Writing What Matters: Jordan Reynolds Returns as 2026 Curtain Call Award Recipient

Alumnus shares how authenticity, collaboration and persistence have shaped his songwriting career 

As a Belmont student, Jordan Reynolds once sat in the audience listening to a visiting songwriter speak about the craft of music in a way he hadn’t considered before. At the time, Reynolds wasn’t planning to pursue songwriting. But the way the speaker talked about the depth of songwriting — the idea that songs could be shaped with care and intention — stayed with him. 

Now, Reynolds returns to campus as the 2026 Curtain Call Award recipient, stepping into a role similar to the one that once inspired him. Presented annually by Belmont’s School of Music, the award honors commercial music alumni for their achievements and impact in the industry. For Reynolds, a 2011 graduate and Grammy Award-winning songwriter whose work has reached audiences across genres, the recognition marks a full-circle moment and a chance to share what he’s learned along the way. 

Reynolds’ credits include songs recorded by artists such as Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen, Carly Pearce and Kelsea Ballerini. His first No. 1, “Tequila,” launched a career that continues to shape the sound of modern country and pop. 

At Belmont, Reynolds was immersed in a culture of collaboration, curiosity and shared ambition, surrounded by peers equally committed to pursuing music. “You’re just making music with your friends, without any expectations. Just creating what feels important to you,” Reynolds reflected. 

That early freedom to create without pressure still shapes how he approaches songwriting today. As his career has evolved, Reynolds has returned to that same mindset, focusing less on what might resonate commercially and more on what feels honest and true. 

Breakthrough and Persistence 

Reynolds recalls a moment early on when a friend played him a song by a then-emerging duo, Dan + Shay. Something about it clicked, not just as a listener but as a creator. 

“I remember thinking, ‘People in Nashville are doing something like this? I can contribute to this,’” Reynolds said. “I know how to do this. I can connect to this emotion on a deep level.” 

He leaned into that instinct. Rather than chasing trends or trying to match what others were doing, Reynolds followed what felt natural and trusted his gut. 

The “breakthrough” didn’t happen overnight. Even after signing his first publishing deal, writing with Dan + Shay didn’t come easily. Co-writing sessions fell through more than once, stretching what felt like his clear “next step” into years of waiting. When it finally happened, it marked a turning point in his career.  

In the years since, Reynolds has written songs like “10,000 Hours,” the global hit recorded by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber, along with “Speechless” and “All to Myself.” He currently has five No. 1 singles, including four with Dan + Shay and the No. 1 Christian hit “God Only Knows” by for KING & COUNTRY. 

Persistence, Reynolds says, is the real lesson: success in songwriting isn’t about immediate access or early wins. It’s about following what inspires you and showing up, even when the path forward isn’t clear. 

“When your gut tells you something, chase that feeling down and just keep going,” he said. 

Why Songs Connect 

For Reynolds, songwriting isn’t about chasing a hit. It’s about creating something that resonates on a deeper level. At the core of his process is a simple but demanding standard: the song has to feel real.  

“I need to be a fan of the song we’re writing,” he said. 

That philosophy has built a career grounded in trust and long-term creative relationships. While his catalog includes chart-topping hits, Reynolds is quick to point out, “The songs that have had the biggest impact are the ones I’ve had the most emotional connection to.”  

In the writers’ room, his commitment to authenticity shapes everything from how ideas are developed to how collaborators interact. “You have to create a space where people can be honest, because that’s how you get something great,” he said.  

Reynolds often evaluates a song through multiple lenses — lyrics, melody and production — ensuring each element reinforces the same emotional message. 

Advice for the Next Generation 

For students hoping to build a career in music, Reynolds’s advice is to “stay connected to why you started.” In an industry driven by trends and outcomes, create from a place that feels genuine. 

“Remember why you were drawn to music in the first place,” he said.  

That clarity becomes especially important over time as the realities of the industry set in. 

“You can’t stay in it just because you want to make money,” Reynolds said. “It’s not the external success that sustains you; it’s the connection to the work itself.” 

Careers unfold differently for everyone, and comparison can quickly become a distraction. 

“The only thing we can control is what we create and how we express it,” he said. 

A Model for Sustainable Success 

Faculty who know Reynolds well say his career reflects exactly what the program aims to instill. 

“Jordan’s career reflects exactly what we hope students take from Belmont: excellence in craft, professionalism, collaboration and long-term thinking,” said Commercial Voice Instructor Jamie Wigginton. “He didn’t just learn how to write songs — he learned how to work, how to listen and how to show up prepared. That combination of musical depth and real-world readiness is central to our program, and Jordan embodies it.” 

Wigginton added that Reynolds’ journey offers an important reminder for students navigating an industry that often prioritizes quick wins over lasting impact. 

“Jordan is a powerful example because his success is built on longevity, not flash,” he said. “He shows students that a sustainable career comes from doing great work consistently, treating people well and staying committed through seasons where results aren’t immediate. He’s the kind of person you want to be in the room.” 

Redefining Success 

For Reynolds, success today looks different than it did when he first arrived at Belmont. 

As a student, the goal was simple: be part of the music, in any form it might take. The joy was in the work itself. 

Now, with years of experience, hit songs and industry recognition behind him, that definition has shifted. The most lasting fulfillment, he says, comes from balance. “Success for me now is getting to be with my family… having the space to do what matters,” he said.  

Even so, what drives him hasn’t changed. The same instinct of curiosity, collaboration and connection that led him to create music with friends at Belmont shapes his work today. 

The Curtain Call Award has a longstanding history of recognizing accomplished alumni across the music industry, including songwriters, artists and industry leaders who continue to shape the future of commercial music. Notable past recipients include Melinda Doolittle, Josh Turner, Ginny Owens, Dwan Hill, Alvin Love III, Russell Dickerson, Cody Fry, Sarah Davison, Ashley Crawford and Emmanuel Echem.