Cory Wells, American pop-rock singer (Three Dog Night) (d. 2015)

Cory Wells, born Emil Lewandowski on February 5, 1941, was an iconic American singer whose distinctive voice became synonymous with the legendary rock band Three Dog Night. He passed away on October 20, 2015, leaving behind a significant and enduring musical legacy.

Wells was primarily recognized for his pivotal role as one of the three dynamic lead vocalists in Three Dog Night, a unique and groundbreaking setup that propelled the band to immense success in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Alongside fellow vocalists Danny Hutton and Chuck Negron, Wells contributed to a rich tapestry of vocal harmonies and powerful, individual solo performances that defined the group's signature sound.

This innovative three-vocalist format allowed Three Dog Night remarkable versatility, enabling them to tackle a diverse range of material from various songwriters, transforming rock anthems, soulful ballads, and pop tunes into chart-topping hits. The band frequently rotated lead singing duties among the trio, giving each vocalist an opportunity to shine. Cory Wells's robust, often gritty, and powerfully expressive vocal delivery was particularly prominent on many of the band's most enduring classics. For instance, he took the lead on Randy Newman's "Mama Told Me Not to Come," which soared into the Top 10 in 1970, and also fronted Laura Nyro's "Eli's Coming." His unique vocal interpretations were crucial to the band's widespread appeal and commercial success.

Between 1969 and 1975, Three Dog Night achieved remarkable commercial dominance, boasting an impressive record of 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including 11 Top 10 singles and three number-one chart-toppers. The distinctive interplay and individual strengths of Wells, Hutton, and Negron were central to their ability to continuously interpret songs from diverse songwriters and elevate them to chart-topping status, cementing their position as one of the most popular and influential acts of their era.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cory Wells and Three Dog Night

Who was Cory Wells?
Cory Wells, born Emil Lewandowski, was a celebrated American singer best known as one of the three lead vocalists for the highly successful and iconic rock band Three Dog Night, active from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s.
What was unique about Three Dog Night's vocal lineup?
Three Dog Night's distinctive feature was its use of three co-equal lead vocalists: Cory Wells, Danny Hutton, and Chuck Negron. This innovative setup allowed for diverse vocal textures, dynamic harmonies, and the ability to rotate lead singing duties across their wide-ranging catalog, significantly contributing to their unique sound and broad appeal.
Which notable songs featured Cory Wells's vocals?
Cory Wells took the lead on several of Three Dog Night's hit songs, prominently featuring on classics such as "Mama Told Me Not to Come," which became a Top 10 hit, and "Eli's Coming." His powerful and distinctive voice was a key element in many of the band's most recognized tracks.
What was Three Dog Night's commercial success?
Three Dog Night achieved significant commercial success from 1969 to 1975, recording 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, which included 11 Top 10 singles and three number-one hits, establishing them as one of the most popular bands of their time.
What were Cory Wells's birth and death dates?
Cory Wells was born on February 5, 1941, and passed away on October 20, 2015.