Stedman Pearson, a singer from the iconic 80s band Five Star, has passed away at the age of 60. Friends took to Facebook to express their grief and pay tribute.
One friend posted: “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.” Another wrote: “Rest in peace bro Stedman Pearson – too young man.”
Another shared their feelings, saying: “Woke up to learn of my friend’s passing….HE was one of the gentlest and lovely people I knew.. an awesome dancer with just a childlike zest for life…. You made a huge difference to my life and will be missed muchly!” Stedman had been quiet on social media, with his last Instagram post dating back to July 2020.
The Pearson family has not yet made a public statement regarding the loss. Born in Islington, London, in 1964, Stedman was the eldest sibling in the family that formed Five Star, reports the Mirror. Before fame, he led a relatively ordinary life, studying dance and fashion at college before dedicating himself to the family’s musical pursuits.
At the age of 19, Stedman’s father, Buster Pearson, harnessed the talents of his children to create the band in 1983. Five Star is remembered for rehearsing in their living room, where Stedman’s dance expertise was instrumental in creating choreography for his younger siblings’ performances.
Commonly likened to a British version of The Jackson Five due to their synchronised performances, eye-catching attire, and family make-up, the aspirations of Buster came to fruition when Five Star emerged as stars that shone bright in the mid-80s. Their rise on the UK Singles Chart saw them peak at number 15 in 1985, setting the stage for their album ‘Luxury of Life’ to quickly go platinum.
Their success solidified with the prestigious Brit Award for Best British Group bestowed upon them in 1987. However, the 1990s marked a decline as tensions with their record label surfaced alongside rumours of insolvency, leading to the group fracturing.
Subsequently, individual members pursued solo endeavours, leaving Five Star’s dynamic as a quintet behind. In the wake of Stedman Pearson’s passing, heartfelt messages have been shared. One touching note read: “This week i received the sad news that Stedman Pearson, the eldest of the famous Five Star eighties/nineties family quintet, has passed. I got to know him very well over 14 years, before being entrusted with his unpublished biography which was completed recently.”
Another bereft fan expressed: “Was hoping this wasn’t true but I think it sadly is. Anyone who knows me know how much I love Five Star; my childhood was a magical time thanks to their music, mesmerising dance routines and of course the incredible costumes. Such a sad loss. RIP Stedman Pearson.”
Fans and former admirers have been sharing their grief online with one saying: “Very sad to hear about the passing Steadman Pearson of @5starofficial – who were one of my favourite childhood music stars… Condolences to @DeniecePearson, Doris, Lorraine and Delroy,” while another added: “I’ve just heard the terrible news that Five Star singer @StedmanPearson has passed away. That’s a shocker! ! R.I.P Stedman, and sincere condolences to the entire Pearson family.”