Jonathan McReynolds
What was born in his dorm room in the presence of a few friends has graduated to Christian music’s biggest stage picking up fans like Stevie Wonder, Lalah Hathaway, Kirk Franklin, Cece Winans, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj and Tori Kelly along the way. And Jonathan, now 30, did it with an incredible voice and a beautifully honest approach to songwriting. His latest EP “People” is a collection of what McReynolds frames as Life Music. “My albums are about being authentic and genuine, pure and transparent. Life Music is concerned with showing others and reminding myself how the Faith doesn’t just fit every part of life, but should frame every part of life.”
Effie Rolfe, a Chicago-based media personality, speaker and author, will serve as emcee along with Johaan Cotton-Wilson. Additionally, the 2021 Harambee Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Waukegan Township Supervisor Patricia Jones, while the Harambee Spiritual & Community Engagement Award will be given to Reverend Rick Harris of the First Baptist Church of North Chicago. Special musical guests include MC4 from Evanston.
About Salute to Gospel Music
The Annual Salute to Gospel Music Program is an outreach activity that aims to encourage African American youth to appreciate the many advantages of a CLC
education. Having evolved as a support to the organization of the college's Gospel Choir in 1986, the program advocates personal development and cultural enrichment among people of color.
Over the years, Salute to Gospel Music has showcased nothing but the industry's best, featuring dynamic and legendary artists such as The Winans, Shirley Caesar and many more. This prestigious list includes our featured guest in 2020, Bishop Hezikiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir.
The program has continued to grow in popularity with the college's support. Salute to Gospel Music proves that black music motivates us to better our communities and bring races together despite our superficial differences.