Biography

Mike “Lightnin’” Wells was raised in North Carolina and has had an interest in traditional forms of music since childhood.

How We Helped:
Lightnin’ Wells, a Music Maker artist since 1996, served on the Music Maker Board of Directors, and issued a CD with guest artists Taj Mahal and Cool John Ferguson. With Music Maker’s help, he has performed at Zancudo in Costa Rica, and at Warehouse Blues and the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival in North Carolina.

An avid collector of country and blues recordings, these formed the basis for his developing style of playing and singing using a variety of acoustic instruments, including the guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and harmonica. Variety is a trademark of Wells’ musical style and he attempts to educate as well as entertain audiences in his various performances. A Lightnin’ Wells performance is a spirited, exciting interpretation of folk blues classics and obscure material based on his over 20 years of experience, performance and research.