FIVE Star singer Stedman Pearson has died aged 60.
Music icon Stedman shot to fame in the 80s when his brother and sisters formed the British pop and R&B group.
7
7
7
Stedman is the eldest of five siblings, and he studied both dance and fashion at college prior to embarking on a career in music.
In 1983, Stedman, then aged 19, joined his teen brother and sisters to make Five Star.
They were made into a musical group by their dad Buster Pearson, a former recording artist, who wanted to create the next Jackson 5.
Five Star notched up a string of chart-topping hits including System Addict, Can’t Wait Another Minute and Rain or Shine.
The hit group also won the 1987 Brit Award for Best British Group.
In addition to performing backing vocals, Stedman’s interest in dance and fashion would play an integral role in the group.
Stedman and his siblings were known for their glamorous image, distinctive matching costumes and choreographed dance routines.
He began designing some of the outfits that would ultimately become the group’s trademark matching stage costumes.
The glittering costumes coupled with their synchronised dance routines often led to comparisons with The Jackson Five.
Friends and fans were quick to pay tribute to Stedman after the sad news.
One wrote: “Sad to hear that lovely Stedman Pearson has passed away. I knew Steeman in the noughties when he would often come down to Heaven where I dj’d.
“He was such a sweet gentle person and always used to smell divine. I commented on this once to him and the very next week he came to see me with a huge and very expensive bottle of cologne as a gift. He was lovely.
“Sleep well Stedman and once again – thank you for my cologne. I still have the bottle!”
Another said: “R.I.P Stedman Pearson aka Five Star , my beautiful Friend I’ll always remember the laughter we shared and the Dream you made reality.
“Gone too soon but never forgotten you live on forever in my heart & the 5 star/Stedman legacy you’ve left for us all to enjoy forever Thank you with all my heart. Love u more !!!
Five Star became the youngest group ever to top the British charts, and also the first black group to top the UK charts.
In 1995, the group went their separate ways.
The group shrunk to a trio in 2001, but Stedman continued to perform with sisters Denise and Lorraine until 2006.
Five Star reunited again in 2012 before calling it a day for the final time.
Since the band split he diversified and has had a number of jobs including running a limousine hire service and as a dance teacher.
In 2006 he finished in third place on Channel 5’s All Star Talent Show.
He also appeared as a contestant on BBC’s Celebrity Scissorhands in 2008.
Stedman’s Twitter bio states that he is a solo recording artist and he continues to be heavily involved in the fashion world.
7
7
7
7
