denise, and Doris Pearson, who were often compared to the Jacksons due to their family setup and matching costumes.
Five Star achieved remarkable success during their prime years, with six Top 10 singles and four top-20 albums between 1985 and 1988. Their signature hit “Rain or Shine” reached No. 2 on the UK charts, while their second album “Silk & Steel” climbed all the way to number one, cementing their status as one of Britain’s most successful pop acts of the decade.
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The family band’s glamorous image, meticulously designed matching costumes, and synchronized dance routines became their trademark, with Stedman serving as the group’s costume designer. Despite their tremendous commercial success and cultural impact, the band later faced financial difficulties that eventually led to bankruptcy and the loss of their lavish mansion in Sunningdale, Essex.
Making History in British Music
Five Star’s 1987 Brit Award for Best Group represented a groundbreaking moment in British music history. They became the first Black group to win in this prestigious category, opening doors for future generations of minority artists in the UK music industry.
The band released an impressive 15 top-40 singles during their most successful period, showing remarkable consistency in an era before streaming and digital downloads. Their musical achievements came during a time when Black artists faced significant barriers in the British music industry, making their commercial success and critical recognition even more significant.
Life After Fame
After the group officially disbanded in 1995, Stedman continued performing with his sisters Denise and Lorraine when they reunited as a trio from 2001 to 2006. Following his music career, Pearson demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by pursuing various careers, including running a limousine service and working as a dance teacher.
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“His heartbroken family were ‘very saddened’ to announce his death on Thursday and paid tribute to the ‘amazing son, brother and uncle’, who they described as a ‘gentleman to the very end’.”
Pearson also found success in television, finishing third on Channel 5’s All Star Talent Show in 2006 and later appearing on BBC’s Celebrity Scissorhands in 2008. His versatility as a performer and willingness to reinvent himself showed the same determination that helped Five Star overcome obstacles on their way to becoming one of Britain’s most successful family acts.