Jonathan McReynolds, 21, was born on the Southside of Chicago. At an early age Jonathan realized his love of music and began playing instruments at his church. He started on the drums, and then moved to the organ; however he never had a desire to sing. Fast forward a few years later to his high school days and we find Jonathan involved in everything from the Concert Choir to the school’s Jazz Band and all in between. Thus realizing he had a yearning to sing all along.

Jonathan later went on to join Mind Over Matter, a singing group, and eventually assembled his own EP, The Very Unofficial EP. After a “freak accident”, one of the songs from his personal collection found its way to the radio airwaves. Since then Jonathan has his full attention on representing and following Christ. His goal is to do work of the Kingdom and create good, transparent music.

Below is an interview between Jonathan and I, where we discuss his journey from playing drums in the church to putting the finishing touches on his upcoming, very official debut album.

uGospel.com: Where does your passion for Gospel music come from?

I had a passion for music as early as middle school. I loved playing the organ and drums around church as a little kid and in high school I began singing. It wasn’t until college that I recognized the world we are living in for what it is: confused, lost, and moving in the wrong direction. The answer is God’s love. The answer is Jesus. And I don’t want to use my talent for any other movement than that one.

uGospel.com: Did you dream of becoming a singer when you were younger?

Not at all! I DEFIANTLY refused ANY offer to sing at least until about half way through high school. I loved playing piano but my ambitions were in science and law. Yeah…I was a nerd.

uGospel.com: When your family heard your unofficial album, what was their response?

They loved it! I think. My family from my neice to my aunt to my Uncle D knows every word…even the songs that I would NEVER release.

uGospel.com: How was the group, Mind Over Matter formed?

The group was formed and established WELL before I ever got in, but from my understanding it was pretty random. They had to form an impromptu group for a special church program. A lady at their church named them; probably never realizing that so much would follow! One Sunday, a school friend asked me to sing at her church–THEIR CHURCH! They wanted a new member and they got it! Me! Great men of God!

uGospel.com: Do you know how Pastor John Hannah got his hands on your music?

My life is full of “freak accidents” where I KNOW it was all GOD that made it happen. I believe that Corey Barksdale, my friend and co-writer on “Why,” played some of my music for his pastor, Pastor Sean McMillan who happened to work out at the same gym as Pastor Hannah. Pastor Sean was playing it while he exercised and Pastor Hannah asked about it.

uGospel.com: What was your reaction to hearing your song on the radio?

Well it took a while for me to actually hear it for myself, but the first day I heard “No Gray” on Sunday morning, it was a little surreal. I had other people in the car, so I had to play it cool a little bit…but man…God is so good.

uGospel.com: What separates you from other artists?

It is difficult to not run into clichés when answering this question. I believe that in an AMAZING genre with lots of CHURCH music, Sunday music, I’m creating some Monday through Saturday music…life music.

God is such a PERFECT God, it’s hard not to imagine a PERFECT life of praise songs and shoutin’ music. But we KNOW it is far from perfect. It’s tough. Full of persecution, temptation, identity issues…full of days that we don’t FEEL like what we ARE: SAVED.

I always want my music to confront the ups and downs, joys, daily resolutions, mistakes, etc. of actually LIVING this lifestyle that most of the world now thinks is crazy and unnecessary. It’s got to be genuine and transparent. It’s got to be current. And it’s less about the music or style and more about the message…which kind of creates its own style.

uGospel.com: If you could collaborate with anyone in the world for a song, who would it be?

Everyone knows I hold up India.Arie and John Mayer as my favorites but in his prime no one was more unique, musically adventurous, and gifted as Stevie Wonder.

uGospel.com: Name some Gospel artists in the industry that inspire you and tell us why?

Kim Burrell and JMoss are so musically gifted and they inspire excellence in everything they do. Cece Winans is Cece Winans. She has bridged several gaps and knocked down several walls for Christian music. Kirk Franklin has always maintained a high standard of transparency in his lyrics. There are so many! Canton Jones is a trail blazer, Mali Music is doing it; Kevin Gray, Todd Dulaney, Anita Wilson from the Chi are all doing it and I look up to them like big brothers and sisters.

uGospel.com: In your opinion, which genre of Gospel music does your music fit into? (Such as contemporary, tradition, urban, etc…) And why?

To be honest I’m not completely sure what those terms really do for the music. It’s Christian music. I’ll let someone else figure out what marketing term to give it. To me it’s everybody’s music just like God is everybody’s God. That being said, I guess I would lean to urban but I’m nowhere close to convinced.

uGospel.com: Tell us about “The Very Unofficial EP of Jonathan Reynolds” and how it was created.

The EP was a collection of a few songs God gave me to write and produce in my dorm room. I was a full time student and singing with Mind Over Matter so my own music was not a top priority but I enjoyed doing it. I had no idea what God was prepping me for. It has that name because it was originally intended to be gifts for several of my family members (since I didn’t have enough to BUY everyone a gift). I recorded a personal message to each of them as the first track. THAT was where my expectations for the EP were. God had other plans.

uGospel.com: What is your favorite song on your current project?

Lovin’ Me…It’s really my most personal song and I think one of the best written songs on the EP too.

uGospel.com: Which song is your favorite to perform and why?

No Gray! So much freedom in that song for me to reinterpret, add, subtract, or completely change based on the audience and the atmosphere.

uGospel.com: Do you have a target audience for your music? If so, who?

College age people and just younger and just older than that. I want my music to reach everyone, but that period in my life for me really defined what kind of man I want to be and what kind of walk I want to have. It is during those years you HAVE to grow up.

uGospel.com: What’s next for Jonathan McReynolds?

“If Jesus goes with me, I’ll go anywhere.” I will continue to travel and let people get to know me and my music. My FULL album, the completion of the EP, is in the works and very close to being released! I can’t wait for that.

uGospel.com: How can your fans stay in contact with you?

Get first word on everything by going to JonathanMcReynolds.com. Plus, of course you can find me on Twitter (jonmcmuzik) & Facebook (facebook.com/jmcreynoldsmusic).

Dove Award-nominated artist Jonathan McReynolds will perform on TBN’s (Trinity Broadcasting Network) Praise the Lord on Tuesday, June 24th at 10 PM EST / 7 PM PST.  Grammy-winning artist Pastor Donnie McClurkin hosts the episode, which will also feature Maia Campbell, Paige DeHart, Raymond Rivera, Tito Garcia, LaTavia Roberson and Audrey Dubois Harris.

McReynolds, who released his successful debut album, Life Music, in 2012, is currently at work on his much-anticipated sophomore CD.  Since his professional debut, he has earned countless new fans and continued accolades with memorable performances on The Stellar Awards, BET’s Celebration of Gospel, and 106 & Park earlier this year and was named “2014 Male Vocalist of the Year” by the Chicago Gospel Awards.

In addition to Praise The Lord, McReynolds’ upcoming appearances include performances at The BET Experience in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 29^th and at the 2014 Essence Music Festival on Sunday, July 6^th in New Orleans.

Entertainment One Music (eOne Music), makes an historic run at this year’s upcoming GMA Dove Awards, garnering 10 nominations for its artists’ releases, the most nominations in the label’s history. Jonathan McReynolds, who’s now received two Dove Award nominations, was part of the star lineup on hand to unveil nominations at this year’s Dove Awards’ nominees announcement in Nashville. With a mix of nominations honoring both Gospel superstars and newer artists, eOne Music’s 10 nominations encompass 7 releases in 6 award categories for the 45th annual awards show, including Gospel Performance of the Year, Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year, Traditional Gospel Song of the Year, Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year, Traditional Gospel Album of the Year, and Spanish Language Album of the Year, following #1 hits from Erica Campbell, Ricky Dillard & New G, William McDowell and more.

Marking a diverse roster of award-winning talent and releases whose songs drive the continued evolution of both the contemporary Gospel sound and the sound of beloved Praise and Worship worldwide, Phil Thornton, eOne Music’s Vice President and General Manager of Gospel Music, praises this year’s range of nominations, saying: “It’s an honor to receive this many nominations and celebrate our artists who contribute so much to creating inspiring music that people everywhere, continue to embrace. The GMA Dove Awards recognizes every style of Gospel and Christian music, for so many decades now, and it’s important to our artists to maintain and make an impact in furthering this rich musical heritage for every song they record, for fans now and future generations.”

Erica Campbell leads the label’s Dove Award nominations, with 4, followed by nominations for songs and albums by Ricky Dillard & New G, William McDowell, Jonathan McReynolds, Dexter Walker & Zion Movement, Anaysha, and a volume 2 Spanish Language album featuring songs of praise from various artists.

Award-winning Gospel superstar Erica Campbell receives 4 nominations for her first solo record, the #1 album Help. Releasing one of Gospel’s most anticipated solo albums to much acclaim, Campbell’s hit single “Help” (feat. Lecrae) has 2 nominations, for Gospel Performance of the Year, and for Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year. Her hit single “A Little More Jesus” is nominated for Traditional Gospel Song of the Year, while her album Help, is nominated for Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year.

Award-winning artist, legendary choir master Ricky Dillard garners a nomination in the category of Traditional Gospel Song of the Year for the hit song “Amazing,” the #1 lead single from the #1 album Amazing, from Ricky Dillard & New G. A 25th anniversary live recording for the internationally-acclaimed Ricky Dillard & New G reuniting them in Chicago, the album’s title single continues to be a smash hit, with “Amazing” currently remaining at #1 atop the Gospel Radio chart for the past 8 weeks.

Internationally-renowned worship leader William McDowell is nominated for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year, for his #1 album Withholding Nothing, a live CD/DVD album and concert film marking his first combined DVD/music release, capturing his packed worship experience in Orlando, FL.

Acclaimed artist Jonathan McReynolds, nominated at last year’s Dove Awards for the song “I Love You,” garnered another nomination for this year, in the category of Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year, for the song “No Gray,” another song from the singer-songwriter’s hit debut album Life Music.   Showcasing additional nominations in Traditional Gospel, Anaysha is nominated for Traditional Gospel Song of the Year for the single “Holy One,” her hit live performance of the Tramaine Hawkins classic, recorded for the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Live 2013 album, while Dexter Walker & Zion Movement, is nominated for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year for their debut album Greater Than Before. Rounding out the label’s 10 nominations is a Spanish Language Album of the Year nomination for Mi Corazon Canta: Cantos De Alabanza Vol. 2, a 12-track second volume featuring songs of praise from various Spanish worship leaders.

The 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville, TN on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, with tickets on sale now, and air on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

The Praise and Worship Symposium is back for its second year and it’s bigger and better this year! This year it will kick off Friday October 24th with a Concert featuring gospel recording artist Jonathan McReynolds. The youth group that brings the most young people will win a VIP reception with Jonathan McReynolds! 

Saturday October 25 the official conference day will begin with sessions by gospel recording artist Jason Nelson, Elder Greg Murray (The Word Network), Chris Springer (Integrity Music), and more. The Saturday night service will conclude the weekend with a night service (free to the public) preached by Bishop C. Shawn Tyson and musical guest Tasha Page-Lockhart (BET’s “Sunday’s Best” Winner).

This year youth sessions have been added to the conference. Standard Registration is $100/Adults and $75/Youth. Early Bird Registration prices are $75/Adults and $50/Youth. Concert tickets are $20 per person but if your register for the conference receive 50% off your concert ticket. Early bird registration is being extended until Friday August 29!!! This conference is designed to provide information as well as demonstration of what God wants from his creation: PRAISE AND WORSHIP!

Visit www.darickrutley.com and click on the “PAWS 2014″  link to download the official itinerary, to register online, purchase concert tickets or to take advantage of the conference hotel rate of JUST $79 PER NIGHT (Detroit Marriott Southfield).

For more information about youth group packages, souvenir booklet submissions, as well as limited vendor space call (313) 588-6380 or send an email to information@darickrutley.com.

Make sure you ask about the group rate for concert tickets. All activities will commence at Christian Tabernacle Church 26555 Franklin Rd. Southfield, MI 48033.

Award-winning Singer, Songwriter and Producer VaShawn Mitchell is set to release his 7th album, “Unstoppable”, on November 10th. We had the opportunity to speak with the “Nobody Greater” singer about the album and much more.

Check out the interview below to hear what he has to say and  find out why VaShawn believes this is his greatest work yet!

Award-winning artist Jonathan McReynolds will release the new holiday single “Mary, Did You Know” on Monday, November 24^th.  Available for online pre-order now, the online single is also being released to Gospel, Urban and Urban AC radio.

A poignant rendition from the Dove Award-nominated artist, Jonathan McReynolds takes the beloved Christmas classic’s stirring lyrics to new heights, giving an intimate performance with a spare arrangement featuring pure vocals and acoustic guitar.  Garnering acclaim for his soulful, acoustic sound, fans can catch McReynolds performing  “Mary, Did You Know” on the Christmas special of Bobby Jones Gospel, airing on BET Sunday, December 21^st, 2014 at 9 am / 8 am Central.

Written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, “Mary, Did You Know” has become a new Christmas classic.  McReynolds’ arrangement for his new recording features Anders Nordstrom on guitar, with mixing engineered by Joe “Flip” Wilson and mastering by Dale Sebastian Becker.

Jonathan McReynolds continues to wow audiences and peers everywhere, bringing a fresh new sound to inspirational music with exceptional songwriting and powerful live performances.  Since releasing his debut album Life Music, in a short time McReynolds has continued receiving accolades on much buzzed-about performances on BET, the Stellar Awards, Dove Awards and more.  McReynolds will appear again on Bobby Jones Gospel airing on BET Sunday, January 11^th, 2015, performing new music as well as his hit single, “No Gray.”  Recording his highly-anticipated follow-up album, fans can look forward to Jonathan McReynolds’ sophomore album to be released in summer 2015.

Assembling some of the industry’s best and brightest singers, ministers, songwriters, praise & worship leaders, pastors, music industry professionals and more, “I Hear Music in the Air” ministry and music conference makes its highly anticipated return to Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 15th-17th, 2015.

Boasting international acclaim as one of the gospel music industry’s premier events for 14 years, the conference was designed to specifically highlight the needs of gospel music and provide a forum where industry professionals can equip each other with insight on creating successful music ministries. Courting attention from industry veterans, newcomers, and aspiring leaders alike, the “I Hear Music in the Air” conference has become a haven for professionals for its wealth of workshops, concerts, seminars, forums, and networking opportunities – with this year aiming to raise bar higher than ever.

The conference weekend is set to kick off with the explosive “I Hear Music in the Air Concert” at Cincinnati’s renowned Inspirational Baptist Church on May 15th at 7:00 PM. Hosted by Stellar® Award-winning singer Isaac Carree and The City of Love Church’s beloved Bishop Lester Love (of New Orleans), the dynamic lineup of performers includes award winning artists Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, William Murphy,William McDowell, Jonathan McReynolds, and Rodney Posey.

On Saturday, May 16th, attendees will have access to a host of “must see” events. From 4-7pm, aspiring artists are urged to display their talents in front of a panel of industry executives at the “I Hear Music in the Air New Artist Showcase.” To be hosted at Roxy’s Live, the event offers free admission and requests interested artists visit com/i-hear-music-conference/ to register.

At 2:00 PM eOne Music’s Vice President and General Manager, Urban Inspirational Phil Thornton will give insight on the business of music and television and Bishop Hezekiah Walker will discuss ministry in a “Mastery Class” session at 3:00 PM. The mastery class- hosted at Inspirational Baptist Church – comes just a few hours before Bishop Walker hosts his annual “Choir Fest” at the same location which kicks off at 6:00 PM and will feature 20 choirs in front of a live audience and panel of industry professionals. Choirs interested in participating are urged to visit www.HWChoirfest.com to sign up when registration opens.

The close of the conference will come aboard its annual “Legends Ball,” honoring the achievements of leaders in the industry, community, and world. Grammy® and Stellar® Award winner Pastor Charles Jenkins will serve as keynote speaker and Gospel crooner Brian Courtney Wilson as the guest psalmist. The event will culminate the ‘I Hear Music in the Air’ conference weekend at the Sharonville Convention Center on May 17th at 5:30pm.

After releasing her debut solo album “Help”, Grammy Award-winning songstress Erica Campbell decided to revamp the project with a re-release, thus “Help 2.0″ is on its way!

“Help 2.0″ will feature a few new track, with remixes of songs on the original album. One of those remixes includes “All I Need Is You”, with one of Gospel’s top rising singers, Jonathan McReynolds.

Below is a video of the two vocalist in the studio recording the song’s new version, along with Erica’s husband, producer and co-writer Warryn Campbell. Click play to see how these three made the magic happen!

Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) hosted a post-Stellar Awards Celebration in Las Vegas on Saturday March 28^th, topping a winning haul of 14 total Stellar Awards this year that honored Erica Campbell, Ricky Dillard, William McDowell and Michelle Williams, along with special honors recognizing Bishop Paul S. Morton, Pastor Shirley Caesar and Ricky Dillard.

The eOne Music post-Stellar Awards Celebration was a packed post-show welcoming a crowd of stars and tastemakers to Vanity, the luxe hotspot inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.  Featuring three performances during the evening, Stellar Awards performers Michelle Williams, Jonathan McReynolds and Erica Campbell had the crowd packing the floor with live performances of new songs.

Michelle Williams took the stage for “Believe in Me,” her new single from Journey to Freedom, Jonathan McReynolds performed his new song “Gotta Have You” from his upcoming album, and Erica Campbell took the mic performing her song “I Luh God,” from her newly-released album Help 2.0.  eOne Music also honored Ricky Dillard with a surprise presentation of a plaque celebrating his #1 hit single “Amazing,” in recognition of the song’s record-breaking 30 weeks atop the Gospel radio chart.

eOne Music teamed up with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® during its post-Stellar Awards Celebration to help the hospital raise awareness and funds to ensure St. Jude families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

During the eOne Music post-Stellar Awards Celebration, St. Jude also recognized “It’s A Mann’s World” stars David Mann and Tamela Mann with the St. Jude Star Award, for their support of the St. Jude mission.

Click to view slideshow.

Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) hosted a post-Stellar Awards Celebration in Las Vegas on Saturday March 28^th, topping a winning haul of 14 total Stellar Awards this year that honored Erica Campbell, Ricky Dillard, William McDowell and Michelle Williams, along with special honors recognizing Bishop Paul S. Morton, Pastor Shirley Caesar and Ricky Dillard.

The eOne Music post-Stellar Awards Celebration was a packed post-show welcoming a crowd of stars and tastemakers to Vanity, the luxe hotspot inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.  Featuring three performances during the evening, Stellar Awards performers Michelle Williams, Jonathan McReynolds and Erica Campbell had the crowd packing the floor with live performances of new songs.

Michelle Williams took the stage for “Believe in Me,” her new single from Journey to Freedom, Jonathan McReynolds performed his new song “Gotta Have You” from his upcoming album, and Erica Campbell took the mic performing her song “I Luh God,” from her newly-released album Help 2.0.  eOne Music also honored Ricky Dillard with a surprise presentation of a plaque celebrating his #1 hit single “Amazing,” in recognition of the song’s record-breaking 30 weeks atop the Gospel radio chart.

eOne Music teamed up with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® during its post-Stellar Awards Celebration to help the hospital raise awareness and funds to ensure St. Jude families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

During the eOne Music post-Stellar Awards Celebration, St. Judealso recognized “It’s A Mann’s World” stars David Mann and Tamela Mann with the St. Jude Star Award, for their support of the St. Jude mission.

Singer/Songwriter Jonathan McReynolds has done it again. The eOne Music recording artist premiered a brand new song, ‘Pressure’ at Gospel Music’s biggest night, the nationally televised, 30th Annual Stellar Awards, earlier this week. The captivating performance was electrifying, with news of the hot new single spreading like wildfire moments after the performance aired. ‘Pressure’ which hit iTunes last week, and Android platforms Monday, shot to the top of the charts as the #2 song on iTunes Christian/Gospel Charts, one day after his performance. This year’s Stellar Awards aired on TV One and landed as the most watched weekend primetime premiere of 2015 for TV One in that demo, boasting a viewership of over 1.1 million views on show premiere day (April 5th 2015).

In addition to ‘Pressure,’ McReynolds has also released his lead single, “Gotta Have You,” an up-tempo track, produced by Grammy Award Winner, Warryn Campbell and co-written by Grammy Award Winner, PJ Morton. The song is currently at radio, iTunes, and Android platforms, with a full-length music video coming soon. McReynolds has released an unplugged music video for ‘Pressure’, which can be seen below.

The singer has also announced a mobile app in his name for iTunes & Android platforms. The industry is ablaze and all who hear him agree that Jonathan McReynolds is quickly making a name for himself as one of the greatest musical storytellers of our time. His sophomore album is due in stores, September 2015.

Checkout out our red carpet coverage at the 30th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Las Vegas! Below you can see Khalif M. Townes’ interviews with some of the night’s presenters and performers, such as Chante Moore, Tasha Cobbs, VaShawn Mitchell, Dorinda Clark Cole, Jonathan McReynolds, Jason Nelson and More.

SoundExchange announced today that The SoundExchange Influencers Series is returning to Nashville’s famous Bluebird Café on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Legendary gospel and R&B singer BeBe Winans will be joined by recent breakthrough gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds and young singer/songwriter Alexa Cruse.

BeBe Winans is one of the most successful gospel and R&B acts in the world. His celebrated family is considered by many as “gospel’s first family” and helped make the genre more mainstream than ever before. With multiple GRAMMY Awards and numerous Gold and Platinum albums, BeBe has made an indelible imprint on music. In addition to being an award-winning singer, BeBe is a film and stage actor, record label owner, producer and author.

Joining BeBe on the stage is Jonathan McReynolds, one of the fastest-rising stars in gospel music after releasing his debut album Life Music in 2012, and Alexa Cruse,  the daughter of GRAMMY  and Dove Award-winning contemporary Christian artists Janice Archer Cruse of The Archers and John Cruse of The Cruse Family.

The SoundExchange Influencers Series brings together music legends and rising stars. The SoundExchange Influencers Seriesdemonstrates the impact of legacy artists on today’s music and provides a forum to address issues currently facing our music legends, namely, fair pay and recognition for all sound recordings across all mediums and all eras of music.

“I’m honored to be a part of The SoundExchange Influencers Series. Making music has always been rewarding but meeting and performing with the next generation of artists that I have personally influenced is a gift unto itself,” said BeBe Winans.

“The Influencers Series is all about passing on what makes American music so great to the next generation of artists. For this installment, we have one of the greatest Gospel singers of all time, a young man who has already made his mark only a few years into his career, and a promising young woman who is only just getting started,” said SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe. “We are so excited about the conversation and exchange of ideas that will take place at this wonderful event.”

On Wednesday, May 27, 2015, Legendary Musician BeBe Winans called in to uGospel.com for an exclusive interview with Mike Jones. During the chat, BeBe talked about his performance that night at The SoundExchange’s Influencers Series in Nashville alongside Jonathan McReynolds and Alexa Cruse.

Click play to hear what the multiple Grammy and Stellar Award Winner had to say!

Below are a few pictures form The SoundExchange’s Influencers Series:

Atlanta’s music enthusiasts gathered for BMI’s Gospel on the Park Brunch, held on June 7 at Park Tavern. Hosted by BMI vice president, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton and singer-songwriter Isaac Carree.

The event, held in celebration of African-American Music Appreciation Month, provided an opportunity for the Gospel music community to fellowship, dine on brunch fare and enjoy performances by Tasha Cobbs, VaShawn Mitchell, Jonathan McReynolds and Todd Dulaney.

Check out pictures from BMI’s Gospel on the Park Brunch below:

From the moment he first shared his music, writing his debut album Life Music as a college student, Jonathan McReynolds has burst onto the scene as one of the freshest voices in music today, building a rising tide of acclaim from fans of all ages and peers across genres, from Gospel to Christian, R&B/Soul artists and more.  Hailed for his inspiring messages, his far-reaching talents and musicianship as a young singer-songwriter and compelling live performer, McReynolds will release his sophomore album Life Music: Stage Two, on Friday September 18, 2015.

Featuring the singles “Gotta Have You,” and “Pressure,” McReynolds has crafted an unforgettable sound that shatters expectations at every turn on his highly-anticipated new album, melding acoustic, gospel, pop sounds and more with powerful lyrics, and collaborating with producers and artists that include India.Arie, Chuck Harmony, Claude Kelly, Warryn Campbell, PJ Morton, Derek Minor, DJ Camper and Israel Houghton.  The lead single “Gotta Have You” continues to garner wide attention, with airplay across Gospel, Urban, Urban AC and Rhythmic radio stations.

Jonathan McReynolds says, “I wrote my first album as a college student. This second album, as a college teacher. My life has changed – different pressures, more revelation, more musical ideas. The one thing that hasn’t: my approach to songwriting. Still aiming to be transparent and genuine. Message first.”

Since his first release Life Music, which featured the singles “No Gray,” “I Love You,” and “Lovin’ Me,” the Dove and Stellar Award-nominated artist shows no signs of slowing down, hitting stages around the world as a sought-after performer, with past appearances that have included being showcased as a BET Music Matters artist, performing at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, BET Celebration of Gospel, the Stellar Awards, and the Essence Festival, where he’s returned to perform at the 2015 Essence Festival’s For the Love of R&B Superlounge.  In addition to this year’s Essence Festival during July 4^th weekend in New Orleans, fans can catch McReynolds performing all over the country this summer including Washington DC, Tampa, Baltimore, Mobile AL, Boston, New York, and overseas in Berlin and Oslo, Norway.

“Whole” is the latest single from Entertainment One Music singer-songwriter Jonathan McReynolds and was released to Urban AC radio! This new song has him teaming up with GRAMMY^® Award winning singer-songwriter India.Arie, following his first collaboration with her in an acclaimed live performance together on BET’s Celebration of Gospel in 2014. “Whole” is the fresh new single off of his upcoming sophomore album Life Music: Stage Two, which is slated for release in September.

Collaborating with India.Arie gives “Whole” a grace-filled and inspiring quality and the melody has a simplicity and elegance to it that will keep it on repeat. About working with India.Arie, Jonathan says, “How is it working with India? How is it working with a living legend that changed the songwriting game, that pioneered a niche, that you’ve admired most of your life? Ha…surreal!”

Life Music: Stage Two brings 13-inspiring tracks that join gospel, pop and urban sounds with influential lyrics, including songs such as “Gotta Have You,” “Pressure” and “Limp.” This highly-anticipated album also has Jonathan working with a diverse roster of producers and artists including Chuck Harmony, Claude Kelly, Warryn Campbell, PJ Morton, Derek Minor, DJ Camper and Israel Houghton.

Be sure to catch Jonathan performing around the country throughout the rest of the year in Washington DC, Boston, Freeport NY, Raleigh NC, Richmond VA, as well as in his hometown Chicago for the Life Music: Stage Two album release concert on September 18, 2015.

On Thursday, August 20, 2015, Jonathan will be appearing on REVOLT Live and you can also see him performing on McDonald’s 365Black Awards on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at 9pm EST on BET.

Also just released is Jonathan’s new song “Maintain” on iTunes, with a video on Vevo.

After releasing her debut solo album “Help”, Grammy Award-winning songstress Erica Campbell decided to revamp the project with a re-release, thus “Help 2.0” is on its way!

“Help 2.0” will feature a few new track, with remixes of songs on the original album. One of those remixes includes “All I Need Is You”, with one of Gospel’s top rising singers, Jonathan McReynolds.

Below is a video of the two vocalist in the studio recording the song’s new version, along with Erica’s husband, producer and co-writer Warryn Campbell. Click play to see how these three made the magic happen!

Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) hosted a post-Stellar Awards Celebration in Las Vegas on Saturday March 28^th, topping a winning haul of 14 total Stellar Awards this year that honored Erica Campbell, Ricky Dillard, William McDowell and Michelle Williams, along with special honors recognizing Bishop Paul S. Morton, Pastor Shirley Caesar and Ricky Dillard.

The eOne Music post-Stellar Awards Celebration was a packed post-show welcoming a crowd of stars and tastemakers to Vanity, the luxe hotspot inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.  Featuring three performances during the evening, Stellar Awards performers Michelle Williams, Jonathan McReynolds and Erica Campbell had the crowd packing the floor with live performances of new songs.

Michelle Williams took the stage for “Believe in Me,” her new single from Journey to Freedom, Jonathan McReynolds performed his new song “Gotta Have You” from his upcoming album, and Erica Campbell took the mic performing her song “I Luh God,” from her newly-released album Help 2.0.  eOne Music also honored Ricky Dillard with a surprise presentation of a plaque celebrating his #1 hit single “Amazing,” in recognition of the song’s record-breaking 30 weeks atop the Gospel radio chart.

eOne Music teamed up with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® during its post-Stellar Awards Celebration to help the hospital raise awareness and funds to ensure St. Jude families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

During the eOne Music post-Stellar Awards Celebration, St. Jude also recognized “It’s A Mann’s World” stars David Mann and Tamela Mann with the St. Jude Star Award, for their support of the St. Jude mission.

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Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) hosted a post-Stellar Awards Celebration in Las Vegas on Saturday March 28^th, topping a winning haul of 14 total Stellar Awards this year that honored Erica Campbell, Ricky Dillard, William McDowell and Michelle Williams, along with special honors recognizing Bishop Paul S. Morton, Pastor Shirley Caesar and Ricky Dillard.

The eOne Music post-Stellar Awards Celebration was a packed post-show welcoming a crowd of stars and tastemakers to Vanity, the luxe hotspot inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.  Featuring three performances during the evening, Stellar Awards performers Michelle Williams, Jonathan McReynolds and Erica Campbell had the crowd packing the floor with live performances of new songs.

Michelle Williams took the stage for “Believe in Me,” her new single from Journey to Freedom, Jonathan McReynolds performed his new song “Gotta Have You” from his upcoming album, and Erica Campbell took the mic performing her song “I Luh God,” from her newly-released album Help 2.0.  eOne Music also honored Ricky Dillard with a surprise presentation of a plaque celebrating his #1 hit single “Amazing,” in recognition of the song’s record-breaking 30 weeks atop the Gospel radio chart.

eOne Music teamed up with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital^® during its post-Stellar Awards Celebration to help the hospital raise awareness and funds to ensure St. Jude families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

During the eOne Music post-Stellar Awards Celebration, St. Judealso recognized “It’s A Mann’s World” stars David Mann and Tamela Mann with the St. Jude Star Award, for their support of the St. Jude mission.