Two-time Grammy award nominee and member of popular R&B group New Edition, Johnny Gill, will perform at Langston University’s 19th annual President’s Scholarship Gala in Oklahoma City on Oct. 18.
The President’s Scholarship Gala is Langston’s premier event of the year. LU’s largest student scholarship fundraiser, the Gala always features performances from talented artists. Past performers have included A’ngela Winbush, Tamia and Charlie Wilson.
Gill entered the professional music world in 1983 at age 16 with his self-titled debut album on Cotillion/Atlantic Records. He went on to work with Stacy Lattisaw on their album “Perfect Combination” and released a second solo album, “Chemistry,” in 1985 before joining New Edition in 1987, following Bobby Brown’s exit from the group.
On his first album with New Edition, “Heart Break,” Gill helped the group find a more mature sound, which resulted in hits like “If It Isn’t Love” and “Can You Stand the Rain.” Gill continued to release solo albums in 1990, 1993 and 1996 for Motown Records before joining forces with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat in 1997 to form L.S.G.
Gill reunited with New Edition in 2004 for “One Love,” and he has continued his work as a solo artist. His most recent album is 2019’s “Game Changer II.”
Gill, with New Edition, received a Grammy nomination in 1989 for “If It Isn’t Love” and a second Grammy nomination in 1991 for his self-titled album. He also won two Soul Train Awards in 1991 and a Soul Track Reader’s Choice Award in 2019.
Langston University is Oklahoma’s only Historically Black College or University. Made up of six academic schools and offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, LU provides students with a world-class education that includes hands-on learning through impactful research and beneficial internships. LU has campuses in Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa as well as a site in Ardmore.