Recording Artist Johnny Gill: After 16 Years, Still Winning

by Cyrus Webb

It had been 16 years since recording artist Johnny Gill released an album. Many have gotten to know him for his hit singles like "My, My, My","Rub You the Right Way" and "Where Do We Go from Here" (with Stacy Lattisaw) as well as his involvement with the popular groups New Edition and LSG, however, there seems to be no substitute for the man himself.

Well, with the new project STILL WINNING the wait for Johnny Gill fans is over. Giving music lovers his heart in each and every track, he is letting it be known that he's not done yet---and there is much more to come.

The single JUST THE WAY YOU ARE conjures up all of the reasons why Johnny Gill fans can't get enough of his voice and the message he sings about, and it is that loyalty that keeps him moving forward. In our conversation I had a chance to ask about his journey in music, the lessons and what he has to say to his fans.

"I have been blessed with a gift from God that is magical. You can't design it," Johnny said to me. "I think about my career and how my music has touched people. It is beyond a miracle and a blessing. To have people to connect with you is a gift."

Like many other soulful singers before him Johnny Gill began singing in the church and blossomed from there. He believes the main reason he is still able to do what he loves is because he understands the importance of staying consistent. "I stay true to me and my music," he says. "If you look at my body of work you'll see that I'm open to trying new things. At the end of the day my biggest goal is to always stay focused and be careful that I don't lose who I am. I set out to make great music, songs I can identify with and connect with and do it justice." Remaining true has given him the confidence to say that in spite of it all, he has put his heart and soul into each and every project. "I have something to hold my head up about and be proud," he says. That comes from walking in his musical truth. 

His beginnings were not so full of pride. Johnny relayed to me how when he first started in the business at the age of 15 he was not always the best of himself. "There was no blueprint about how you are supposed to be and act," he told me. "All the things you have to learn growing up in this business---the ups and downs that come with it---now make me blessed that I have my fans there for support." He understands that it is all a process, a machine that brings it all to life. The process that gets his music to the masses is something he feels more connected with, and he knows it's important not to take any of it lightly. 

To his fans, Johnny says this: "Thank you. Know that I don't take you or my success for granted. I couldn't have done this without you. "

Johnny Gill's music is available through online retailers like itunes and Amazon.com. Stay in contact with him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/realjohnnygill. His website is currently under construction but you can find it at www.johnnygill.com.