A native of St. Stephens, Reynolds grew up in the Prichard area and graduated from Vigor High School. Reynolds began writing songs at age 14. He collaborated with the late Mobile country music figure the Rev. Jack Cardwell. Throughout his life, he wrote nearly 2,000 songs and had some recorded by great artists such as Conway Twitty, Lou Rawls and Johnny Rivers.
Reynolds was best known for his song, "Jesus Is A Soul Man," which had been on Billboard's Hot 100 list for seven weeks when it rose to No. 28 during the week ending Nov. 1, 1969. The success of his version garnered him appearances on the "Tonight Show," the "Johnny Cash Show," the "Dick Cavett Show" and "American Bandstand" in addition to his being a featured artist at the "Grand Old Opry."
His song was recorded by other artists and hit the Billboard Top 40 charts for gospel, pop, country, and rhythm and blues. The song was recorded in seven languages by more than 150 groups and individuals.
The playwright/songwriting team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice are said to have stated in an interview that "Jesus Is A Soul Man" served as an influence for their Broadway hit, "Jesus Christ Superstar."
During the 1970s, Reynolds was a staff writer for Tree Publishing Co. in Nashville.
Even though his love was country music, his two best known works are gospel works. In addition to "Jesus Is A Soul Man" Reynolds also wrote "If God Is Dead, What's This Living In My Heart" which was recorded by both Kitty Wells and Loretta Lynn.
Reynolds' version of "Jesus Is A Soul Man" was released again in 1997 on a compilation CD entitled "Amen - Inspirational Pop Hits". His last body of origianl music was "Heart of the Eagle", released in 1999.
Reynolds died of coronary artery disease August 15, 2000 and was buried at Three Forks Baptist Church in Bigbee, Alabama.
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