Five Star legend Stedman Pearson’s cause of death revealed with tribute from family

R&B icon Stedman Pearson has died age 60 after huge chart success in the 80s with his siblings in the band Five Star.

Hailing from Romford, Essex, his sister Deniece confirmed Pearson was ‘on dialysis and had diabetes’ before his death on March 10.

‘He was a gentleman to the very end – in every way and an amazing son/brother and uncle,’ she told PA news agency.

‘May the memories and love he gave to us and the world be our greatest comfort. He will be deeply missed.’

Five Star secured six Top 10 hits, including Rain or Shine, which peaked at number two in the charts in 1986 – kept off the top spot by Madonna.

Their huge hits included Can’t Wait Another Minute, Find the Time, Stay Out of My Life and The Slightest Touch.

Pearson and his siblings Delroy, Lorraine, Deniece and Doris, formed the band in 1983 and were best known for their glam costumes and dance routines.

Five Star, managed by their former recording artist father, Buster Pearson, won a Brit Award for Best Group in 1987, beating the likes of Pet Shop Boys and Eurythmics.

They performed hit Can’t Wait Another Minute during the ceremony, which also featured sets from Simply Red, Spandau Ballet and Whitney Houston.

Their record Silk & Steel was also nominated for best album but lost out to Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms.

In 2001, Five Star became a trio with Deniece and Lorraine continuing to perform with Pearson.

They reformed again in 2012 as a five-piece with Doris and Delroy, although Lorraine retired from the group that same year.

Deniece was the only member still active, with her siblings last performing as Five Star in 2016.

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