Sheldon Reynolds (guitarist)
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| Sheldon Maurice Reynolds | |
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 Sheldon Reynolds |
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| Background information | |
| Born | September 13, 1959 |
| Origin | Cincinnati, Ohio, United States |
| Genres | R & B, Funk, Smooth jazz |
| Occupations | musician, vocalist, songwriter, producer |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Associated acts | Sun, Commodores, Earth, Wind & Fire |
| Website | http://www.sheldonreynolds.com/ |
Sheldon Reynolds (born in Ohio) is a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter.
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[edit] Biography
At the age of 8, Reynolds picked up the guitar. In 1977, Sheldon graduated from Mount Healthy High School where he was active in the music program. During the early stages of his professional career, Reynolds toured with blues performer Millie Jackson and later played and produced music for Capital recording artists, Sun.
He joined The Commodores in 1983, replacing original guitarist Thomas McClary. He remained with the group until 1987, when he left to join Earth, Wind & Fire.
Reynolds is most widely known as former lead guitarist and vocalist with the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire. During that era, Reynolds also recorded with the group Chicago. His tenure with Earth, Wind & Fire lasted 14 years. Reynolds received an Image Award for lifetime achievement while a member of Earth, Wind & Fire. In the mid 90’s Reynolds was nominated for a Grammy for the popular song Sunday Morning, which Reynolds wrote and recorded with EWF.
In 2004, he formed Devoted Spirits with two former members of EWF, Morris Pleasure and original member Larry Dunn. They recorded and released a tribute CD to their former band called Devoted Spirits "A Tribute To Earth, Wind, and Fire". Sheldon also served as producer on a CD project for breakout vocalist Victoria White. The CD was released in May 2008 on the Kalimba label headed by his former mentor, Maurice White.
Also to Reynolds' credits are his work as writer and performer with a number of other well-known artists, such as the Pointer Sisters, Stephanie Mills and Paula Abdul. Reynolds' vocal work includes the musical soundtrack from the motion picture Glory, as well as theme music for the hit television shows Who's The Boss and Chicago Hope. His voice can also be heard in television commercials.
Also completed in 2008 was the CD "Bringing Back The Funk", an all star old school funk CD from Sheldon's current band leader, jazz artist Brian Culbertson. Sheldon, who has performed with Culbertson since April 2007, is heard singing the lead vocals on the CD's first number one single, "Always Remember". The song pays loving tribute to Sheldon's mother, Betty Reynolds, who died in November 2005. Sheldon continues to perform worldwide with Culbertson and his own group, Devoted Spirits. Sheldon appeared live on the Jazz Matrix Show on Solar Radio with Michael J. Parlett on March 8, 2009.
[edit] Personal life
Reynolds lives in Los Angeles, California.
Reynolds has a great passion for music, but he also has a passion for astronomy. He regularly takes his telescope out to local parks to share the wonders of the night sky with his family and friends, and he enjoys astrophotography. In August 2010, Astronomy Magazine was pleased to welcome him to the team as a contributing editor. He says the magazine has fulfilled one of his life dreams — to share his love of the stars with a greater audience.
