Terri Wells - A Profile...

I guess when most of us think of Terri Wells we immediately think of her cover of The Spinners "I'll Be Around" in 1984 and/or possibly her debut solo single "You Make It Heaven" in 1983 both on Philly World.

It may surprise many to learn that in fact (according to a couple of sources) she was one of the backing singers on The Spinners original version from 1972, although she is not credited on the album which included two of "The Sweeties", Carla Benson and (the recently deceased) Evette Benton along with Linda Creed!

She is from Philadelphia and was a member of a local group City Limits,  who were signed to TSOP records and released just one single in 1975 and one album "Circles" in 1976.  City Limits evolved out of a gospel choir Overbrook Singers which also produced The Debonettes (aka First Choice) with Annette Guest, Rochelle Fleming and Wardell Piper who progressed from the choir.

Reading the bio on Discogs it is inaccurate as it claims that Terri Wells and Brandi Wells are the same artist which is incorrect, therefore the claim that she toured with Fat Larry's Band is probably also false (as may be the statement that she was a backing vocalist on The Spinners original?). Brandi Wells is an entirely different artist who was a member of Fat Larry's Band, Breeze and Slick before going solo in 1981. Brandi Wells died in 2003 and as far as I'm aware Terri Wells is very much alive.

After City Limits disbanded she was recruited by Dexter Wansel as a session singer for Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International records and toured with various artists on the roster. She sang lead on Dexter Wansel recordings of "The Sweetest Pain" (often mistaken as Jean Carn) ("Time Is Slipping Away") as well as "Together Once Again" ("Life On Mars") .

When Wansel retired from recording in 1979 she joined Roy Ayers who she toured with and also recorded with writing and performing on "Let's Stay Together" on his 1982 "Feeling Good" album. She performed backing vocals for yet another cover of Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love" with Roy Ayers on "No Stranger To Love" in 1979.

One of her aliases is Terri Wells King and she co-wrote a few songs with James and John King of The Futures who recorded them in 1982, so I am guessing she was married to one of them?

Let's Get To It / Young And Tender

Angel In Disguise / Betcha Come Back

She also co-wrote a song recorded by Patti LaBelle "I Can't Forget You" released on "Patti" in 1985 on which she also performed backing vocals.

In 1986 she sang backing vocals on Phyllis Hyman's "Screaming At The Moon" on "Living All Alone" and also appeared on Loose Ends "Zagora" album.

Her first of only four US solo singles was "You Make It Heaven" (only 12" in US) in 1983  followed by "Just Like Dreamin'" / "Who's That Stranger", "I'm Givin' All My Love" and "I'll Be Around" in 1984 (the last two had instrumental flip sides). Only the first and last got released in the UK and both made the UK pop charts #53 and #17 respectively. Another single "I Already Know" / "Falling Leaves" was only released in Germany in 1984.

City Limits [1976] - Circles [TSOP #PZ 34110]

The standouts, for me, on this album are "Uncle James" (written by Bruce Hawes and Cynthia Briggs) and "Love (I Guess That's The Fool In Me)" the latter is a stunning ballad written by Joseph Jefferson who was the brother of Major Harris (not sure why their surnames are different?) and cousin of Norman Harris and finally a great Philly dancer "Words Without Love".

Dexter Wansel Feat. Terri Wells [1979] - The Sweetest Pain [PIR #ZS9 3724]

Terri Wells [1984] - Just Like Dreamin' [Philly World #90189-1]

This is an extended reissue of the original album which only contained the first eight tracks. The additional tracks are mainly 7" or 12" and instrumental mixes with the addition of the Pedro Edit of  "I'll Be Around". Everything she released as a solo artist is included.