b. Terri Wells, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Terri Wells sang in church before being old enough to sing in clubs.
She and some local friends formed City Limits, who signed briefly to Philadelphia International Records (PIR) in the mid-70's.
When the group disbanded Dexter Wansel hired her as a session singer at PIR, and for the next few years she both toured and recorded with artists including Lou Rawls, M.F.S.B., Leon Huff, Jean Carn and Dexter (singing on 'Love Is Everywhere', 'Life On Mars' and lead on 'The Sweetest Pain').
In 1979, Dexter retired from live performances, and Terri was hired by Roy Ayers.
She toured in his band and cowrote 'Let's Stay Together' for Roy on his 'Feelin' Good' album.
Terri was a featured lead vocalist on Roy's 'Turn Me Loose' and was signed by Roy to his Uno Melodic label, although nothing was released.
When Nick Martinelli was hired by the Philly World label as a staff producer, he recommended they sign Terri.
This led to her debut solo release 'You Make It Heaven' (UKTop75) in 1983.
Her follow-up 'I'll Be Around' (U K Top 20, 1984) was a remake of the Detroit Spinners classic on which she had been one of the original background singers!
'Just Like Dreamin', which also included 'Who's That Stranger', was released later in 1984.
Terri co-wrote 'I Can't Forget You' (Patti Labelle) and 'Closer Than Close' (Jean Carn), and sang backgrounds with 52nd Street and Joanna Gardner.
Albums:
Just Like Dreamin' (Philly World Records 1984)
