Former Earth Wind & Fire Member Joins
Joy to the World Christmas Celebration
Sheldon Reynolds to Lead Joy to the World Band and Singers
New York, NY – October 17, 2005 - Sheldon Reynolds, formerly of the Commodores and Earth Wind & Fire, has joined the Joy to the World Christmas Celebration tour. Reynolds will act as musical director for the tour and lead the Joy to the World Band and Singers.
During the early stages of his professional career, Reynolds toured with blues performer Millie Jackson and later played and produced music for Capitol Recording artists, Sun. He went on to join the Commodores in 1983 and remained with the group for four years.
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, up until Reynolds joined Experience Hendrix, the family company of Jimi Hendrix, realizing yet another lifelong dream of being involved in the musical legacy of one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Reynolds has also worked as a 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 TV shows "Who's the Boss" and "Chicago Hope. "
Reynolds received an Image Award for lifetime achievement while a member of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Among Reynolds' current work is the CD Power of Soul, a Tribute to the Legendary Jimi Hendrix. Reynolds is producer of the talent-packed project, which includes top artists such as Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Musiq, Carlos Santana, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Sting, Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind & Fire and a host of music greats.
"We're thrilled to have Sheldon Reynolds on the Joy to the World Christmas Celebration tour," says Christopher Redner, tour producer. "We want these concerts to draw people from a variety of backgrounds. Sheldon's music has always had a broad appeal."
The Joy to the World Christmas Celebration showcases some of Gospel music's finest voices, including the Kurt Carr Singers, Bryan Duncan, Rachael Lampa and Martha Munizzi performing together with special guests Heather Powers, Jontez and the Joy to the World Band and Singers. This multicultural event will feature all the artists performing in a thematic presentation, rather than in typical individual artist sets.
Kurt Carr's musical ingenuity has earned him 10 Stellar Awards. His album Awesome Wonder was certified gold and is closing in on 1 million units sold. Carr's many hits include "In the Sanctuary," which has been translated into nine languages.
Martha Munizzi made history this year when she was the first woman who is not an African American to win a Stellar Award. Munizzi is an amazing vocalist and renowned worship leader. Her album The Best Is Yet To Come entered Billboard's Top Gospel Album chart at No. 2 and was a top-20 seller for more than 85 weeks. The Joy to the World Christmas Celebration will include Munizzi performing songs from her hit holiday CD, When He Came, and other favorites.
Bryan Duncan has had 16 songs at No. 1, and his Christmas Is Jesus is one of the best Christmas albums ever recorded. The Joy to the World Christmas Celebration will include Duncan and others performing songs from his Christmas classic and from his new release, A NehoSoul Christmas.
At 20, Rachael Lampa has already sold more than 650,000 albums, won a Dove Award and garnered numerous No. 1 hits. Lampa has been a featured artist on an Amy Grant Christmas tour.
These artists span generational, ethnic, stylistic and denominational boundaries through the power of song and through the contagious faith and hope that unites them. The Joy to the World Christmas Celebration offers audiences the opportunity to join them in singing praise and being reminded of God's goodness as they share inspiring Christmas songs and Scriptures.
"Christmas and Easter are times when Christians focus on what unites us - who Jesus Christ is and what his birth, death and resurrection mean to us," says Redner. "We're producing events that will appeal to Christians regardless of their age or cultural background, experiences we hope will be truly unifying."
The Joy to the World Christmas Celebration tour debuts Dec. 1 and continues through Dec. 19. The William Morris Agency is booking the tour. Make It Timeless Inc. is also producing a Joy to the World Easter Celebration tour in March and April, 2006.
"More Americans are open to attending a Christian event at Christmas and Easter than at any other time," Redner says. "Unfortunately, the meaning of the term Christian is changing in our culture. Many people think of Christians as a specific part of the political spectrum instead of as bearers of the good news of great joy for all people that angels proclaimed to shepherds when Christ was born. We hope that the Joy to the World Christmas and Easter Celebrations will be events through which Christians can show their unchurched co-workers, friends and neighbors what being Christian is really about."