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Tauren Wells

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Tauren Wells
Wells in 2016
Wells in 2016
Background information
Birth nameTauren Gabriel Wells
Born (1986-04-07) April 7, 1986 (age 38)
Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S.
GenresCCM, Christian Pop, Pop Rock, Christian hip-hop
Years active2004 (2004)–present
LabelsCapitol · Reunion
Spouse
Lorna Macey
​
(m. 2011)​
Websitetaurenwells.com

Tauren Gabriel Wells is an American Contemporary Christian music singer and pastor from Houston, Texas.[1] Wells was the frontman of former Christian band Royal Tailor.[1]

After the group's disbandment in 2015, he released Undefeated EP in 2016, followed by his first studio album Hills and Valleys, released in June 2017. The album and its lead single "Hills and Valleys" received nominations at the 60th Grammy Awards in 2018. Its fifth single "Known" topped the Billboard Christian Airplay chart and was nominated for Top Christian Song at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.

Wells' second studio album Citizen of Heaven was released in January 2020. The album and one of its singles, "Famous For (I Believe)" – his third Christian Airplay No. 1 – were nominated at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021. His third album Joy in the Morning was released in June 2022, followed by his second EP Take It All Back in 2023. In 2024, Wells became a lead pastor at a church in Austin, Texas, which was planted by him and his wife Lorna.

Career

[edit]

At the age of sixteen, Wells felt called to serve God.[2] He was a founding member of Royal Tailor along with DJ Cox and Blake Hubbard while they were attending Indiana Bible College A Oneness Apostolic College[3] in 2004.[4] Jarred Ingram later joined. Wells toured with Christian band Casting Crowns in 2012.[5]

2016–2018: Undefeated EP and Hills and Valleys

[edit]

In 2016, Wells signed with Reunion Records as a solo artist[6] and released his first single "Undefeated" in May, featuring rapper KB.[7] It served as the soundtrack for Dude Perfect's "World Records Edition" video on YouTube.[8] Wells released his second single "Love Is Action" in August[9] and his first EP, titled Undefeated EP, on September 12.[10] "Love Is Action" was No. 1 on Christian Hot AC/CHR Radio for nine weeks.

In January 2017, Wells released "Hills and Valleys", which reached No. 8 on the Christian Airplay Chart and No. 3 on the Hot Christian Songs chart.[11] His first studio album Hills and Valleys was released digitally on June 23, and physically on July 21.[12] The fourth single, "When We Pray", was released on October 20[13] and peaked at No. 7.[14] He was featured on Crowder's "All My Hope".[15] The single peaked at No. 3 on the Christian Songs chart and No. 1 on the Christian Airplay chart, becoming his first number one.[16] In mid-2017, he accompanied American singers Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey on their All the Hits Tour as the opening act.[17][18]

In 2018, Wells received Grammy nominations for Best Contemporary Christian Performance/Song and Contemporary Christian Album of the Year, but did not win either. In the same year, he also became a worship leader at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.[19]

The fifth single, "Known", was released on June 23, 2018.[20] The song peaked at No. 3 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart, becoming his fourth Top 10 single from that chart.[21] It topped multiple Christian radio charts including Christian Airplay and Christian AC Songs, and it was nominated for the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.[22] It was also nominated for Top Christian Song at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.

2019–2023: Citizen of Heaven, Joy in the Morning and Take It All Back

[edit]

In January 2020, Wells released his second studio album Citizen of Heaven. The album was supported by lead single "Like You Love Me",[23] accompanied by "Famous For (I Believe)", featuring Bethel Music singer Jenn Johnson.[24] A music video for "Millionaire (Good Like That)", featuring Kirk Franklin, released on August 24.[25] "Famous For (I Believe)", which had its own EP released in December 2020,[26] topped the Billboard Christian Airplay chart in January 2021,[27] and received a nomination along with Citizen of Heaven at the 63rd Grammy Awards that same year.[26]

In March 2021, Wells collaborated with American R&B singer H.E.R. to release "Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)".[28] He released Citizen of Heaven LIVE on April 16, 2021, through Essential Records.[29] To accompany the album, he released four music videos which were recorded during Citizen of Heaven's launch event at Lakewood Church in January 2020.[30]

On February 25, 2022, Wells released "Fake It", featuring Christian rapper Aaron Cole,[31] as the lead single to his third studio album Joy in the Morning, which was released on June 10, 2022.[32] "Empty" and "Come Home" was released as singles.[33][32] He released his third EP Take It All Back on August 18, 2023.[34]

2023–present: Lead pastor at Church of Whitestone

[edit]

In April 2023, Wells revealed plans to launch a church in 2024 with his wife Lorna.[35][36] In 2024, the Church of Whitestone was launched in Austin, Texas, where they both serve as lead pastors.[35][37]

Personal life

[edit]

Wells married his wife Lorna Brittany (née Macey) Wells in 2011.[38][39] Wells served on the staff of his father-in-law's church in Houston known as Royalwood Church until 2018. Wells and his wife Lorna started the Prisma Worship Arts School, to train musicians.[40] Together, they have four sons.[41][42] The oldest, Kanaan, was born in 2013. Their second son, Lawson Mayer, was born in 2016.[43] Their third son, Navy Elliot, was born in 2018.[44] Their fourth son, Banner Paul, was born in 2021.[45] The family lives in Austin, Texas.[37]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of selected albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[46] 		US
Christ
[47]
Hills and Valleys — 5
Citizen of Heaven[48]
  • Released: January 24, 2020 [49]
  • Label: Reunion Records
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
 169 3
Joy in the Morning
  • Released: June 10, 2022
  • Label: Capitol CMG
  • Format: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
 — 3
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart

Live albums

[edit]
List of live albums
Title Album details
Citizen of Heaven (Live)
  • Released: April 16, 2021
  • Label: Essential Records
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming

Extended plays

[edit]
List of EPs, with selected chart positions
Title EP details Peak chart positions
US
Christ
[47]
Undefeated EP
  • Released: September 12, 2016
  • Preview of LP
  • Label: Reunion Records
  • CD, digital download, streaming
 33
Conocido EP
  • Released: March 8, 2019
  • Label: Reunion Records
  • Digital download, streaming
 —
Take It All Back EP
  • Released: August 18, 2023
  • Label: Capitol CMG
  • Digital download, streaming
 —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
Bubb.
[50] 		US
Christ.
[50] 		US
Christ.
Airplay
[51] 		US
Christ. AC
[52] 		US
Christ.
Digital
[53]
"Undefeated"
(featuring KB) 		2016 — — — — — Hills and Valleys
"Love Is Action" — 49 30 — —
"Hills and Valleys" 2017 — 3 8 12 3
"When We Pray" — 7 2 2 19
"Known" 2018 — 3 1 1 5
"God's Not Done with You" 2019 — 6 2 2 10
"Like You Love Me" — 17 14 11 — Citizen of Heaven
"Famous For (I Believe)"
(featuring Jenn Johnson) 		2020 15 3 1 2 5
"Until Grace"
(with Rascal Flatts) 		— 11 7 8 18
"Millionaire (Good Like That)"
(with Kirk Franklin) 		— — — — —
"All God's Children" — 29 — — 11 non-album single
"Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)"
(with H.E.R.) 		2021 — 20 50 — 18
"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" — — — — —
"Fake It"
(featuring Aaron Cole) 		2022 — 16 17 17 15 Joy in the Morning
"Joy in the Morning" — 27 27 — 6
"Something Better"
(with Blanca) 		2023 — — — — — non-album single
"Take It All Back"
(with We the Kingdom and Davies) 		— 8 1 14 1 Take It All Back
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart
[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
Christ
[50] 		Christ
Airplay
[51] 		US
Christ. AC
[52] 		US
Christ.
Digital
[53]
"All My Hope"
(Crowder featuring Tauren Wells) 		2017 3 1 2 1 non-album single
"War Cry"
(Social Club Misfits featuring Tauren Wells) 		2018 32 27 — — Into the Night
"Echo"
(Elevation Worship featuring Tauren Wells) 		18 11 9 17 Hallelujah Here Below
"O Holy Night"
(Tommee Profitt featuring Tauren Wells) 		2020 34 27 11 — The Birth of a King
"Like You"
(Aaron Cole featuring Tauren Wells and TobyMac) 		2021 — — — — Two Up Two Down
"Deeper"
(TobyMac featuring Tauren Wells) 		2022 — — — — Life After Death
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart

Promotional singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Christ
[50] 		Christ
Airplay
[51]
"Miracle" 2019 38 — Citizen of Heaven[57]
"Close"
(featuring Steven Furtick) 		43 28
"Perfect Peace" — —
"Trenches"
(with Donald Lawrence & Company) 		2020 41 — non-album single
"Empty" 2022 48 — Joy in the Morning
"Come Home" — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart

Other charted songs

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
Single Year Chart positions Album
US
Christ
[50] 		NZ
Hot
[58]
"Citizen of Heaven" 2020 48 — Citizen of Heaven
"Joy in the Morning" 2022 33 31 Joy in the Morning
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart
[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Christ
[50] 		US
Christ.
Digital
[53]
"Never Lost"
(Elevation Worship featuring Tauren Wells) 		2020 31 17 Graves into Gardens

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Grammy Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2012 Black & White (with Royal Tailor) Best Contemporary Christian Music Album Nominated
2015 Royal Tailor (with Royal Tailor) Nominated
2018 "Hills and Valleys" Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song Nominated
Hills and Valleys Best Contemporary Christian Music Album Nominated
2019 "Known" Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song Nominated
2020 "God's Not Done With You (Single Version)" Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song Nominated
2021[59] "Famous For (I Believe)" (featuring Jenn Johnson) Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song Nominated
Citizen of Heaven Best Contemporary Christian Music Album Nominated
2022 Citizen of Heaven (Live) Best Contemporary Christian Music Album Nominated

Billboard Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2019[60] "Known" Top Christian Song Nominated
2021 "Famous For (I Believe)"
(with Jenn Johnson) 		Top Christian Song Nominated

GMA Dove Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2012 Royal Tailor (as former frontman) New Artist of the Year Nominated
2017 Tauren Wells Won
2019 "Known" Song of the Year Nominated
Tauren Wells Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year Nominated
"Known" Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year Nominated
2020 Tauren Wells Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year Won
Citizen of Heaven Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year Won
Citizen of Heaven Short Form Video of the Year Nominated
2021 "Famous For (I Believe)" Song of the Year Nominated
Tauren Wells Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year Nominated
"Famous For (I Believe)" Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year Won
2022 "Fake It"
(featuring Aaron Cole) 		Short Form Video of the Year (Performance) Won

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Royal Tailor frontman Tauren Wells announces solo project". CCM Magazine. August 19, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2017.
  2. ^ Cluver, Ross (September 6, 2019). "Getting To Know You — Tauren Wells". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  3. ^ https://indianabible.college/
  4. ^ Cherrie, Chrysta. "Royal Tailor : Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  5. ^ Williams, Lindsay. "K-LOVE Cover Story: Tauren Wells". Positive Encouraging K-LOVE. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  6. ^ "Tauren Wells Steps into New Solo Project, Out of Royal Tailor". NewReleaseToday.com.
  7. ^ "News: Royal Tailor Frontman Tauren Wells Announces Solo Project, Signs Deal With Provident Label Group | Freeccm.com". Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  8. ^ "World Record Edition | Dude Perfect". YouTube.
  9. ^ "Former Royal Tailor Frontman TAUREN WELLS Goes Solo with New Single Love Is Action". PathMegazine.com. August 22, 2016.
  10. ^ "Tauren Wells Releases Debut Solo EP Undefeated". NewReleaseToday.com.
  11. ^ Asker, Jim (May 17, 2017). "'Idol' Alums Mandisa & Jasmine Murray Shine in Christian Airplay Chart's Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  12. ^ "Hills and Valleys (Deluxe Edition) - Tauren Wells". iTunes Store. June 23, 2017. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  13. ^ "Tauren Wells - When We Pray (Official Music Video)". iTunes Store. October 20, 2017. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  14. ^ "Mandisa & tobyMac Hit Top 10 on Hot Christian Songs Chart". Billboard. January 25, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  15. ^ "Crowder - All My Hope ft. Tauren Wells". October 19, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2018 – via YouTube.
  16. ^ "Crowder, Tauren Wells & Koryn Hawthorne Hit No. 1 on Christian/Gospel Charts". Billboard. March 15, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  17. ^ "Tauren Wells to tour with Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey". CCM Magazine. March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  18. ^ Law, Jeannie Ortega (August 13, 2017). "Christian Singer Aims to 'Invade' Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey's 'All the Hits Tour' With God's Love (Video)". www.christianpost.com. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  19. ^ Jeannie Law, Singer Tauren Wells Stepping Into Call to Preach, Begins Speaking at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church, christianpost.com, US, September 26, 2018
  20. ^ "Known - Tauren Wells". iTunes Store. June 23, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  21. ^ "Elevation Worship & Houghton Debut on Christian, Gospel Charts". Billboard. October 11, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  22. ^ Lynch, Joe (December 7, 2018). "Grammys 2019 Nominees: The Complete List". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
  23. ^ Cluver, Ross (December 13, 2019). "Tauren Wells Unveils Music Video for 'Like You Love Me'". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  24. ^ Cluver, Ross (May 29, 2020). "Tauren Wells Releases 'Famous For (I Believe)' Video". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  25. ^ Staff (August 25, 2020). "Tauren Wells & Kirk Franklin 'Millionaire (Good Like That)' Official Music Video". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  26. ^ a b Cluver, Ross (January 21, 2021). "Tauren Wells 'Famous For (I Believe)' Hits Billboard #1". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  27. ^ Asker, Jim (January 21, 2021). "Tauren Wells & Jenn Johnson Top Christian Airplay Chart: 'People's Faith Is Being Reignited'". Billboard. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  28. ^ News, C. C. M. (March 19, 2021). "Tauren Wells & H.E.R. Release 'Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)'". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  29. ^ Cluver, Ross (March 15, 2024). "Tauren Wells 'Citizen of Heaven LIVE'". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  30. ^ Cluver, Ross (March 6, 2021). "Tauren Wells Releases 'Citizen of Heaven LIVE' Album Apr 16". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  31. ^ Cluver, Ross (February 25, 2022). "Tauren Wells Releases New Single 'Fake It' ft Aaron Cole". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  32. ^ a b Price, Deborah Evans (June 13, 2022). "Tauren Wells Hopes to Spread 'Joy' With Third Album: 'These Songs Come From a Place of Freedom and Honesty'". Billboard. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  33. ^ Cluver, Ross (April 8, 2022). "Tauren Wells to Release New Album 'Joy in the Morning' June 10". CCM Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  34. ^ Caela Griffin (August 18, 2023). "Tauren Wells 'Takes It All Back' with New EP Out Today". Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  35. ^ a b "Tauren Wells and Wife Lorna Launching New Church - The Gospel Music Association". gospelmusic.org. April 27, 2023. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  36. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  37. ^ a b "Church of Whitestone | Our Story". www.yourwhitestone.org. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  38. ^ "Tauren Wells Celebrates 11 Years Married". 20thecountdown.com. January 28, 2022.
  39. ^ "Lorna & Tauren's Wedding". youtube.com.
  40. ^ "Royal Tailor Frontman Tauren Wells Announces Solo Project, Signs Deal With Provident Label Group". GospelMusic.org. August 19, 2016.
  41. ^ "Tauren Wells praising God for birth of son". chvnradio.com.
  42. ^ "Tauren Wells and Wife Lorna Fought for Their Love and Marriage". hollywoodmask.com. December 12, 2021.
  43. ^ Wells, Lorna (March 21, 2022). "Entry 017: You asked, I answered!". Alive And Wells. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  44. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  45. ^ Brock, Taylor (April 13, 2021). "Tauren Wells praising God for birth of son". CHVN Radio. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  46. ^ "Tauren Wells – Chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  47. ^ a b "Tauren Wells – Chart history (Christian Top Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  48. ^ "JFH News: Six-Time Grammy Nominee Tauren Wells' Critically Acclaimed Sophomore Album Citizen of Heaven Available Now". JesusFreakHideout. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  49. ^ "JFH News: Tauren Wells' New Album 'Citizen of Heaven' To Release Jan. 24, 2020". JesusFreakHideout. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  50. ^ a b c d e f "Tauren Wells Chart History (Christian Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  51. ^ a b c "Tauren Wells Chart History - Christian Airplay". Billboard. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  52. ^ a b "Tauren Wells Chart History (Christian AC Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  53. ^ a b c "Tauren Wells Chart History (Christian Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved June 19, 2019.
  54. ^ "American certifications – Tauren Wells". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  55. ^ "American single certifications – Tauren Wells – Known". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  56. ^ a b c "American single certifications – Elevation Worship – Echo". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  57. ^ Clarks, Jessie (October 11, 2019). "Tauren Wells Drops "Close" From Upcoming Sophomore Album". TheChristianBeat.org. Retrieved October 15, 2019.
  58. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. August 8, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  59. ^ "2021 GRAMMYs: Complete Nominees List". GRAMMY.com. November 24, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  60. ^ Warner, Denise. "Cardi B Leads 2019 Billboard Music Awards Nominations With 21". Billboard.com. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
[edit]
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