April 30, 2014

Baltimore African American Festival Performer: 10 Facts about Performer Johnny Gill

The next performer being featured today for The 10 Facts series, regarding the performing acts at the Baltimore African American Festival (which will take place June 21st and 22nd in Baltimore, Maryland at the Camden Yards Sports & Entertainment Complex) is New Edition member, Johnny Gill.

Let’s see what you are going to find out about him as I am sure there is something you don’t know about him before you clicked on this link.

1. Johnny Gill actually became popular recording a duet with his childhood friend, Stacy Lattisaw, ‘Perfect Combination.’

2. After Bobby Brown was kicked out of New Edition, people thought Gill was brought in to replace him, when in fact, he was brought in to replace lead singer, Ralph Tresvant, who was going to pursue a solo career. Ralph delayed that move and stayed on when Johnny joined.

3. Although New Edition was on the MCA label at the time, Johnny Gill recorded his self-titled album on the legendary Motown imprint.

4. He has a son named Isiah Gill.

5. In 2008, he started touring with best friends, Ralph Tresvant and Bobby Brown in a group titled, Heads of State.

6. Gill had plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering, but opted to go forward with his singing career.

7. Although he found major success with Motown, he had 2 albums before that under Atlantic Records.

8. May be the only artist to have 2 self-titled albums, Johnny Gill (Atlantic-1983) and Johnny Gill (Motown-1990).

9. Starred in the 2009 stage play A Mother’s Prayer, which also starred Robin Givens and Shirley Murdock.

10. Aside from being a solo artist, he was also a part of a duet with Stacy Lattisaw and 2 singing groups, New Edition and LSG (Gerard Levert/Keith Sweat/Johnny Gill).