Jonathan Caleb McReynolds, born September 17, 1989, is an American gospel singer-songwriter and musician. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and has been exposed to music since childhood. He learned how to play the drums and the piano before the age of 10 and became a musician at his church. He released his debut album, “Life Music,” in 2012, which was an immediate success. With a total of four studio albums released, McReynolds has won one ‘Grammy’ award, two ‘GMA Dove Awards,’ and eight ‘Stellar Awards.’ He has also published his own self-help Christian book and runs a Christian non-profit organization where he provides scholarships to those who need them. Let’s celebrate this talented singer’s birthday right here!
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Jonathan Caleb McReynolds
Birth date:
September 17, 1989
Age:
34
Zodiac Sign:
Virgo
Height:
5' 9"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$42 million
Background
Jonathan Caleb McReynolds is an award-winning American gospel singer-songwriter and musician. Born in Chicago, Illinois, McReynolds has been involved with music since childhood. He learned how to play the drums when he was just five years old and the piano when he was eight. Raised by his single mother, the two were active members of their church, the New Original Church of God in Christ, where McReynolds became the church musician. He attended Whitney Young Magnet High School, where he began learning how to record and produce music. He furthered his education in music at Columbia College Chicago, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music.
His music career kicked off to a good start in 2012 with the release of his debut album, “Life Music,” which placed at number 98 on the ‘Billboard 200’ chart, number three on the Gospel Albums chart, and number 23 on the ‘Independent Albums’ chart. His song, “No Gray,” became a hit viral track and earned him television appearances on BET’s Celebration of Gospel show. The release of his second album in 2015, called “Life Music: Stage Two,” peaked at number one on the Billboard Gospel chart for a month, earning him a ‘GMA Dove Award,’ and a Grammy nomination. In 2018, his third album, “Make Room,” became his most successful album yet, earning him eight ‘Stellar’ awards and two ‘Grammy nominations. In the same year, the successful gospel singer published a book called “Make Room: Finding Where Faith Fits.” In 2019, he starred as a judge on season 19 of BET’s “Sunday Best” alongside recognized gospel singers Kirk Franklin, Kelly Price, and Erica Campbell. In 2020, he released his fourth studio album called “People.”
Outside of music, McReynolds founded and runs his own nonprofit organization called ‘Elihu Nation,’ where he provides scholarships to those in need and teaches them about the wisdom of God. He also taught music at his alma mater, Columbia College Chicago, for a few years, and earned a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies from the Moody Theological Seminary in 2015.
Career timeline
McReynolds releases his first album, called “Life Music.”
McReynolds releases his second album, “Life Music: Stage Two.”
McReynolds wins a ‘GMA Dove Award’ for his second studio album.
McReynolds releases his third and most successful studio album, “Make Room.”
McReynolds publishes a book called “Make Room: Finding Where Faith Fits.”
McReynolds stars as a judge on season 19 of BET’s “Sunday Best.”
He releases his fourth studio album, called “People.”
Why We Love Jonathan McReynolds
He is strong in his Christian faith
Well, as a gospel singer, you need to be, right? McReynolds’ music is a testament to his strong, devoted Christian faith.
He adds modern musical styles to his music
His musical influences include artists such as John Legend and Bruno Mars. McReynolds incorporates their musical style into his own music, making it modern and upbeat.
He gives back
McReynolds has been blessed with his musical talent, and he uses the fruits of his talent to give back to others. With his nonprofit organization, he hands out scholarships to those in need, making sure young people get the education they wish for.
5 Surprising Facts
The future of gospel music
Kirk Franklin, one of the most prominent gospel singers, claimed that McReynolds is the future of gospel music.
He has a high IQ
Although it is not known the exact percentile of McReynolds’ IQ, we do know that he once attended Mensa, the world’s largest high-IQ nonprofit organization.
He was a shy and reserved child
Before McReynolds started singing publicly, he was quite shy and reserved and only sang when he was at home.
He’s a John Mayer fan
McReynolds stated that he is a big fan of John Mayer and would like to do a song with him someday.
His Dorm room was his first studio
McReynolds created his own mini studio in his college dorm room where he would diligently record his music between classes.
Jonathan McReynolds FAQs
Is Jonathan McReynolds married?
Although McReynolds keeps his personal life private, it is known that the gospel singer is not married.
What song did Jonathan McReynolds get a Grammy for?
McReynolds won ‘Best Gospel Performance/Song’ for his hit single “Movin’ On.”
What movie was Jonathan McReynolds in?
He starred in the 2021 Christian movie, “Favorite Son.”
Jonathan McReynolds’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | September 17 | Tuesday |
2025 | September 17 | Wednesday |
2026 | September 17 | Thursday |
2027 | September 17 | Friday |
2028 | September 17 | Sunday |