JOHN WELLS

JOHN KEY WEST - WELLS WELLS Songwriter, singer, musician, actor and storyteller John Lee Wells passed away August 14, 2025, peacefully, at his home in Key West where he had been a resident since 1978. Born in Drewry's Bluff, Virginia, he went on to lead the marching band of John Marshall High School and was a graduate of the University of Richmond where he was the Drum Major for their award-winning ROTC Band. In the late 60's John founded the very successful band The John Wells Delegation which enjoyed over a decade of popularity playing every major club in the Washington D.C. area including the famed Cellar Door, Blues Alley and The Bitter End and The Village Gate in NYC. The Delegation was known for their original songs, tight harmonies and electric showmanship that defied genres with their blend of rock, folk and showtunes. They scored several documentaries for NBC-TV including Venice Be Damned, The Inside World of Outer Space and appeared on the Today Show. Patty Duke and Elizabeth Taylor (to John Warner) had them play at their wedding receptions.

John was a major figure in all of Key West's theatres. One of the founding members of The Red Barn Theatre, he was cast in leading roles that included Pippin, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well..., The Roar of the Greasepaint..., One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune, Smoke on the Mountain, Love Letters, several versions of Conchs, Cowboys and Tales of Old Key West and so many more, including his own one-man show John Wells is Still Alive and Well and Living in Key West. Musicals at the Tennessee Williams Theatre Included leading roles in Oliver, South Pacific, The Music Man, The Man of La Mancha and appearances with The Paradise Big Band. He also was seen at The Waterfront Playhouse in Urinetown, August: Osage County, The Trip to Bountiful and 1776. John was the original Pool Man of Key West, an appreciator of home cooked meals from Fausto's and a friend to most everyone he met.

He will be missed by his traveling buddy....his wife and partner of 50 years...Joy Hawkins, his beloved daughter Zoe Hawkins-Wells to whom he was the greatest Popi in the world, his adoring nieces and their children and all those who were fortunate to know and love him.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at The Red Barn Theatre on Friday, November 21 from 5 - 7. All those who knew and loved him are welcome. Only bikes may park at the Barn.