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 BillboardChristian 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
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
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]
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
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] 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
Wells married his wife Lorna Brittany (née Macey) 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
Studio albums
List of selected albums, with selected chart positions
