wells was born veronica burke on february 28, 1943. she came from a musical family. among her fond recollections were the annual family gatherings at thanksgiving and christmas when, after dinner, the family would gather together to play the piano and sing. she was introduced to jazz when she was permitted by her parents at age 11 to attend the howard theater every saturday. there she had to opportunity to see some of jazz greats perform. she attended howard university during 1960–1962, majoring in liberal arts. she was largely self-taught as a singer.