Tauren Gabriel Wellsis an AmericanContemporary Christian musicsinger and pastor from Houston, Texas.[1]Wells was the frontman of former Christian bandRoyal Tailor.[1]
Tauren Wells | |
|---|---|
 Wells in 2016 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Tauren Gabriel Wells |
| Born | April 7, 1986 Battle Creek,Michigan,U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Labels | |
| Formerly of | Royal Tailor |
| Spouse |
Lorna Macey (m.2011) |
| Website | taurenwells |
After the group's disbandment in 2015, he releasedUndefeated EPin 2016, followed by his first studio albumHills and Valleys,released in June 2017. The album and its lead single "Hills and Valleys"received nominations at the60th Grammy Awardsin 2018. Its fifth single "Known"topped theBillboardChristian Airplaychart and was nominated for Top Christian Song at the2019BillboardMusic Awards.
Wells' second studio albumCitizen of Heavenwas released in January 2020. The album and one of its singles, "Famous For (I Believe)"– his third Christian Airplay No. 1 – were nominated at the63rd Grammy Awardsin 2021. His third albumJoy in the Morningwas released in June 2022, followed by his second EPTake It All Backin 2023. In 2024, Wells became a leadpastorat a church inAustin,Texas, which was planted by him and his wife Lorna.
Career
editAt the age of sixteen, Wells felt called to serve God.[2]He was a founding member ofRoyal Tailoralong with DJ Cox and Blake Hubbard while they were attendingIndiana Bible CollegeA Oneness Apostolic College[3]in 2004.[4]Jarred Ingram later joined. Wells toured with Christian bandCasting Crownsin 2012.[5]
2016–2018:Undefeated EPandHills and Valleys
editIn 2016, Wells signed withReunion Recordsas a solo artist[6]and released his first single "Undefeated" in May, featuring rapperKB.[7]It served as the soundtrack forDude Perfect's "World Records Edition" video onYouTube.[8]Wells released his second single "Love Is Action" in August[9]and his first EP, titledUndefeated 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 albumHills and Valleyswas 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 onCrowder'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 singersLionel RichieandMariah Careyon theirAll the Hits Touras theopening act.[17][18]
In 2018, Wells receivedGrammynominations 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 aworship leaderatLakewood ChurchinHouston, Texas.[19]
The fifth single, "Known",was released on June 23, 2018.[20]The song peaked at No. 3 on the USHot Christian Songschart, 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 the2019 Grammy AwardforBest Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.[22]It was also nominated for Top Christian Song at the2019BillboardMusic Awards.
2019–2023:Citizen of Heaven,Joy in the MorningandTake It All Back
editIn January 2020, Wells released his second studio albumCitizen of Heaven.The album was supported by lead single "Like You Love Me",[23]accompanied by "Famous For (I Believe)",featuringBethel MusicsingerJenn Johnson.[24]A music video for "Millionaire (Good Like That)", featuringKirk Franklin,released on August 24.[25]"Famous For (I Believe)", which had its own EP released in December 2020,[26]topped theBillboardChristian Airplaychart in January 2021,[27]and received a nomination along withCitizen of Heavenat the63rd Grammy Awardsthat same year.[26]
In March 2021, Wells collaborated with American R&B singerH.E.R.to release "Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)".[28]He releasedCitizen of Heaven LIVEon April 16, 2021, throughEssential Records.[29]To accompany the album, he released four music videos which were recorded duringCitizen of Heaven's launch event atLakewood Churchin January 2020.[30]
On February 25, 2022, Wells released "Fake It",featuring Christian rapperAaron Cole,[31]as the lead single to his third studio albumJoy 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 EPTake It All Backon August 18, 2023.[34]
2023–present: Lead pastor at Church of Whitestone
editIn 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 inAustin,Texas, where they both serve aslead pastors.[35][37]In 2024, he announced an upcoming book.[38]
On November 1, 2024, Wells released a single titled "Making Room". It was announced that this would be the title track of an upcoming album.
Personal life
editWells married his wife Lorna Brittany (néeMacey) Wells in 2011.[39][40]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.[41]Together, they have four sons.[42][43]The oldest, Kanaan, was born in 2013. Their second son, Lawson Mayer, was born in 2016.[44]Their third son, Navy Elliot, was born in 2018.[45]Their fourth son, Banner Paul, was born in 2021.[46]The family lives in Austin, Texas.[37]
Discography
editStudio albums
edit| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [47] |
US Christ [48] | |||
| Hills and Valleys |
|
— | 5 | |
| Citizen of Heaven[49] |
|
169 | 3 | |
| Joy in the Morning |
|
—[A] | 3 | |
| Making Room[38] |
|
TBA | ||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart | ||||
Live albums
edit| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Citizen of Heaven (Live) |
|
Extended plays
edit| Title | EP details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| US Christ [48] | ||
| Undefeated EP |
|
33 |
| Conocido EP |
|
— |
| Take It All Back EP |
|
— |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart | ||
Singles
editAs lead artist
edit| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Bubb. [51] |
US Christ. [51] |
US Christ. Airplay [52] |
US Christ. AC [53] |
US Christ. Digital [54] | ||||
| "Undefeated" (featuringKB) |
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)" (featuringJenn Johnson) |
2020 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| |
| "Until Grace" (withRascal Flatts) |
— | 11 | 7 | 8 | 18 | |||
| "Millionaire (Good Like That)" (withKirk Franklin) |
— | — | — | — | — | |||
| "All God's Children" | — | 29 | — | — | 11 | Non-album singles | ||
| "Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)" (withH.E.R.) |
2021 | — | 20 | 50 | — | 18 | ||
| "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| "Fake It" (featuringAaron Cole) |
2022 | — | 16 | 17 | 17 | 15 | Joy in the Morning | |
| "Joy in the Morning" | — | 27 | 27 | — | 6 | |||
| "Something Better" (withBlanca) |
2023 | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "Take It All Back" (withWe the Kingdomand Davies) |
— | 8 | 1 | 14 | 1 | Take It All Back | ||
| "Making Room" | 2024 | — | — | — | — | — | Making Room | |
| "Thank You For the Cross" | 2025 | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart | ||||||||
As featured artist
edit| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Christ [51] |
Christ Airplay [52] |
US Christ. AC [53] |
US Christ. Digital [54] | ||||
| "All My Hope" (Crowderfeaturing Tauren Wells) |
2017 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Non-album single | |
| "War Cry" (Social Club Misfitsfeaturing Tauren Wells) |
2018 | 32 | 27 | — | — | Into the Night | |
| "Echo" (Elevation Worshipfeaturing Tauren Wells) |
18 | 11 | 9 | 17 |
|
Hallelujah Here Below | |
| "O Holy Night" (Tommee Profittfeaturing Tauren Wells) |
2020 | 34 | 27 | 11 | — | The Birth of a King | |
| "Like You" (Aaron Colefeaturing Tauren Wells andTobyMac) |
2021 | — | — | — | — | Two Up Two Down | |
| "Deeper" (TobyMacfeaturing Tauren Wells) |
2022 | — | — | — | — | Life After Death | |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart | |||||||
Promotional singles
edit| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Christ [51] |
Christ Airplay [52] | |||
| "Miracle" | 2019 | 38 | — | Citizen of Heaven[58] |
| "Close" (featuringSteven 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
editAs lead artist
edit| Single | Year | Chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Christ [51] |
NZ Hot [59] | |||
| "Citizen of Heaven" | 2020 | 48 | — | Citizen of Heaven |
| "Joy in the Morning" | 2022 | 33 | 31 | Joy in the Morning |
| "Up" | 2023 | 29 | — | |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart | ||||
As featured artist
edit| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Christ [51] |
US Christ. Digital [54] | |||
| "Never Lost" (Elevation Worshipfeaturing Tauren Wells) |
2020 | 31 | 17 | Graves into Gardens |
| "I Give You My Dreams" (Sarai Rivera featuring Tauren Wells) |
2025 | 50 | — | Suelto EP (Deluxe) |
Notes
edit- ^Joy in the Morningdid not enter theBillboard200, but peaked at No. 48 on theBillboardTop Album Sales
Awards and nominations
editGrammy Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Black & White(withRoyal 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[60] | "Famous For (I Believe)"(featuringJenn 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 |
BillboardMusic Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019[61] | "Known" | Top Christian Song | Nominated |
| 2021 | "Famous For (I Believe)" (withJenn 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" (featuringAaron Cole) |
Short Form Video of the Year (Performance) | Won |
References
edit- ^ab"Royal Tailor frontman Tauren Wells announces solo project".CCM Magazine.August 19, 2016.RetrievedJune 18,2017.
- ^Cluver, Ross (September 6, 2019)."Getting To Know You — Tauren Wells".CCM Magazine.RetrievedMarch 26,2024.
- ^https://indianabible.college/
- ^Cherrie, Chrysta."Royal Tailor: Biography & History".AllMusic.RetrievedFebruary 2,2017.
- ^Williams, Lindsay."K-LOVE Cover Story: Tauren Wells".Positive Encouraging K-LOVE.RetrievedMarch 26,2024.
- ^"Tauren Wells Steps into New Solo Project, Out of Royal Tailor".NewReleaseToday.com.
- ^"News: Royal Tailor Frontman Tauren Wells Announces Solo Project, Signs Deal With Provident Label Group | Freeccm.com".RetrievedAugust 7,2020.
- ^"World Record Edition | Dude Perfect".YouTube.
- ^"Former Royal Tailor Frontman TAUREN WELLS Goes Solo with New Single Love Is Action".PathMegazine.com. August 22, 2016.
- ^"Tauren Wells Releases Debut Solo EP Undefeated".NewReleaseToday.com.
- ^Asker, Jim (May 17, 2017)."'Idol' Alums Mandisa & Jasmine Murray Shine in Christian Airplay Chart's Top 10 ".Billboard.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
- ^"Hills and Valleys (Deluxe Edition) - Tauren Wells".iTunes Store. June 23, 2017.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
- ^"Tauren Wells - When We Pray (Official Music Video)".iTunes Store. October 20, 2017.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
- ^"Mandisa & tobyMac Hit Top 10 on Hot Christian Songs Chart".Billboard.January 25, 2018.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
- ^"Crowder - All My Hope ft. Tauren Wells".October 19, 2018.RetrievedDecember 7,2018– via YouTube.
- ^"Crowder, Tauren Wells & Koryn Hawthorne Hit No. 1 on Christian/Gospel Charts".Billboard.March 15, 2018.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
- ^"Tauren Wells to tour with Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey".CCM Magazine.March 29, 2017.RetrievedMarch 31,2024.
- ^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.RetrievedMarch 31,2024.
- ^Jeannie Law,Singer Tauren Wells Stepping Into Call to Preach, Begins Speaking at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church,christianpost.com, US, September 26, 2018
- ^"Known - Tauren Wells".iTunes Store. June 23, 2018.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
- ^"Elevation Worship & Houghton Debut on Christian, Gospel Charts".Billboard.October 11, 2018.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
- ^Lynch, Joe (December 7, 2018)."Grammys 2019 Nominees: The Complete List".Billboard.RetrievedDecember 7,2018.
- ^Cluver, Ross (December 13, 2019)."Tauren Wells Unveils Music Video for 'Like You Love Me'".CCM Magazine.RetrievedMarch 27,2024.
- ^Cluver, Ross (May 29, 2020)."Tauren Wells Releases 'Famous For (I Believe)' Video".CCM Magazine.RetrievedMarch 27,2024.
- ^Staff (August 25, 2020)."Tauren Wells & Kirk Franklin 'Millionaire (Good Like That)' Official Music Video".CCM Magazine.RetrievedMarch 27,2024.
- ^abCluver, Ross (January 21, 2021)."Tauren Wells 'Famous For (I Believe)' Hits Billboard #1".CCM Magazine.RetrievedMarch 27,2024.
- ^Asker, Jim (January 21, 2021)."Tauren Wells & Jenn Johnson Top Christian Airplay Chart: 'People's Faith Is Being Reignited'".Billboard.RetrievedMarch 27,2024.
- ^News, C. C. M. (March 19, 2021)."Tauren Wells & H.E.R. Release 'Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)'".CCM Magazine.RetrievedMarch 27,2024.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^Cluver, Ross (March 15, 2024)."Tauren Wells 'Citizen of Heaven LIVE'".CCM Magazine.RetrievedMarch 27,2024.
- ^Cluver, Ross (March 6, 2021)."Tauren Wells Releases 'Citizen of Heaven LIVE' Album Apr 16".CCM Magazine.RetrievedMarch 27,2024.
- ^Cluver, Ross (February 25, 2022)."Tauren Wells Releases New Single 'Fake It' ft Aaron Cole".CCM Magazine.RetrievedMarch 27,2024.
- ^abPrice, 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.RetrievedMarch 27,2024.
- ^Cluver, Ross (April 8, 2022)."Tauren Wells to Release New Album 'Joy in the Morning' June 10".CCM Magazine.RetrievedMarch 27,2024.
- ^Caela Griffin (August 18, 2023)."Tauren Wells 'Takes It All Back' with New EP Out Today".RetrievedSeptember 2,2023.
- ^ab"Tauren Wells and Wife Lorna Launching New Church - The Gospel Music Association".gospelmusic.org.April 27, 2023.RetrievedMarch 31,2024.
- ^"Instagram".www.instagram.com.RetrievedMarch 31,2024.
- ^ab"Church of Whitestone | Our Story".www.yourwhitestone.org.RetrievedMarch 26,2024.
- ^abWoolum, Brandon (November 4, 2024)."Tauren Wells Releases Title Track From Upcoming Album 'Making Room'".CCM Magazine.RetrievedNovember 16,2024.
- ^"Tauren Wells Celebrates 11 Years Married".20thecountdown.com.January 28, 2022.
- ^"Lorna & Tauren's Wedding".youtube.com.
- ^"Royal Tailor Frontman Tauren Wells Announces Solo Project, Signs Deal With Provident Label Group".GospelMusic.org. August 19, 2016.
- ^"Tauren Wells praising God for birth of son".chvnradio.com.
- ^"Tauren Wells and Wife Lorna Fought for Their Love and Marriage".hollywoodmask.com.December 12, 2021.
- ^Wells, Lorna (March 21, 2022)."Entry 017: You asked, I answered!".Alive And Wells.RetrievedJuly 21,2024.
- ^"Instagram".www.instagram.com.RetrievedJuly 21,2024.
- ^Brock, Taylor (April 13, 2021)."Tauren Wells praising God for birth of son".CHVN Radio.RetrievedJuly 21,2024.
- ^"Tauren Wells – Chart history (Billboard 200)".Billboard.RetrievedFebruary 4,2020.
- ^ab"Tauren Wells – Chart history (Christian Top Albums)".Billboard.RetrievedFebruary 4,2020.
- ^"JFH News: Six-Time Grammy Nominee Tauren Wells' Critically Acclaimed Sophomore AlbumCitizen of HeavenAvailable Now ".JesusFreakHideout.RetrievedJanuary 28,2020.
- ^"JFH News: Tauren Wells' New Album 'Citizen of Heaven' To Release Jan. 24, 2020".JesusFreakHideout.RetrievedOctober 16,2019.
- ^abcdef"Tauren Wells Chart History (Christian Songs)".Billboard.RetrievedApril 23,2018.
- ^abc"Tauren Wells Chart History - Christian Airplay".Billboard.RetrievedFebruary 21,2018.
- ^ab"Tauren Wells Chart History (Christian AC Songs)".Billboard.RetrievedJune 23,2018.
- ^abc"Tauren Wells Chart History (Christian Digital Song Sales)".Billboard.RetrievedJune 19,2019.
- ^"American certifications – Tauren Wells".Recording Industry Association of America.RetrievedMarch 6,2019.
- ^"American single certifications – Tauren Wells – Known".Recording Industry Association of America.RetrievedJanuary 23,2020.
- ^abc"American single certifications – Elevation Worship – Echo".Recording Industry Association of America.RetrievedOctober 31,2024.
- ^Clarks, Jessie (October 11, 2019)."Tauren Wells Drops" Close "From Upcoming Sophomore Album".TheChristianBeat.org.RetrievedOctober 15,2019.
- ^"NZ Hot Singles Chart".Recorded Music NZ.August 8, 2022.RetrievedAugust 6,2022.
- ^"2021 GRAMMYs: Complete Nominees List".GRAMMY.com.November 24, 2020.RetrievedNovember 27,2020.
- ^Warner, Denise."Cardi B Leads 2019 Billboard Music Awards Nominations With 21".Billboard.com.RetrievedMarch 4,2019.