Clancy Wells is a dad first, and a musician second. That's how it's always been.

Wells started performing in the fourth grade -- he played the guitar and sang an Elvis song. Later, in his college years at BYU, he was known as the "local James Taylor." However, when he started a family, Wells put his music on hold so he could be as involved as possible in his kids' lives.

Wells said: "I have college friends who pursued careers in music. Some of them were on the road 300 days out of the year for many years. When I got married, I decided that I didn't want to try to raise a family while I was on the road performing. As the church teaches, 'No other success can compensate for failure in the home.' So I sold all of my musical equipment and got a conventional job. For 20 years, I was generally home for dinner every night, and I took my family to church every Sunday."



With his four sons (all Eagle Scouts), the Mormon musician has built 16 pinewood derby cars. He coached his kids' soccer teams for several seasons and was very active in their lives.

"This is the life that I wanted," Wells continued. "Even though some of my friends have become multimillionaires in the music industry, I have never regretted my decision to focus on raising my family."

Now that his children are older, Wells has had more time to record and perform his music. He recently released an album of his piano and instrumental music.

Throughout the years, music has been a therapeutic outlet for Wells. Second only to prayer, it is where he finds healing.

"I'm a single dad with four children. Like many families, we've faced some challenges in life. These past few years have been especially difficult, and I have often found myself sitting at my piano late at night, spontaneously playing music that seemed to resonate with the emotions in my heart," Wells said. "At times, there were tears on the keyboard. At other times, the music was a reflection of joy and gratitude. Ultimately, I created a number of musical compositions, which I compiled to produce my first CD entitled 'Keeper of the Lighthouse.'"

His music is an expression of his heart and his faith. The title track, "Keeper of the Lighthouse," has an extra special meaning to him as a father.

"As my children face their own challenges, I imagine them out on the waves of the sea, being tossed and turned by the storms of life, and I know that I have to remain firm, maintaining our home and our faith, providing my children with guidance, so that they can always see the light that will guide them back to the security of the shore," said Wells. "In this sense, I am the keeper of the lighthouse. When I play this song, I'm reminded of my responsibilities as a father."

Wells has seen the difference uplifting music has made in his life, even before he joined the LDS Church. He desires to make that same impact in others' lives, lifting them through his music.

"I joined the church at age 19. I was able to attend Ricks College, serve a mission in Japan, graduate from BYU, and serve in various callings, including the calling of bishop. I remember how confusing and unfulfilling life was before I joined the church, and I want to help bring others into the church so that they can enjoy living in truth and light. I think music makes everyone's life richer. ... I've made a commitment to write music that is positive and healing. Often, we hear songs with negative messages, sometimes accompanied by good music or a great beat. My goal is to always create music that will help others to feel better about life and better about themselves. In this world of stress and turmoil, I believe my music can help people relax and regain a sense of peace," said Wells.

Wells has found peace in his music and from the way he has chosen to live his life. He could have taken a different road, but he chose this one and has never regretted putting his family first. Now he is able to pursue his passion for music and share his musical gifts on a larger scale, knowing that he has been sharing his gifts all along with those who matter most -- his children.

For more information, visit www.clancywellsmusic.com.