As a young boy, Jake Reynolds remembers listening to his great-grandfather play old school country music on the guitar.
Ever since then he has been fascinated with the genre and instrument.
Years later, Reynolds is headlining shows playing the music he loved hearing his great-grandpa play — as a 21-year-old, blind, self-taught guitar player,
Reynolds performed at Morgan’s Music Junction, 6981 SE 147th St, Summerfield on Sept. 21, bringing an exclusively country music show to the venue.
“He is so excited. Another young person who is just looking for a chance. We are happy to give him that,” said venue owner Suzanne Morgan prior to the three-hour performance.
The venue owners felt Reynolds perfectly fit into the Morgan’s Music Junction musician family.
“We are thrilled to have Jake on our magnificent afternoon of “Real Country Music” because he is real. He is country — exactly what Morgan’s Music Junction is,” read the event description.
Reynolds was simply happy for the opportunity to perform at Morgan’s Music Junction.
“(Suzanne and Darell) took me under their wing and give me great feedback,” Reynolds said.
Along with listening to country musicians, including Randy Travis, Keith Whitley, Reynolds said his family greatly influenced his love for country music.
“My great-grandad had a family band with four people that used to play. I’ve grown up on stories about them,” Reynolds said. “I’ve also always liked country and southern rock. I took influence from those people I admired, and I rolled with it.”
Though Reynolds’ passion for country music and playing the guitar developed early, he didn’t consistently play throughout his life.
“My parents were worried because, over time, playing the guitar can cause your fingers to build up callous and it takes away the sensitivity,” Reynolds said, explaining that could make it more difficult for him to read braille.
Adhering to the caution from his parents, Reynolds took a 13-year break from playing the guitar.
“It wasn’t until COVID, I was moving things around and I found my great-grandpa’s guitar,” Reynolds said. “It was old and missing a few strings. After putting new strings on the guitar, I started playing again.”
Over the past four years, Reynolds has worked to get back into performing while also working his craft as a guitarist.
“Everything I do is by ear. When I learn a song, I listen to it and learn each note I have to play. Now, I am working to learn more advanced things,” Reynolds said. “Once you’ve learned your base, you can add on to it.”
Reynolds explained that he is focusing on how to make his voice last long for frequent shows.
“As I’m singing different shows, I want to make sure I have the quality every time,” Reynolds said. “It’s about putting your mood and emotions in the performance. When you’re singing, it becomes a part of you, like second nature or driving a car.”
Along with performing at Morgan’s Music Junction, Reynolds has performed at the local moose lodge, the Orange Blossom Opry, and other venues.
Tickets for Reynolds’ show at Morgan’s Music Junction could be purchased in advanced for $15, while tickets purchased at the door were $20.
“When you get a good crowd, it doesn’t matter if its two people or 20,” Reynolds said. “If they are singing along with you, they are engaged, and you can feel their emotion. That’s great.”
For more information about upcoming performances at Morgan’s Music Junction, visit morgansmusicjunction.com.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
