With a bright smile, caring demeanor and determination not often found in a 19-year-old college student, Natalie Wells is pursuing her life-long dream with the same philosophy she has in life – no regrets. An aspiring singer/songwriter and photographer, Wells, an art sophomore from Houma, has recorded two albums and is working on her third. Her music is a mix of crossover country, acoustic rock and blues. Wells also owns and operates a business, Natalie Wells Photography and Graphic Design.
At an age when most people do not have a clue about what they want out of life, Wells has a dream and a plan. Many overlook the most important step in dreaming – doing something to obtain the dream.
Not only is Wells doing the things necessary to reach her goals, she is already in the initial stages of accomplishing her dream.
Within moments of speaking with Wells, one can easily see she is chasing her dream with a purpose and enthusiasm that only comes from truly loving ones craft.
“I want to experience everything I can early in life, so that later in life I won’t have any regrets,” she says.
Wells, who wrote her first lyrics at age 7, is the latest performer from a family rich in musical and artistic tradition. Her father, Bob, is a guitarist and songwriter. Her uncle, Pershing Wells, who recorded Wells’ first two albums, is an annual performer at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Another uncle, Ken Wells, is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, Random House novelist and former senior editor and writer for The Wall Street Journal.
Wells says the musician who has influenced her the most is her dad. A smile comes to her face as she reflects on memories of her early childhood.
“I remember listening to his Eagles and Beatles records and all the songs of the ’60s, and that all reminds me of my childhood and how great my dad was to me and my sisters,” she says.
It is impossible to miss the joyful expressions on her face as Natalie’s thoughts return to a memory from her past.
“My dad would teach me Eagles songs when I was 4, and I remember growing up dancing around the living room while he played his guitar,” she says
Wells, the oldest of three girls, says performances were common in the Wells household.
“When we were little, my sister and I would always dress in costumes and sing and put on shows for my parents. They always said they never had to watch TV,” Wells says.
It was during one of those performances when Natalie’s vocal talent first was noticed.
“We would sing nursery rhymes, and then one day I decided I wanted to sing like the girls on the radio. I was just 3. I remember my dad running up to me and hugging me and telling me how great it was. Everyone wanted me to do it again and from then on I was a puppet, singing for this person and that person,” Wells says.
Although she exudes confidence in her abilities, Wells has a subtle shyness about her. But her bashful nature disappears the moment she steps onstage.
“I’m at home onstage. It’s where I feel alive and energized and I love the connection with my audience. I love performing live the most,” Wells says.
Wells has performed for numerous regional festivals, fairs and events, such as “Voice of the Wetlands,” a benefit concert to raise awareness for the restoration of Louisiana’s coastal region.
She enjoys performing with local artists, such as Angela Portier, Martin Folse, Drew Rice, Richard Toups, Karen and Tim Dusenberry and the Thibodaux Family Church. She says she hopes one day to work with famous artists such as Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, John Mayer and Michael Bubl.
Wells, who is also a self-taught pianist, has performed in Branson, Mo., and Nashville, Tenn. She has also been featured on the Houma TV station HTV and the Lafayette TV station KLFY.
Wells says her proudest moment happened when she was recently performing at the Blue Bird Caf in Nashville. It was an open-mic night, and she performed two songs: “Change My Mind” and “Why Don’t You Love Me.” When it was all over she received a thunderous ovation from the crowd.
“It was really great because there were a lot of talented artists there that night,” she says.
Wells, who works at Sorelle’s shoe store and Baby It’s You in addition to her photography and singing careers, says she is fortunate to have flexible jobs that allow her to work on her music, photography and classwork.
“That’s my bill money, because I can’t count on the singing and photography just yet,” Wells says.
Wells says she is thankful for the support of her parents and all the caring people that surround her.
Whether Natalie will catch the “big break” musicians dream about is uncertain. Only time will tell if she ever performs a duet with Martina McBride or sings with John Mayer in front of a jam-packed stadium. She may or may not become famous, but when it’s all said and done one thing is certain: Wells will have no regrets because she worked hard doing what she loves .
