10 Things You Should Know About Jonathan McReynolds
The Chicago-bred gospel star ought to be on your radar.
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10 Things You Should Know About Jonathan McReynolds - Before he was commanding crowds on stage, Jonathan McReynolds was the reserved type. He learned to play the piano at age 8 and was strumming tunes on a guitar at 18. Music quickly became an outlet and the once shy kid was spreading the gospel through song. The newest addition to the Music Matters family, McReynalds recently performed at BET's Celebration of Gospel and is set to make an appearance on 106 & Park. Click on to get familiar with the singer before he hits the 106 stage. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Gospel Music Association)
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Windy City Warrior - Jonathan McReynolds hails from Chicago's southside, where he was able to observe different walks of life. "I grew up part time in the hood, part time in the church and part time in the nicer neighborhood, so I had a chance to see many different sides of life at an early age," recalled Jonathan. (Photo: Royce DeGrie/Getty Images for UP Entertainment)
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Higher Learning - Jonathan McReynolds attended Chicago's Columbia College, where he pursued a degree in urban and popular music. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for The Stellar Awards)
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His First Single Made It to Radio - Before he was traveling the country spreading the word of God through song, Jonathan McReynolds's first radio single, "No Gray," was leaked and wound up being played on a Chicago radio station. (Photo: Maury Phillips/WireImage)
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He's a Giver - Now that he's had some success, Jonathan McReynolds makes sure to give back to the community that helped raise him. "I have a non-profit organization that awards college scholarships. People can learn more about that at my website, www.jonathanmcreynolds.com." (Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Gospel Music Association)
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His Famous Friends - For his next album Jonathan McReynolds plans on collaborating with India Arie and Mali Music. As for the rest, Jonathan says, "I don't wanna completely spill the beans until it happens." (Photo: Tehillah Music Group/Light Records)
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He's a Big John Mayer Fan - Jonathan McReynolds has cited John Mayer as one of the artists he'd most want to do a song with. But one thing which he and Mayer disagree? "He wrote a song called 'Don't Stop This Train' but that's not what I'm trying to do. This is God's train and I'm on it," exclaimed Jonathan. (Photo: Jonathan McReynolds via Instagram)
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Legendary Influences - He may be a Christian artist but Jonathan McReynolds also draws influence from some of the all-time great secular artists as well. "India Arie, Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Bruno Mars are all people that did it how they felt it and it shows in their live shows," said Jonathan. (Photo: Cooper Neill/Getty Images for BET)
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His First EP Came Out of a Dorm Room - While attending Columbia College in Chicago, Jonathan McReynolds created a studio in his dorm room where he would record in between classes. Some of those recordings wound up being on his debut EP, The Very Unofficial EP of Jonathan McReynolds. (Photo: Tehillah Music Group/Light Records)
