Cory Wells Net Worth

What was Cory Wells' net worth?

Cory Wells was an American singer who had a net worth of $1.5 million.

Cory Wells was an American singer best known as one of the three founding members and rotating lead vocalists of Three Dog Night, one of the most successful singles-driven rock acts of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Possessing a gritty, blue-collar vocal style that contrasted sharply with his bandmates, Wells became the lead voice on several of the group's most iconic and commercially successful recordings. While Three Dog Night often faced criticism for not writing its own material, the band's ability to interpret great songs with precision and personality helped them dominate pop radio, producing 21 Top 40 hits and multiple No. 1 singles.

Wells sang lead on some of the group's most recognizable recordings, including "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)," "Shambala," and "Never Been to Spain." His voice brought a rough-edged credibility to the band's polished sound and proved especially effective on songs that blended rock, soul, and pop sensibilities. As internal conflicts and substance abuse issues strained the group, Wells became one of the more stable forces within Three Dog Night, remaining closely tied to the band's identity even after its original lineup fractured. After the group's commercial peak, he continued performing for decades, ultimately becoming one of the last original members to actively tour under the Three Dog Night name until his death in 2015.

Early Life

Cory Wells was born Emil Lewandowski on February 5, 1941, in Buffalo, New York. Raised in a working-class environment, he developed an affinity for rhythm-and-blues, early rock, and soul music. As a young man, Wells worked a series of blue-collar jobs while performing music on the side, building a stage presence rooted more in feel and authenticity than polish. He eventually relocated to California, where he crossed paths with fellow singers Danny Hutton and Chuck Negron.

Formation of Three Dog Night

In 1967, Wells joined Hutton and Negron to form Three Dog Night, a group designed around the unusual concept of three interchangeable lead vocalists. The band signed with Dunhill Records and released its self-titled debut album, "Three Dog Night," in 1968. Although Chuck Negron sang the breakout hit "One," Wells quickly emerged as a dominant presence on subsequent releases.

Wells scored the band's first No. 1 hit in 1970 with "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)," a song written by Randy Newman that became a defining moment for the group. His vocals also drove hits such as "Never Been to Spain" and "Shambala," reinforcing his reputation as the band's most rugged and soulful voice. Over the next several years, Three Dog Night released a string of gold-certified albums and became one of the most reliable hit-making machines on American radio.

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Band Turmoil and Later Touring

Despite massive success, internal tensions plagued the group, exacerbated by management disputes and substance abuse issues, particularly involving Negron. Three Dog Night initially disbanded in the mid-1970s, reunited briefly in the early 1980s, and then fractured again. After the second breakup, Wells and Hutton continued touring under the Three Dog Night name, while Negron pursued a solo career.

Wells remained active on the touring circuit for decades, performing the band's catalog for audiences who continued to embrace its hits. His steady presence helped maintain Three Dog Night as a viable live act long after its chart dominance had faded.

Personal Life and Death

Outside of music, Wells was known for his relatively private lifestyle. He married actress Mary Wells and largely avoided the public controversies that surrounded parts of the band's history. Cory Wells died on October 20, 2015, at the age of 74. His death marked the loss of one of the defining voices of Three Dog Night's golden era.

Legacy

Cory Wells' legacy rests on his unmistakable voice and his role in shaping the sound of one of pop rock's most successful bands. His performances brought grit, warmth, and credibility to songs that continue to receive airplay decades later. While Three Dog Night may have been a band of interpreters, Wells proved that interpretation, when done right, can be just as powerful as songwriting.

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