Dan Reynolds was a well-loved and respected man and musician in the
Washington, DC, metropolitan area. He grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland and
was initially taught how to play piano by his mother Katherine before he could
walk. He continued his formal lessons throughout his childhood and later
became inspired to practice by his two older brothers Joel
(oboe/multi-instrumentalist) and Andy (guitar). As a teenager he was recruited as
an accompanist for every school musical performance and could be found at
night as a member of Andy’s boogie-woogie blues band. Much to Dan’s surprise
he was voted ‘Most Likely to Succeed’ by his graduating high school class of
Springbrook High School. After graduating, he attended the University of
Maryland, where he continued to develop his love for all types of music and his
skills for playing piano, which became his career and passion. He performed in
many groups and with many talented musicians over the course of his 50 + year
long career and created four albums of original upbeat jazz fusion music: River
Maiden, Never Alone, To Be Sure, and Lifeline. His funky and soulful playing style
could be heard in many venues around the local area as well as around the nation.
Dan was a favorite accompanist to singers in the region, as he knew how to make
them more comfortable and could help them to bring out their best. He played on
many original recordings from local and national artists and was able to bring his
magical musical talent to friends and fans around the globe. He had a great time
making music with his friends and could be found with his big smile, making
new friends wherever he went. Dan taught at a private school in Washington, DC,
for many years and really found a way to connect with the young people he
taught. He had a way of discovering how each student learned and found a way to
bring the music to life for them. Getting to know his students, figuring out how
they learned, and helping open young minds to a variety of music was a real joy
for him. He was an excellent mentor to students who became quite proficient at
the piano, and it was wonderful to see him help grow the next generation of
musicians.
Dan was a spiritual seeker from a young age and discovered his love for God in
the 12-step program rooms. He continued to be a seeker, as he was a student of
The Course in Miracles throughout his adult life. He felt at home going to Mass in
cathedrals during his travels and found a home at New Hope Community Church
in his hometown of Catonsville. He could be equally happy doing Buddhist and
mindfulness meditations at home, so God was a part of his daily life. He had a
love of all of the arts that was instilled in him from childhood by his parents and
enjoyed visiting museums, gardens, and all things that were beautiful. He had a
love of nature, trees, and the outdoors and spent his free time enjoying these
things as well.
Dan was married to Michelle Reynolds, the love of his life, for 15 years, and they
resided in Baltimore County, Maryland, for 18 years with their four cats. He had a
long history of being a “cat whisperer” and named many of his original songs
after his childhood cats. Dan is survived by his wife, Michelle; his brother, Andy
Reynolds; his niece, Erin; nephew, Naoise; and his sister-in-law, Maurya; as well
as his stepmother, Maria Elena; step-sister, Sylvia Valle; and step-nieces and
nephew, Sergio, Erica, and Andrea Aguero. He was predeceased by his mother,
Katherine Dean Reynolds; father, Michael Reynolds; and brother, Joel.
Dan was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma in his right shoulder and upper arm in
April 2022, and he decided to take an integrative approach to healing as there was
no clear-cut way to cure his cancer without amputating his entire right arm.
Because he decided not to do this, he tried to combine some traditional
modalities (proton therapy) with non-traditional ones. It seemed that his
approach was successful for well over a year, but then the cancer returned and
impacted his lower arm and reduced the use of it. At the end of 2023, he retired
from teaching and playing music, as he was unable to create the music that his
mind could hear but his hand could no longer play. It was discovered in
September 2024 that the cancer had spread to his liver and other areas, and after
a final attempt to kill the cancer, his body succumbed to liver disease.
Dan is dearly loved and missed by his family, friends, and fans. He will live on
through the love he shared, his big heart, generous spirit, and, of course, the
music that he wrote and performed with so many of his dear friends.
Please feel free to check out his YouTube Channel with his original recorded
music and see the spirit with which his soul shines.
Daniel Reynolds, @danielreynolds7787
