Tauren Wells: From Royal Tailor to Pastoral Leadership
Tauren Gabriel Wells (born April 7, 1986, in Battle Creek, Michigan) began his journey with the Christian pop band Royal Tailor in 2004 while studying at Indiana Bible College. As lead vocalist and co-writer, he helped the group gain critical acclaim in CCM.
Solo Success:
- Launched Undefeated EP in
2016.
- Debut album Hills and Valleys
(June 2017), earning a Grammy nomination in 2018.
- “Hills and Valleys” single and
later “Known” topped Billboard Christian Airplay; “Known” also nominated
for Billboard Music Awards.
- Follow-up albums: Citizen of
Heaven (Jan 2020)—Grammy-nominated with hits like “Famous For (I
Believe),” —and Joy in the Morning (2022).
- Most recent EP, Take It All
Back (2023), followed by Let the Church Sing EP (2025) focused
on his pastoral role in Austin, Texas.
Pastoral Ministry & Personal Life:
In 2024, Tauren and his wife Lorna launched Church of Whitestone in
Austin. They serve as lead pastors and are raising four sons: Kanaan, Lawson,
Navy, and Banner.
Zach Williams: Redemption Through
Music
Zachary Stephen Williams (born March 5, 1981 or June 27, 1978; sources vary) grew up in
Jonesboro, Arkansas, rooted in church music but later fell into addictions. He
formed the rock band Zach Williams & The Reformation in 2007,
releasing two indie albums before leaving music in 2012 after a spiritual
awakening .
Solo Breakthrough:
- Signed with Provident Label Group
in 2016.
- Debut single “Chain Breaker”
(2016) hit No. 1 on Hot Christian Songs; album followed Dec 2016.
- Earned multiple #1 singles—“Chain
Breaker,” “Old Church Choir,” and “Fear Is a Liar”—and a Grammy for Best
CCM Album in 2018.
Continued Ministry & Collaborations:
- Rescue Story (Oct 2019) featured the
Grammy-winning duet “There Was Jesus” with Dolly Parton.
- Latest album A Hundred
Highways (Sep 2022) blends southern rock and blues; he also released a
memoir RescueStory in 2024.
Recognition & Ministry Impact:
- Two time Grammy winner, multiple
Dove and Billboard awards.
- Known for powerful worship in
prisons (live album Survivor, record in Nashville jail).
- Songs reflect raw honesty,
redemption, and lived faith from addiction to transformation.
Shared Themes & Influence
|
Aspect |
Tauren Wells |
Zach Williams |
|
Foundations |
Royal Tailor → solo worship singer-pastor |
Rock band → deep redemption & solo CCM artist |
|
Signature Hits |
“Hills and Valleys,” “Known,” “Famous For (I Believe)” |
“Chain Breaker,” “Old Church Choir,” “There Was Jesus” |
|
Ministry Roles |
Lead Pastor of Church of Whitestone in Austin (2024) |
Prison worship, memoir preaching |
|
Albums |
Hills and Valleys, Citizen of Heaven, Let the Church Sing |
Chain Breaker, Rescue Story, A Hundred Highways |
|
Awards |
Grammy & Billboard nominations |
2× Grammy winner, Dove Awards, Billboard recognition |
|
Impact |
Worship leader and mentor, church planting |
Southern rock authenticity, prison ministry, redemption testimony |
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