Don't let singer Tyrone Well's physique fool you.
"He's a tall and white version of black man with soul," promoter Samuel Salisbury said.
Wells has released four albums and is currently on tour, performing his pop-jazzy-rock for western fans. Today at 7:30 p.m., Wells will be performing with Keaton Simons and Benton Paul at the Velour in Provo.
"There's many people who need to hear his beautiful sound," Salisbury said. " My job is to help people enjoy his wonderful music and see his beautiful bald head."
The concert in Provo should be a good one, Wells said.
"I understand how privileged we are to perform," he said, "and I hope people experience the best time of their lives."
However, Wells hasn't always been on the Universal Republic Records label, filled venues or toured the United States.
"I first got into music because I love everything about it. I love how it made me feel," Wells said. "I love performing, playing, singing. Some nights, when everything goes right, it just feels like magic."
Even with his long time love of music, Well's didn't start considering a musical career until college in Southern California. There he found a local coffeehouse called McClain's and convinced the owner to let him play his music every Thursday for a month.
"I cut my teeth and learned to play my songs with my hands shaking," Wells said.
His one-month at McClain's turned into three years. During that time, Well's music evolved as he got comfortable performing.
"Tyrone is one of those artists that helps me tap into my inner self and inspires me as an artist," said fan Kristin Wiberg, who is also an aspiring musician.
Whether his music inspires listeners or not, Wells said he wants his music to be comfortable.
"Whenever our music is slid into a CD player, I want it to have that feeling, like hanging out with a good buddy," he said.
Wells encourages all those who wish to make it in the music world to have a more "do it yourself" mentality.
"Don't wait around for someone else to make your career happen," he said.
These days, Wells said, it's so easy to record music and put it out there for people to hear.
"Sell your CDs, put your stuff on line or work through cdbaby.com," he said. "There's no need to be waiting around to be discovered."
To hear more, go to myspace.com/tyronewells
What: Tyrone Wells in Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. tonight
Where: Velour, 135 University Ave.
Copyright Brigham Young University 20 May 2008
