Elgin Wells, known for his “Starjammer” routine was killed when his aerobatic aircraft crashed during a practice flight ahead of the Zhengzhou airshow in Zhengzhou, China.
The crash occurred around 6:14pm local time on Wednesday the 26th of April. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
The Zhengzhou Air Show is scheduled to kick off on Friday, April 27th and last until May 1st. Several airshow performers from the United States are scheduled to perform. In March, Well’s aircraft was shipped to China in preparation for the show.
Wells was a native of the Atlanta, GA area. From the age of 14, he began playing instruments and singing. His band, the “The Elgin Wells Group” won several awards, including the New South Music Award for Best Jazz Band. He has produced 12 albums, mainly in the jazz and blues genre.
He began flying in 1968 at the age of 18. His father, a fighter squadron commander who served in the Pacific during WW2 was a career pilot with delta Airlines. Elgin’s dad wanted him to join the airlines, but all Wells wanted to do was fly aerobatics. In the early 2000s, Elgin was flying Unlimited low level aerobatic competitions and helped lead a team of airshow pilots known as “Airshow Unlimited.”
In 1996, Wells began building the StarJammer, which has 250+ lights and a 4,000 watt amplifier and onboard loudspeakers as a sound system. As the World’s only aircraft of it’s kind, the StarJammer combines aerobatics and music together in one unique performance for both daytime and nighttime airshows.
Photo compliments of Elgin Wells Website
Radar
Blue skies, God Bless you and the family.
Radar
Blue skies ang God Bless the family.
Ron argo
So sad !! I knew him personally .. what a great man to loose !!!! My condolences to his family !
Ramona
I would go watch him at Ray’s on the River every chance I get, he was amazing musician. Rest in peace Elgin, prayers for your family!
richard brown
Soar to the heavens! You were doing what you loved! God bless you!
Annette Samuels
Will miss u Elgin. An awesome talent.Doc is really upset. He lost his friend!!
Marsha Evans
I cannot comprehend Elgin being lost. If Lisa needs anything please let me know. Elgin was the Einstein of modern times. He will be missed by the entire world
Elgin & Lisa were friends of ours. He was so intelligent! One of a kind. He could do anything. If Lisa needs anything (and I mean anything) please let me know. I would also like to know when the service is. God Bless to the Lord who is now holding Elgin in his arms and comforting him.
Mindy Cimmarrusti
My heart is breaking to hear about Elgin’s passing. My husband Greg and I became friends with Elgin years ago when we would go to watch him sing and play his instruments at Ray’s on the River. He was truly one of a kind, and a truly genuine, caring friend. He will be missed by so many people that he touched over the years. Praying for Lisa and his family. We will miss you Elgin so very much. Heaven has just gained one amazing man. ❤️
Laura Simon (Timberlake)
Oh no, so sad to see this. He used to perform in clubs in Underground Atlanta back when my then husband, now also deceased, Lee Timberlake & his family owned. We went way back. He passed doing something he loved, small consolation but…a life well lived. R.I.P. Elgin. Prayers up for his family.
Mike Rohrbaugh
The Wells were family friends from when we lived in Hapeville. The entire family were super intelligent and talented. Elgin loved flying as much as making music. He built his own guitars and he and his father built their own planes. I remember that his mother had the most beautiful soprano voice. She sang in the choir at the Hapeville Presbyterian Church. RIP Elgin.
Don
Elgin, You are dearly missed by many. You were one of the few admired by me and so many others. So long friend! Don Evans
Kerry
Elgin has always been an inspiration to so many people. He just lit up the room when he played music and was always thinking of new ways to entertain others with music and his flying. His creative ways kept everyone in awe! Elgin, I hope you rest in peace sweet friend!
I will miss you deeply…
Marge Quaadman
I am beyond heartbroken over this. Spending the morning listening to his music.
Sandra Cleghorn
I have no words! I am completely numbed by this! Most amazing guy ever!
Roger (José) Gutierrez
The best and most versatile musician with a talent overflow I have ever personally known. I played bass for you for a short time in Hapeville. We sung “If we make it through December “ by Mearle Haggard it brought tears as I played it. Thank you for the privilege of having played music with you.
Alison Daye
Our hearts are broken. Elgin was not only an amazing pilot, he was an accomplished musician and a kind human being. I enjoyed working with him, he was always friendly. Whenever his students missed a lesson he would be in his room playing the most delightful music. Sending love and healing to his family. Rest In Peace.
Jana Leigh
Im just in tears…I loved Elgin..my budy. One of the smartest people and one of the most talented one of the most kindness person I’ve ever known. I will so miss him so heartbroken
Michael Kennedy
I flew with Elgin just for the fun of it and ended up receiving some of the most valuable lessons a pilot can learn. I am stunned by this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you who loved him – we have all suffered such a terrible loss.
Blue skies forever, Elgin.
Barry Smth
Elgin my friend! I know you are smiling down on all of us! We’ll miss you so much!
Our hearts go out to your family. Such a special talent, the special way you made everyone feel important. It will be some years before we can believe you are no longer with us.
Someday we’ll be able to celebrate and rejoice the life you lived and the way you touched so many lives. But today we feel the sorrow for your departure to the heavens. And just like at LZU, we’re sure you flashed your LEDs one last time and heard ‘Evening Mr. Wells … you’re clear to land …” We take comfort in knowing you’re on a different set of wings now …
Paul Raley
Elgin was a true Renascence man. There wasn’t much he could not do. We will miss him terribly. He was our first adopter of our wireless technology for musicians and the most enthusiastic one at that! Mostly, we have lost a true friend. God’s speed to the heavens my friend! Paul R – PRA Audio Systems
Tom Chrisman
So deeply saddened to hear about Elgin. I’m lost for words. Elgin was one of the most exceptionally talented and nicest people I’ve had the opportunity to know. Truely a great loss and my heartfelt condolences to his wife, family, and close friends and band mates. Both the ladies in my life and I will miss you old friend!
Tom C
Bob Toxen
I’m deeply saddened to hear this tragic news. Two months ago Elgin told me how excited he was to be performing at this show in China. He always had a positive attitude about everything and infectious enthusiasm.
Randy Jenkins
Lisa I really wasn’t aware of how accomplished Elgin was I know he was very humble what’s left of the jenkins family on this side are so so sad I know how much you & your entire family loved Elgin. What a great person & companion so sorry. I’m about to cry. Randy & Michelle J.
Jean Taylor
His name is written on many hearts❣️
John Jacobs
Great guy! If there’s any consolation it’s that he died doing what he loved…
Skip
I saw him perform music and also fly his Decathlon. Both performances were spectacular. RIP
Dean Anderson
So very saddened to hear of the loss of such an amazing and talented human being. RIP Elgin.
C. Raymond
It has been recommended one should end their air show career by their late fifties. I sold my modified Pitts when I was in my fifties.
David
I never knew this dimension of Elgin’s but then he was such a gifted individual in so many areas. We saw him perform as the Elgin Wells Extravaganza many times in Atlanta and loved his music. Soar high, Elgin. Peace.
Yoshi Inaba
I love his music so much.He was my icon when I studied English at Atlanta in late 80s. He was cool and warm person. I would like to convey my heartfelt condelences to Lisa.
Yoshi Inaba from Tokyo Japan
Don Head
Ir’s been a year now and I really miss Elgin popping into my shop ( just up from his hanger) with his newest idea for Starjammer or a Wild instrument of some kind!
I tell people about him all of the time and that if there was a modern day renaissance man – THAT WAS Elgin!
My favorite song of his is “ain’t nobody home” it’s loaded on every thing I have to play music!
Missing a good friend!!