Cory Wells (born Emil Lewandowski; February 5, 1941 – October 20, 2015) was an American singer best known as a founding member and one of the three principal vocalists of the rock group Three Dog Night. He was born in Buffalo, New York and became prominent in the popular music scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Overview and voice

Wells provided a distinct lead-voice presence in a band notable for sharing lead duties among three singers. His delivery is frequently described as robust and blues-tinged, and it helped shape the group’s dynamic approach of matching songs to the strengths of different vocalists. That arrangement contributed to the band’s versatility across pop, rock and soul-influenced material.

Career and development

Wells rose to wider attention after relocating to the Los Angeles music scene and forming Three Dog Night with his bandmates. The group became known for recording songs written by a variety of outside songwriters and turning them into mainstream hits. Three Dog Night enjoyed commercial success with many singles and albums during their peak years, touring extensively and appearing on radio and television.

Notable songs and legacy

  • "Joy to the World" — an anthem-like hit commonly associated with the band.
  • "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)" — a hit that showcased the band’s rhythmic and vocal strengths.
  • "One" — another well-known single highlighting the group's harmony-driven arrangements.

Wells’s role in a multi-lead format is a notable part of his musical legacy: it demonstrated how singers with different timbres and styles could share the spotlight to broaden a band’s appeal. His recordings and performances with Three Dog Night contributed to a string of Top 40 singles and a lasting radio presence for the group.

Later life and death

After years of peak activity with Three Dog Night, Wells remained associated with the band’s repertoire and with legacy performances that celebrated that era of popular music. He died suddenly in his sleep on October 20, 2015, at his home in Dunkirk, New York, at the age of 74. He is remembered for his distinctive contributions to a band that left a visible mark on late-20th-century American rock and pop.

Notable fact: He was born Emil Lewandowski, and his professional name, Cory Wells, became widely recognized through his recordings and tours with Three Dog Night.