Stedman Pearson Islington, North London Death and Obituary – Stedman Pearson, born on June 29, 1964, was a prominent British singer and a key member of the iconic 1980s pop group Five Star. As the eldest of five siblings, Stedman was integral to the group’s formation, contributing not only as a vocalist but also as a dancer and fashion designer. His influence extended beyond performance, shaping the band’s distinctive look and style, which contributed significantly to Five Star’s widespread popularity during the 1980s.
Before embarking on his music career, Stedman pursued studies in dance and fashion, which would play a pivotal role in his contributions to Five Star’s image and performances. In 1983, at the age of 19, Stedman joined his four younger siblings—Denise, Doris, Lorraine, and Delroy—when their father, Buster Pearson, a former musician and entrepreneur, formed Five Star. The family band quickly gained recognition for their synchronized dance routines, coordinated glamorous outfits, and high-energy performances, often drawing comparisons to The Jackson Five.
Stedman’s expertise in dance and fashion design was evident in Five Star’s stage presence, as he played a key role in designing the band’s iconic shimmering outfits. These carefully crafted costumes, combined with the group’s polished dance routines, helped set Five Star apart from other pop acts of the time and became synonymous with the band’s image.
The mid-1980s marked Five Star’s meteoric rise to fame. Their second album, Silk & Steel (1986), was a massive success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and selling over 1.2 million copies in the UK. The group scored 15 UK Top 40 hit singles and earned four Top 20 albums, three of which achieved Platinum status. Five Star’s success culminated in winning Best Group at the 1987 Brit Awards, solidifying their place in British pop history. During this time, the band became a household name, gracing television screens and concert stages both in the UK and internationally.
Despite their immense popularity, by the late 1980s, Five Star’s commercial success began to decline. Financial difficulties surfaced, and the band faced several challenges, including reports of bankruptcy in 1989. This led to the family relocating from their lavish Berkshire mansion to smaller accommodations and eventually to the United States in hopes of revitalizing their career.
By the 1990s, Five Star struggled to regain their earlier success. The group downsized to a trio by 2001, with Stedman, Denise, and Lorraine continuing to perform under the Five Star name. They participated in the 2002 Here and Now Tour, which featured other popular acts from the 1980s. Stedman continued to perform with his sister Denise at UK Butlins holiday camps until 2008, maintaining a connection with long-time fans.
While Stedman was not a primary songwriter for Five Star, he did contribute to several tracks, including “Pure Energy” (1986) and “Stone Court” (1987), an instrumental piece named after the family’s former estate. In the years following Five Star’s decline, Stedman explored other ventures, including running a limousine hire service, teaching dance, and making appearances on reality television. In 2006, he competed on The All Star Talent Show and finished in third place. He also appeared on Celebrity Scissorhands in 2008, where he trained as a hairdresser to raise funds for charity.
Stedman’s passion for dance remained a constant throughout his career, and by 2009, he was teaching jazz dance classes in Northampton, further cementing his legacy within the dance community.
Stedman’s life was not without controversy. In 1990, he was involved in a public indecency charge, which garnered media attention. Later, in 2007, police were called to his home following a claim of death threats from his father, Buster Pearson. The details of this incident were unclear, but it reflected ongoing tensions within the family.
Despite personal struggles and setbacks, Stedman Pearson’s contributions to the music and fashion industries remain significant. As a member of Five Star, he helped shape the 1980s pop scene with his dynamic performances and keen sense of style. Although the group’s commercial success waned in the following decades, Five Star’s polished image, energetic dance routines, and memorable hits remain a nostalgic symbol of the era.
Stedman’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to inspire through music, fashion, and dance, continuing to influence fans and artists alike long after the height of Five Star’s fame.