NAME:
Jonathan McReynolds
ABOUT
When worship music mainstay Kirk Franklin calls you “the future of gospel music,” the expectations are high. But Jonathan McReynolds has more than delivered on that prophecy. With his latest release, Closer (Live in Chicago), McReynolds captures the electricity of his live experience while deepening the emotional transparency he’s known for – blending spirituality, soul, storytelling and musicianship.
The 36-year-old singer, songwriter and musician lights up the Chicago stage with his gospel contemporaries Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tim Bowman, Jr., Jordan Welch, Jamal Roberts, Enrique Holmes, Jabari Johnson, Joe L. and Team Eternity Ghana, to showcase his most purpose-filled and personal endeavor yet.
The album follows his previous LP’s, Make Room which achieved #1 on the Billboard Gospel chart, People, which included the Grammy Award-winning song “Movin’ On,” and the introspective My Truth. Over the course of his career, McReynolds has earned 15 Stellar Awards, four GMA Dove Awards, nine Grammy Award nominations and two Grammy Award wins.
Across 14 tracks written or co-written by McReynolds, Closer (Live in Chicago) reflects his desire to “hone in on my closeness, knowledge and relationship to God.” With his electrifying collective on stage, McReynolds joyously weaves a wide range of musical influences together – worship, Afro beats, traditional church gospel, acoustic soul, and an ‘80’s retro vibe, unified in one cohesive, high-energy experience.
Standout moments include the West African-inspired “Aane” with Team Eternity Ghana, (a nod to McReynolds’ Ghanian dual citizenship), the pop-leaning “About Your Love,” (where he showcases his guitar work), “Closer” and “Even Closer,” with powerhouse legend Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and “Hallelujah” alongside Tim Bowman, Jr., where the duo declares: “We ain’t singing cause we need to, we here praising ‘cause we need You.” American Idol winner Jamal Roberts collaborates on the Grammy nominated “Still,” and “One Good God” is already being hailed as a new, empowering worship anthem.
McReynolds’ live audience now spans three generations, a testament to his ability to incorporate tradition and modernity. In advance of the album release he is hosting exclusive informal experiences in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, DC, followed by a national tour in the fall.
Off-stage, the multi-talented McReynolds cares deeply about influencing the next generation. He serves as a professor at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia; is a best-selling author and respected biblical scholar; and is a member of Mensa, the international high-IQ society. He also leads Life Room Label, his independent gospel label, where he mentors and develops emerging voices, including the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter DOE.
With a career encompassing transformative music, meaningful work in education, and thoughtful literary contributions, Jonathan McReynolds stands as more than a leading voice in gospel. He has become a cultural and spiritual visionary, shaping conversations, uplifting communities, and leaving a lasting impact.
ExpandThe 36-year-old singer, songwriter and musician lights up the Chicago stage with his gospel contemporaries Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tim Bowman, Jr., Jordan Welch, Jamal Roberts, Enrique Holmes, Jabari Johnson, Joe L. and Team Eternity Ghana, to showcase his most purpose-filled and personal endeavor yet.
The album follows his previous LP’s, Make Room which achieved #1 on the Billboard Gospel chart, People, which included the Grammy Award-winning song “Movin’ On,” and the introspective My Truth. Over the course of his career, McReynolds has earned 15 Stellar Awards, four GMA Dove Awards, nine Grammy Award nominations and two Grammy Award wins.
Across 14 tracks written or co-written by McReynolds, Closer (Live in Chicago) reflects his desire to “hone in on my closeness, knowledge and relationship to God.” With his electrifying collective on stage, McReynolds joyously weaves a wide range of musical influences together – worship, Afro beats, traditional church gospel, acoustic soul, and an ‘80’s retro vibe, unified in one cohesive, high-energy experience.
Standout moments include the West African-inspired “Aane” with Team Eternity Ghana, (a nod to McReynolds’ Ghanian dual citizenship), the pop-leaning “About Your Love,” (where he showcases his guitar work), “Closer” and “Even Closer,” with powerhouse legend Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and “Hallelujah” alongside Tim Bowman, Jr., where the duo declares: “We ain’t singing cause we need to, we here praising ‘cause we need You.” American Idol winner Jamal Roberts collaborates on the Grammy nominated “Still,” and “One Good God” is already being hailed as a new, empowering worship anthem.
McReynolds’ live audience now spans three generations, a testament to his ability to incorporate tradition and modernity. In advance of the album release he is hosting exclusive informal experiences in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, DC, followed by a national tour in the fall.
Off-stage, the multi-talented McReynolds cares deeply about influencing the next generation. He serves as a professor at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia; is a best-selling author and respected biblical scholar; and is a member of Mensa, the international high-IQ society. He also leads Life Room Label, his independent gospel label, where he mentors and develops emerging voices, including the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter DOE.
With a career encompassing transformative music, meaningful work in education, and thoughtful literary contributions, Jonathan McReynolds stands as more than a leading voice in gospel. He has become a cultural and spiritual visionary, shaping conversations, uplifting communities, and leaving a lasting impact.
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